Nyc's outdoor dining dream: permanently sealed, season after season

The scent of charcoal, a splash of rosé, and the murmur of conversation – outdoor dining in New York City has officially entered a new era. After a pandemic-fueled scramble for makeshift setups, the city has solidified its commitment to al fresco feasts, promising a full season of rooftop restaurants and sidewalk oases from April through November.

A shift from fleeting to forever

For years, outdoor dining was a delightful, but unpredictable, bonus. Sidewalk cafes popped up organically, backyard patios offered a momentary escape, but the threat of a sudden rain shower or a passing truck always loomed. Now, thanks to a permanent policy change, that’s largely a thing of the past. Restaurants are investing in permanent roadway sheds, creating a stable and inviting landscape for diners.

Editor's picks: your guide to the best outdoor spots

Forget the guesswork – Vogue’s team has curated the ultimate list of outdoor dining destinations. From sophisticated wine bars in Fort Greene to classic pints in Greenwich Village, here’s where to stake your claim for the season.

Aurora, williamsburg: floral opulence

Stepping into Aurora is like entering a secret garden. The enclosed patio, adorned with cascading florals, comfortably seats larger groups – a crucial feature for celebratory dinners. The Italian menu is a solid foundation, bolstered by an impressive wine list. Kiana Murden, shopping beauty editor raves, “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.”

Bar pitti, greenwich village: a sidewalk staple

Bar Pitti isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution. For decades, New Yorkers have flocked to its cash-only sidewalk, enjoying pasta specials and bottles of wine. Elise Taylor, former senior living writer notes, “30 years later, it’s still happening.”

Bar americano, greenpoint: craft cocktails & local charm

Bar Americano is a Greenpoint local’s secret, but one worth sharing. The inventive cocktails – particularly the Appletini – are exceptional, and the octopus and chicken Milanese are must-orders. Irene Kim, production and editorial associate adds, “Dessert is also a must—especially the pistachio semifreddo.”

Beco, williamsburg: a backyard escape

Just a stone’s throw from home, Beco offers a relaxed atmosphere, Brazilian cocktails, and a diverse menu. “From tiny babies and large dogs to first dates and solo diners—everyone is welcome,” says Jasmine Contomichalos, director, consumer revenue, Vogue. “Honestly, none of the above matters once you’ve enjoyed your first bite of the dulce de leche empanada.”

Cafe altro paradiso, soho: a salad revelation

While Via Carota gets a lot of attention for its salads, Altro Paradiso offers an even better experience. Lilah Ramzi, contributing editor highlights, “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.”

Cafe fiorello, upper west side: lincoln center views

Located near Lincoln Center, Fiorello is a perfect date spot, especially on the outdoor patio. Chloe Malle, head of editorial content, American Vogue recommends, “Order the chicken paillard, a Margherita pizza, and a mixed plate from the antipasto bar, and I dare you to ask for a better NYC experience!”

Cafe luxembourg, upper west side: sancerre & city views

For a classic UWS experience, Cafe Luxembourg is a must. C.M. describes, “A tuna burger, fries, and a cold glass of Sancerre on a summer evening sitting on the covered sidewalk on West 70th Street is the ur-U.W.S. moment I dream of!”

Cafe mogador, williamsburg: moroccan magic

Regardless of the weather, Cafe Mogador’s covered conservatory is a constant delight. Freya Drohan, parties editor emphasizes, “Go with a group and ball out with mezze, tagines, and enough couscous to feed a small army; washed down with a Turkish coffee espresso martini. It gets bonus points because the final check never causes a fright (or fight) either.”

Chez ma tante, greenpoint: parisian vibes

Chez Ma Tante is leaning into its French charm with seasonal sidewalk seating. Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media suggests, “I’ll either be ordering their perfectly crisp, buttery pancakes for brunch or enjoying a dirty martini with chips and aioli, accompanied by immaculate people-watching and an ever-evolving wine list.”

Colonia verde, fort greene: backyard oasis

Colonia Verde’s backyard is a welcome escape from the city’s bustle. Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development suggests, “Order the La Picosa.”

Corner bar, lower east side: people-watching perfection

Securing a sidewalk table at Corner Bar is notoriously difficult, but the rewards are worth it. E.T. Dante states, “It’s admittedly difficult to snag a sidewalk table at Corner Bar—the Ignacio Mattos restaurant at Nine Orchard is still one of the most sought-after reservations in town—but it’s worth every effort, thanks to the excellent burger and even more excellent people-watching.”

Dante, west village: the world's best cocktail bar

Dante consistently earns accolades as the world’s best bar. E.T. Dante confirms, “Their West Village location, with its classic bistro tables and claw-footed glass booths, feels more like something you’d find on the boulevards of Paris rather than the streets of New York.”

Dr. clark, chinatown: disco balls & uni pasta

Sip gin martinis under a disco ball at Dr. Clark. Don’t miss the uni pasta and multiple orders of the Addictive Cabbage. Madeline Fass, market editor describes, “Be sure to get the uni pasta and multiple orders of the Addictive Cabbage (the name really says it all).”

E.a.t, upper east side: a matzo ball tradition

For Marley Marius, features editor, E.A.T. holds a special place in their heart, recalling childhood memories of matzo ball soup. “If memory serves, my dad and I went directly there for matzo ball soup after I had my braces taken off—and throughout the last year, it’s remained my go-to spot for casual weekend lunches with friends.”

Fanelli cafe, soho: french fries & people-watching

Mai Morsch, Fashion editor describes Fanelli’s as “the perfect place to wrap up an afternoon in SoHo with a plate of French fries and a glass of wine at one of Fanelli’s outdoor tables. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by and feel like a visitor in your own city.”

Gitano, governor’s island: tropical escape

Gitano Island offers a vibrant escape from the city. Eliseé Browchuk, former head of events and marketing praises, “Expect the same disco balls and dance tunes, palm trees, and sand, but also a new and improved menu—the Lubina sea bash is a must-order.”

I sodi’s west village patio. photo: ian gittler

Iona, williamsburg: irish pub vibes

F.D. describes Iona’s backyard as “the closest thing I’ve found in New York to an Irish pub beer garden.”

I sodi, west village: a romantic patio

Christian Allaire describes I Sodi as “the most charming patio in the West Village.”

Kiki’s, lower east side: a reliable favorite

Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager recommends Kiki’s as “a reliable spot for casual weekend lunches with friends.”

Laser wolf, williamsburg: skyline views

Elam Jones, senior editor praises Laser Wolf as “a hot spot and a great place to enjoy those skyline views.”

La lanterna, tribeca: a parisian dream

L.R. describes La Lanterna’s outdoor seating as “the perfect place to watch the world go by and feel like a visitor in your own city.”

La mercerie, soho: a mediterranean escape

Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large describes La Mercerie’s outdoor space as “a rare New York space that’s both outdoors and completely enclosed from the street’s fragrant mysteries.”

Mariscos el submarino, clinton hill: authentic mexican

Hannah Jackson, Fashion writer recommends Mariscos El Submarino’s backyard for “a perfect spot to enjoy some Mexican food and watch the sunset.”

Misipasta, williamsburg: pasta perfection

I.K. describes Misipasta as “another hot spot from Missy Robbins and Sean Feeney, the masterminds behind Lilia and Misi.”

Morandi, west village: people-watching extravaganza

T.L. describes Morandi’s patio as “a perfect spot for catching up with friends.”

The odeon, tribeca: salad & city views

E.T. says,