This one’s for the view chasers and waterfront dreamers. The sun’s out, the breeze is warm and yes—it’s officially Aperol spritz season. As the Hudson and East Rivers shimmer in the golden light, remember: Manhattan isn’t just a concrete jungle, it’s a jewel in one of the world’s greatest natural harbors. So when your appetite calls for a meal with a side of skyline, set your sights on one of our favorite NYC waterfront restaurants. Your table with an amazing view awaits.
See also: The 12 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
The Fulton
Head to The Fulton for wild-caught seafood and seasonal cocktails brought to Pier 17 by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Equipped with the historic charm of the Fulton Fish Market, this spot will bring everything we love about fresh seafood and New York all in one place. The best part is, of course, the view. Dig into the raw seafood bar as you gaze out at the glittering skyline and its reflection on the water. 89 South St.
GITANO NYC
Experience the allure of Tulum minus the travel through this chic restaurant's tropical jungle-inspired decor and delicious Mexican cuisine. Located in the Seaport’s Pier 17, this expansive urban oasis maximizes its riverfront location through hydraulic glass doors that open directly onto the water and give unfettered views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Not to mention, at the heart of the main dining room, New York City’s largest disco ball, imported from Mexico City, sets the mood for an unforgettable meal. 89 South St.
The River Cafe
Just under the Brooklyn Bridge, perched next to the East River, is the River Cafe. This restaurant serves classic American cuisine through a seasonally changing menu. It’s an exclusive and sensational fine dining experience, attracting romantics, cuisine lovers and skyline chasers. From red meat dishes like foie gras and steak tartare to seafood delicacies like sweet-onion-crowned oysters and caviar service, you can't go wrong at the River Cafe. 1 Water St.
Le District
If you’re the type who likes options, check out Le District. This French-inspired food hall holds a library of cuisine-specific stations, markets and restaurants. There are two main districts: the cafe and the market. The cafe serves those with a sweet tooth with pastries, chocolates and crepes. Find stations throughout the market offering prepared meals and groceries to help you go about your day. If you choose to stay for a meal, you can opt between casual meals to upscale dinners and even a choice of bars. 225 Liberty St.
Sailor's Choice
Okay, so technically, this Hudson Yards haunt isn't waterside, but it evokes so many nautical vibes that we think it deserves a spot on this list. This new summer go-to is a coastal seafood shack built around a lobster boat, and the food and drink menus are killer. We highly recommend starting with some rawbar selections before moving on to the lobster BLT paired with a fresh dill pickle. To top it all off, keep the Aperol spritzes flowing. 350 11th Ave.
Panorama Room
Travel up to the 18th floor of the Graduate New York for a rooftop bar and spectacular views of New York. This shiny, velvety space offers, you guessed it, panoramic views of our skyline from Roosevelt Island. The bar parallels the Queensboro Bridge, and fuchsia velvet couches face the floor-to-ceiling windows. We love their creative lighting: hooks from the ceiling with bright, warm orbs add to the retro interiors. The menu centers around seafood but also offers vegetarian alternatives like a tomato salad and tempura fried veggies. 22 N. Loop Road
Westlight
Chef Andrew Carmellini and his team at the NoHo Hospitality group have done it again with Westlight's lively menu of cocktails and street-food-inspired plates. Westlight is a rooftop bar and terrace crowning the William Vale in Williamsburg on its 22nd floor. Popular choices include charred octopus skewers, tempura bass buns, eggplant dumplings, spiced chicken empanadas and local burrata. On a nice day, dine outside and have some drinks while playing lawn games. If you opt to stay inside, every seat in this space offers sights of the river without compromise. 111 N. 12th St.
Electric Lemon
This veggie-forward venue is housed by the Equinox Hotel, overlooking the Hudson River. Electric Lemon is a sleek and shiny seasonal American restaurant serving colorful dishes that never compromise on flavor. The spot supports farmers and artisans by committing its products to conscious cuisine. There’s a plethora of innovative vegetarian-friendly options, from asparagus pasta to carefully embellished veggies. Don’t worry; their non-vegetarian plates are delicious, too. 33 Hudson Yards.
Celestine
She lives right under the Manhattan Bridge, she’ll show you the beauty of downtown New York and she’s Mediterranean. Right on the edge of the East River in downtown Brooklyn is Celestine, your next restaurant crush. Diners love their steelhead trout and roasted half chicken. All this, and the beautiful lights on the bridge right in view. 1 John St., Brooklyn
Bar Blondeau
Sitting on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel is Bar Blondeau, a French-ish cocktail spot with a seafood-centric menu. Chefs Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber curated plates with French, Spanish and Portuguese dishes that pair well with their wine selections. Don’t miss their $11 cocktails at Sunset Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the week. 80 Wythe Ave.
Industry Kitchen
This New American restaurant dishes out wood-fired delights with a sweeping view of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn skyline. Industry Kitchen is sprawled out between Pier 11 and Pier 15, providing 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating. The space flirts with vintage industrial influences, including beautiful green tile. It's known for its pizza, made on natural leavened dough and quality seasonal ingredients.70 South St.
Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge
Harriet's Rooftop is located on the rooftop of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., this spot serves Asian-inspired bites using seasonal ingredients and regionally inspired drinks. From a sushi and raw bar to signature dishes like chicken bao and yakitori, you’ll spoil your taste buds with any choice. 60 Furman St.
Fornino
Fornino is famous for its wood-fired artisanal pizzas, and has a special spot in many Brooklynites’ hearts. Its perfected crusts and delicious toppings have made this spot multi-award-winning for the best pizza in NYC, which is kind of a big deal for a city known for its iconic slice. We recommend trying their delicious mushroom pizza, Funghi Misti, or their prosciutto-blanketed Lombardi. Multiple locations
City Vineyard
City Vineyard serves a seasonal New American menu, complemented by an extensive wine list that includes housemade wines on tap and selections from around the world. Whether you're enjoying a sunny brunch, a sunset dinner or live music under the stars, City Vineyard delivers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of NYC's vibrant waterfront scene. 233 West St.
Riverpark
Local flavors, sustainable ingredients and modern American-inspired dishes are served right next to the East River. With classy and spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, Riverpark is best for those who are looking for something a little less off-the-ground and more near the water. Calling all seafood lovers! Try their seared ahi tuna, grilled black bass or seared scallops to satisfy your cravings. 450 E 29th St.
Cecconi’s Dumbo
Think blue leather, chandeliers, red brick and sleek table tops. The next time you’re craving classic Italian cuisine, try the international sensation Cecconi’s Dumbo. This location prides itself on handmade pasta, seafood and Italian dishes all made with the finest ingredients. Its elegant and upscale nature is elevated by its location right between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. We’re pasta lovers, so try out their lamb ragu or cacio e pepe black truffle bucatini. 55 Water St.
Grand Banks
Aboard the historic wooden schooner Sherman Zwicker, Grand Banks offers an on-the-water dining experience unlike any other. Inspired by the floating oyster barges that fringed Manhattan's coastline in the 18th and 19th centuries, the restaurant offers wild-caught seafood and nautically inspired cocktails, of course, all amidst unparalleled views. Pier 25, Hudson River Park
The Waterfront Club
At the Waterfront Club, professional mixologists have meticulously curated a cocktail menu at this hidden-away scene. Every Thursday, live jazz performances elevate the upscale ambiance. Guests can choose from the espresso martini bar or explore the reserved cocktail list, perfectly complementing the exquisite American fare. 500 E. 30th St.
Haven
Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline from its home on the banks of the Hudson River. Innovative twists on traditional American dishes have earned chef Angel Andino praise from even the most critical NYC connoisseurs. Complementing the stunning views, the restaurant’s diverse dining options are designed to impress. The menu features an array of mouthwatering offerings, including steaks, seafood and short ribs, making it the perfect destination for any evening. 11 South End Ave.
Crave-worthy cuisine, unforgettable settings, and views that steal the spotlight...what more could you dream of? Whether you're toasting to love, gathering your favorite people, or simply treating yourself to a moment worth remembering, these waterfront gems set the perfect scene. Go ahead, indulge in the experience. Bon voyage to your next delicious escape!
