7 NYC Restaurants to Visit this Summer
Photo Credit: Eatly
By: Carolyn Holtzman
There are many signs that Summer has officially arrived in NYC. Our roommates have started flipping their closets and putting away their parkas. Rosé is put out on display at the liquor store. Vacations start popping up on your work calendar. And most noticeably, restaurants, bars, and rooftops are flooded with people looking to soak up as much of the beautiful weather as possible.
With the entire city coming out of hibernation, it is officially time to visit our favorite outdoor restaurants and find new places that we weren’t willing to venture to in the cold. To help you find your new warm-weather stomping ground, we’ve rounded up seven of the best new spots around the city that are perfect for ringing in Summer, cheers!
Short Stories
This new bar and brunch spot has become the most popular haunt for the Instagram set on Bleecker Street. That’s what happens when you create a pastel pink bar that is as aesthetically pleasing as The Wing but also serves burgers. We suggest the French Toast or Impossible Burger or come back at night for a spin on your favorite cocktail. When so many spots get overcrowded once Summer hits, this is the perfect spot to swing by for a chill bite or cocktail as well as a great insta.
Short Stories: 355 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
SERRA by Birreria
No matter the weather in NYC, nothing will get you more excited for Summer than SERRA by Birreria, the newly-decorated seasonal rooftop restaurant at Eataly in Flatiron. The entire space is decked out in pink, white and yellow flowers from floor to ceiling, with plenty of flower arches and special seating areas for the perfect photo. The space matched with the Italian food and a very extensive Aperol Spritz menu really makes you feel like you’re transported to Capri. Another plus? On nice days the roof actually opens up but can always be closed in case of the typical NYC rain shower.
SERRA by Birreria: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Niche Niche
Opened by the same team who owns Tokyo Record Bar, Niche Niche is a super cool new wine bar in Soho that gives visitors something they don’t have the space for in their NYC apartments – room for a dinner party! Just like at Tokyo Record Bar, the restaurant has specific seatings for wine tastings, but you can also stop by after 10pm when the restaurant bar opens up to the public. The understated, homey décor is the perfect backdrop to bring a big group or just a friend or two. You’ll undoubtedly leave having met someone new!
Niche Niche: 3 Macdougal Street, NY 10011
Restoration Hardware Rooftop
Another rooftop on our list is the roof at Restoration Hardware in the Meatpacking District. The restaurant opened this Fall and has already become a New York staple, but with nice weather finally rolling in, the outdoor seating at RH Rooftop is almost better than the indoor! With all the same food and drink options but with even better views of downtown and 1 World Trade, this is the perfect springtime spot for an outdoor lunch.
Restoration Hardware Rooftop: 9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Mister Paradise
The neon green Mister Paradise sign in script will immediately catch your eye at this new East Village bar, and the cocktail selection will keep you coming back. The drink menu is eclectic and pushes you to order a drink outside of your comfort zone. Some fan favorites include The Party Lobster and The Holy Hand Grenade, and for food, you must try the Cubano hot pocket. The interior design at Mister Paradise also matches the sophisticated yet approachable vibe of the drink menu. Everything is green unless you want to book the private “Red Room” in the back. It sits 15 people comfortably and is the perfect sexy spot to start a night out this Summer!
Mister Paradise: 105 First Ave, New York, NY 10003
Hūso
Looking to try something a little more bougie this Summer? Try out the newest café on the Upper East Side. What’s on the menu? Caviar. The 12-seat super-upscale café just opened in luxury store Marky’s on Madison with an all caviar tasting menu. The chef used to work at Eleven Madison Park, so you know the food is fantastic, but also on the pricey side. This is the perfect spot for a fancy night out or to bring out of town guests if you’re looking to show off a bit!
Hūso: 1067 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Morandi
There is something about a rise in temperatures in NYC that really brings The West Village to life. There are so many scenic outdoor spots to sit and enjoy all afternoon, but none are as classic than the patio at Morandi. There’s something uniquely New York about this Italian spot that makes it perfect year-round, but a glass of Rosé and their Tagliatelli alla Bolognese on the patio is all you need for the perfect Summer day in NYC.
Morandi: 211 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014
Related: 5 BEST BARS TO GRAB A COCKTAIL AT IN NEW YORK CITY
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