Dining al fresco in New York City has always had a certain magic to it. For years, outdoor setups were basically a bonus feature; some places simply had them, while others didn’t. There were sidewalk setups—perfect for doing some prime people-watching while enjoying your meal—and backyard oases, for when you wanted to slip away and hide among the trees for a while. Of course, you’d have to contend with the occasional interruption in your open-air fantasy: a scurry in the bushes, an idling garbage truck. It’s all part of the scenery.
Now, we’re living in a world of outdoor dining forever shaped by the pandemic, when restaurants built roadway sheds and other temporary set-ups to welcome diners safely amid lockdowns. Turns out people love to have a Caesar salad and French fries among the hum of activity, and in 2023, the city made outdoor dining permanent and seasonal. Lucky for lovers of the great (urban) outdoors, the season has now begun: From April 1 through November 29, more restaurants will offer outdoor seating in roadway structures.
In celebration of the warmer weather coming our way, we’ve updated our guide to the Vogue staff’s favorite outdoor dining spots in the city. From Fort Greene wine bars to the best patio for a proper pint of Guinness, check out all our picks below.
A note to the reader: This guide is continuously updated, and we do our best to make sure it is as current as possible. However, when in doubt, please check the restaurant’s website for the latest information.
Aurora, Williamsburg
I was introduced to Aurora through its outdoor space, and it certainly left a lasting impression. Not only is the space beautifully lined with florals, but the enclosed patio is big enough to accommodate a larger group—a must-have for celebratory dinners. Not to mention, the Italian menu is tasty with a great assortment of wines and cocktails. —Kiana Murden, shopping beauty editor
Bar Pitti, Greenwich Village
Bar Pitti is perhaps the original outdoor dining hotspot in New York City—since the 1990s, New Yorkers have flocked to the cash-only Italian spot’s sidewalk for a bottle of wine and their pasta of choice off the specials menu. 30 years later, it’s still happening. —Elise Taylor, former senior living writer
I would love to gatekeep this place because Bar Americano is already insanely packed on the weekends by Greenpoint locals, but I need to share it because their drinks are some of the best I have ever had. (The Appletini in particular is my favorite.) I would also suggest ordering the octopus and chicken Milanese. Dessert is also a must—especially the pistachio semifreddo. —Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
Beco, Williamsburg
A mere stone’s throw from my front doorstep, Beco offers laid-back outdoor seating, delicious Brazilian cocktails, and a diverse (but not oversaturated!) all-day menu. The scene is about as varied as it gets: from tiny babies and large dogs to first dates and solo diners—everyone is welcome. The weekend is best for peak people-watching as you get to enjoy a complimentary side of live music with your stares. In all honesty, none of the above matters… as once you’ve enjoyed your first bite of the dulce de leche empanada, the rest of the world fades away. —Jasmine Contomichalos, director, consumer revenue, Vogue 100
Identifying the best Italian food in New York is not an easy task—the competition is high. While Via Carota is much talked about for its salad, I would argue that an even better one can be found at Altro Paradiso. Made of shaved fennel and Castelvetrano olives, it’s about as good as it gets—but it’s just one of many stand-out entrees you’ll find. Come dessert, the panna cotta is unmissable. —Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor
