The 5 Best Restaurants With A View Of Manhattan
Whether you want to sit indoors our outside, these five restaurants are offering some of the best views of Manhattan. By Carly Petrone.
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Take a short ferry ride across the Hudson to Molos Restaurant and enjoy your meal with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. No matter where you sit, you'll be able to overlook this stunning view, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on this two-story restaurant. Whether you stop in for brunch, lunch or dinner, you won't be disappointed with the abundant amount of fresh seafood and authentic Greek dishes on the menu. Favorites include Pikilia (a selection of all their spreads with slices of pita bread), or whole fish and saganaki flame served table-side. Stop in for a bottomless brunch and nosh on everything from the savory Truffle Mushroom Omelet to the sweet Nutella Waffle. You can certainly feel the love that Chef Gregory Zapantis puts into every dish. Speaking of love, you may even witness a wedding proposal happen while you dine -- a popular happening since the setting is so stunning.
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If you're into art and you're also a foodie, then definitely make a reservation at Robert, located atop the Museum of Art and Design. This modern restaurant offers magnificent views of Columbus Circle, Central Park and Broadway, while also celebrating design and beauty in its décor. Sip on one of their signature cocktails like "The Isabell," made with Prosecco and St. Germain elderflower liqueur; or the "Smoky Rita," which consists of Herradura Silver, Campari, grapefruit, lime juice and Lagavulin 16 Yr. If you can get off early from work, you can enjoy their sunset menu from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., which includes small plates like octopus with chorizo aioli, Blue Bay mussels, and burrata and jamon serrano. Their dinner menu doesn't disappoint, with decadent options like gnocchi with pine nuts, Gorgonzola dolce and baby spinach as well as Wild Snapper with white polenta, bacon lardons, clams, lemon and cilantro. Make sure to check out their events schedule to find out when their live jazz sets take place. It doesn't get much better than a great view, amazing food and live music!
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Top Chef fans can dine at Tom Collichio's Riverpark Restaurant in Kip's Bay. Snag a spot at the picnic table by the East River or sit on the patio and enjoy a menu sourced straight from the restaurant's own urban farm. Try one of their signature cocktails like the vibrant "Stringer Bell," with Bombay Gin, Dolin Blanc, and yellow Chartreuse; or the feisty "Det. Kima Greggs," made with Sombra Mezcal, Montenegro Amaro, concord grape, lime, and sparkling wine. If you want to truly experience the freshest ingredients, reserve a table for up to 16 people to experience their Farm Dinner. This three-course, family-style feast changes daily since it's created based on locally-caught seafood, farm-raised meats, fruits and vegetables at their seasonal peak. Their lunch menu is filled with delicious options like Royal Sea Bass, Atlantic Salmon and Smoked Berkshire Pork Ribs. One of their standout dinner dishes is definitely the 35 Day-Dry Aged Strip for Two ($125) with wild mushrooms, bone marrow, Cipollini onions, potato confit and soubise. It's the perfect meal to share.
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For those looking to dine at one of New York City's iconic parks, check out the menu over at Bryant Park Grill. This beautiful restaurant is located behind the New York Public Library along the park's upper terrace, so you'll definitely be able to people-watch to your heart's content. Chef Gadi Weinreich is serving up a refined menu within a Parisian-style garden setting, making it a great romantic spot for a first date or anniversary party. Sip on classic cocktails or enjoy a drink from their extensive whisky collection. Appetizers include Sashimi Tuna Tacos, Moroccan Lamb Kabobs, and a Seafood Salad Parfait with everything from smoked salmon and jumbo lump crab to avocado and spicy tartar sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy their Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto; Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Ravioli in Plum Tomato Sauce or the Vegan Quinoa Tabbouleh salad. Their Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Paillard with slab bacon, green beans, snow peas, grilled lemon and French fries is also something not to be missed. The menu is on the pricier side, but you can't beat the atmosphere both inside and outside of the restaurant.
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Make a reservation at Industry Kitchen and sit along the East River next to the historic South Street Seaport. You'll enjoy unobstructed views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges as well as the Brooklyn skyline. Open the menu and you'll immediately notice they serve modern American cuisine based on seasonal market ingredients. Their pizza is made with natural levain and cooked in a wood burning oven -- making it perfectly crispy. Although the Bianca pizza is made with just three ingredients - fresh mozzarella, aged Pecorino and olive oil – it's the perfect combination of flavors. Order the Blistered Shishito Peppers or Spanish Artichoke and Creamy Ricotta Dips to share before moving onto other entrée options like the Rosemary Chicken Pot Pie, Spiced Rubbed Short Ribs or Oxtail Tortellini. Wash it all down with a cold beer or cocktail like the "Rose House," made with vodka, St. Germain, strawberry, lemon, simple and Prosecco; or the "Courier Pacific," mixed with tequila, lime, simple, cucumber and Chipotle Tabasco. Go for a stroll along the seaport after and take in all the different views of the city.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
