Summer and Spring are the perfect seasons to enjoy a good glass of wine paired with an exquisite meal on the sidewalk, backyard, or patios of some of the finest restaurants in New York. Lunch and dinner can all be enjoyed at any of the many great Michelin star restaurants with outdoor seating in NYC. Have a look at some of our top picks for Alfresco dining.
1. The Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
This three-starred Michelin restaurant is situated in Midtown and features the cuisine of Chef Cesar Ramirez. Their food is inspired by Japanese and Frech techniques and the courses change to reflect products in season. Their multi-course tasting menu focuses predominantly on fish and shellfish, with a few meat courses and a variety of desserts.
- Address: 431 W 37th St New York, Ny 10018
- Operating Hours: 5-10PM Monday to Saturday
2. Sushi Amane
Sushi Amane provides a patio suitable enough to be enjoyed by sushi lovers who enjoy dining alfresco style. Their ‘’patio omakase course’’ is inclusive of four small dishes and five pieces of nigiri and tamago. Note that this particular course is by reservation only, however, walk-in customers can enjoy their a la carte menu. Dining time is limited to 90 minutes for every table.
- Address: 245 E 44th St New York, NY 10017
- Operating Hours:6-11PM Monday to Saturday
3. Gramercy Tavern
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Gramercy Tavern was opened in 1994 by restauranteur Danny Meyer. They have managed to solidify themselves in the New York restaurant industry for decades and are still going strong. The restaurant has now reopened and offers customers an a la carte outdoor dining menu. Their menu is seasonal and showcases the restaurant’s relationship with local farmers. Expect to taste items such as tomato carpaccio, with roasted beets, as well as watermelon and grilled chicken with a cherry bomb pepper sauce.
- Address: 42 E 20th St New York, Ny 10003
- Operating Hours: 11:30M-10PM Monday to Sunday
4. Daniel
Since opening in 1993, the two-starred Michelin restaurant, Daniel, has managed to cement its place in the great New York City dining scene. They have also managed to receive numerous accolades for their refined European style cuisine.
The restaurant reopened for outdoor dining on the Upper East Side. Chef Daniel Boulud is a Michelin Star chef and his menu includes an a la carte selection. Daniel is a formally upscale restaurant; however, they have introduced a new ‘’fine casual dining’’ option which consists of a three-course meal selection, 10 tables spaced out on their sidewalk and a high level of health and safety precautionary measures.
- Address: 60 E 65th Street, New York, NY 10065
- Operating Hours: 5-10PM Tuesday to Sunday
5. Oxomoco
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Oxomoco is a Mexican restaurant situated in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This Michelin star restaurant has an outdoor seating area on its patio, but if you’re interested in getting a reservation, planning in advance is necessary as Oxomoco has a tendency of being fully booked. Since seating availability isn’t guaranteed, the majority of the items found on their menu are available to go. Some of these include pollo a las brazas, beet chorizo tacos and of course, a number of burritos.
- Address: 128 Greenpoint Ave Brooklyn, Ny
- Operating Hours: 5:30-10PM Monday & Tuesday, 12:30-3PM 5:30-10PM Wednesday to Thursday, 12-3PM 5:30-10PM Friday, 11AM-3PM 5:30-10PM Saturday & Sunday
6. Cote
Cote is a Korean steakhouse which gained its Michelin star due to their Japanese wagyu and dry-aged ribeye. Their meat is now available to purchase raw for cooking at home for customers who are interested. Outdoor dining tables are present at the front of the restaurant. Since Cote is a Korean restaurant, expect to taste some of Korea’s favourite cuisine such as bibimbap.
- Address: 16 W 22nd St New York, Ny 10010
- Operating Hours: 5: 11PM Daily
7. Peter Luger Steak House
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Peter Luger Steak House opened its doors in 1887 and is considered to be one of the most classic and iconic restaurants in New York City. They have been serving some of the best USDA prime beef for decades. The restaurant has also managed to win multiple awards over the years, a Michelin star being one of them, as well as the award of Zagat’s best steak house in New York for over 30 years. The establishment has outdoor dining seats available with lunch and dinner. Walk-ins are allowed, however, seats get filled quickly, so reservations are recommended to avoid disappointments.
- Address: 16 W 22nd St New York, Ny 10010
- Operating Hours: 11:45AM- 9:15PM Daily
8. Claro
Claro is owned by chef T.J. Steeles and specializes in Oaxacan-influenced Mexican food due to the chef’s long-time love for Oaxacan food and culture. The restaurant features tortillas that are made from imported Mexican corn and some of the best barbacoa in New York. This Michelin star restaurant has outdoor seating available, with a lovely patio open for snacks and drinks daily.
- Address: 284 3rd Ave Brooklyn, Ny 11215
- Operating Hours: 2PM-4:30PM Monday-Friday, 5:30PM- 8:30PM Monday to Sunday
9. Atera
Atera is a two starred Michelin restaurant in New York and has outdoor seating available. The establishment is modern and attempts to honour nature’s poetry and creativity with the hopes of an immersive sensory dining experience. Atera is quite on the pricey side, however, since Covid-19 hit, they have been serving a more modest menu for both outdoor dining and take-away. What you can expect on their menu is squid noodles in miso and a waffle that’s covered in strawberry and brown butter ice cream.
- Address: 77 Worth St New York, Ny 10013
- Operating Hours: 5-8:15PM Tuesday to Friday, 1:30-8:15PM Saturday
10. Jungsik
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Jungsik offers a unique and modern take on contemporary Korean cuisine. Chef Yim is extremely innovative and has referred to Jungsik as New Korean cuisine. Jungsik has indoor and outdoor dining available. The restaurant offers a set menu that has a four-course and a seven-course menu, each with wine pairings to customers dining in a privet tent. Take-away and delivery are also available.
- Address: 2 Harrison St New York, Ny 10013
- Operating Hours: 5:30-10:30PM Daily
Enjoy a meal at any of the alfresco Michelin star restaurants NYC offers. You’ll never forget it!
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.