Travel & Living

9 NYC Rooftop Restaurants to Fuel Your City Girl Summer

Happy hour just got so much happier. 

10 Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in NYC to Try This Summer
Photo: Instagram/@thefultonnyc

Oh, New York. Known for its towering skyscrapers, famous districts, and electric energy, discover the exciting rooftop restaurants NYC has to offer.

For the city that never sleeps, an incredible skyline and buzzing bar scene are two things New Yorkers cannot live without, and the selection of rooftop restaurants is nothing short of phenomenal. Manhattan is home to some of the world's most creative minds, but you don't need to be a VIP to attend a glamorous and much-needed happy hour. Whether you are craving an espresso martini above the coast of Brooklyn or an evening of girl talk and Aperol, it's happy hour o'clock in every New York borough. 

With such a wide array of cuisines and locations to choose from, L'OFFICIEL has compiled a list of the chicest rooftop restaurants NYC insiders will be enjoying all summer long.

1. Electric Lemon at Equinox Hotel

rooftop restaurants NYC electric lemon
electric lemon NYC rooftop bar
Photos: Instagram/@electriclemonnyc

Electric Lemon is the rooftop restaurant of the summer. Located in the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, the seasonal American restaurant transforms the most pristine of ingredients into vegetable and crudo-centric meals. Looking over the entirety of the Hudson Yards neighborhood, this rooftop oasis is the weekend hub for the New Yorker looking to unwind after the work week. Electric Lemon serves a full range of meals throughout the day, as well as a variety of wine and cocktails once the clock strikes five. This is New York City, it's always five o'clock somewhere. 

2. Jimmy at ModernHaus SoHo

rooftop restaurants NYC jimmy soho
jimmy soho nyc rooftop pools
Photos: Instagram/@jimmy.soho

This 18-story cocktail lounge in the ModernHaus Soho is tailored to those looking to dance and engage in conversation with a handsome stranger. Residing in one of Manhattan's most aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, a night at Jimmy's is full of fun, spontaneity, and views of the edgy yet modernly sophisticated Soho. The area features a pool, a conversation pit, and a freeform lounge inspired by Pablo Picasso's monochromatic Blue period. The atmosphere at Jimmy's is intimate yet stimulating, and the unparalleled city views never get old. 

3. The Fulton

rooftop restaurants NYC the fulton
the fulton restaurant nyc
Photos: Instagram/@thefultonnyc

For those seeking a romantic, intimate evening with their significant other, make a reservation at The Fulton, a restaurant by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located on the northeast corner of Pier 17 in the Seaport, Chef Jean-Georges' rooftop restaurant is one of the area's most upscale dining experiences. Specializing in their preparation of seafood, The Fulton so perfectly captures what it is like to be young and in love in New York City

4. Serra by Birreria

rooftop restaurants NYC serra by birreria
serra by birreria rooftop
Photos: Instagram/@serrabybirreria

Translating to "greenhouse" in Italian, Serra by Birreria is a botanical garden in the sky. The chic, countryside ambiance and authentic Italian cuisine will transport you to Southern Italy, while simultaneously looking out on the New York City skyline. Located in the hub of the best Italian food New York City has to offer, Serra can be found in Eataly Flatiron and will be your go-to rooftop recommendation for the summer season. 

5. Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel

rooftop restaurants NYC upstairs kimberly hotel
upstairs kimberly hotel restaurant
Photos: Instagram/@upstairsnyc

Located on the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown is Upstairs, the hotel's elegant and inviting rooftop restaurant that is open year-round. However, with views of Midtown and the iconic Chrysler Building, the retractable glass ceiling makes reservations difficult to come by in the hotter months. Serving a variety of specialty cocktails, martinis, and wine, as well as small plates by Chef Cristian Flores, Upstairs is the spot for those looking to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and engaging conversation with friends. 

6. Magic Hour Rooftop

rooftop restaurants NYC magic hour
magic hour rooftop nyc
Photos: Instagram/@magichourny

Three words: Girls. Night. Out. The Magic Hour Rooftop at Moxy Times Square prides itself as the "urban amusement park" of Manhattan. The rooftop restaurant's over-the-top cocktails, jaw-dropping views, and abundance of pink photo moments emphasize its differences from your everyday Manhattan rooftop. In addition, for a limited time only, The Magic Hour is offering a brand-new Pink Bunny Beach on their renowned bunny-themed mini-golf course. Open until September, The Magic Hour is a match made in heaven for the Instagram-obsessed. Your pink beach balls and sparkling rosĂ© await you! 

7. Daintree Rooftop and Lounge

daintree rooftop restaurant
rooftop restaurants NYC daintree
Photos: Instagram/@daintreenyc

Inspired by the Daintree Rainforest in Australia, the ambiance of this rooftop restaurant is a tropical destination. Located at the top of Hotel Hendricks in Midtown, the Daintree Rooftop is known for its crafty cocktails and elevated small plates, not to mention its unique menu featuring oysters and authentic Daintree beef. 

8. Sandbar Rooftop

rooftop restaurants NYC the sandbar
the sandbar rooftop restaurants NYC
Photos curtesy of Sandbar Rooftop.

Craving a beach day, but can't seem to get yourself out of the city? The Sandbar Rooftop in the heart of the New York Fashion District has got you covered. Offering a beach escape for its guests, the Sandbar Rooftop restaurant is located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel, and is inspired by the sunny Hamptons, New York. While not all of us have the time to make it over to Long Island's south fork, the Sandbar Rooftop is a close second to that relaxing oasis you have been itching for. 

9. Manhatta

manhatta rooftop restaurant
rooftop restaurants NYC manhatta
Photos: Instagram/@manhatta_nyc

Residing sixty floors above Lower Manhattan is Manhatta, the New American restaurant in the sky. Featuring a variety of high-end cuisine and international wine, Manhatta invites all those who attend to explore New York City through the lens of incredible food. Modern, sophisticated, and undeniably delicious, the ten-course experience is priced at $275 per guest, and does not provide menu options prior to arrival, contributing to the authentic Manhatta experience. 

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