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Outdoor dining in New York City wasn’t supposed to be a permanent thing. In fact, it was supposed to be a very temporary one—a slapdash, short-term solution cobbled together to help struggling businesses safely eke out something of an income during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Case in point: when Mayor de Blasio announced his reopening plan for restaurants on June 4, 2020, he gave them just three weeks to establish their outdoor setups.
But the moment New York’s eateries unveiled their sidewalk cafés and charming, creatively appointed courtyards, it became clear that it definitely should be a permanent thing. Sipping an Aperol Spritz is that much more enjoyable when simultaneously people-watching on Lafayette Street. Wandering around the West Village’s many cafés is a downright idyllic exercise when its narrow, brownstone-lined streets are closed to cars. And Brooklyn backyard spaces can become outdoor oases, able to transport you to Naples or Oaxaca for an evening. Soon, the obvious became official: Open streets, and outdoor dining were here to stay.
It’s May 2023 in New York. The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and all over New York, sidewalk tables, secret garden patios, and rooftops abound.
So we decided to ask Vogue editors where they’re eating out and drinking up during this jubilant time. As it turns out, the answer is everywhere, from Bed-Stuy cafes to SoHo hotspots and New York institutions. Below, our picks.
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, commerce writer
Aita, Clinton Hill
“I recently had a dreamy springtime dinner at Aita, a cozy and rustic Italian spot nestled on a beautiful people-watching corner in Clinton Hill. They have an extensive aperitivo menu (don’t sleep on the house negroni!) and unique homemade pasta dishes, like the lush, pillowy oxtail ravioli, that will—quite literally—have you thinking about them for days to come. It’s the kind of place where every sip and bite feels both sacred and comforting. A sweet indulgence after a long, crazy year!” —Lauren Valenti, senior beauty editor
Bar Camillo, Bed-Stuy
“Bar Camillo is my new neighborhood spot with a cute little garden outside. Nowhere I’d rather be drinking a glass of funky orange wine at the end of a long day. Pizza’s great too.” —Sarah Spellings, fashion news 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, living writer
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, experiences editor
Bed-Vyne Cocktail Bar, Bed-Stuy
“Bed-Vyne is my go-to for a spring and summertime drink. Its backyard patio is quaint, the drinks are exceptional, and the vibes are always high.” —Kiana Murden, beauty commerce writer
Blend on the Water, Long Island City
“Dinner with a view? Say no more! This Latin-American restaurant sits right along LIC's waterfront with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning skyline views of Manhattan and the East River. As you sit outside catching a summer breeze, consider pairing their poke tacos or pernil plate with a strawberry mojito.” —Clarissa Schmidt, commerce producer
Café Altro Paradiso, SoHo
“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, commerce editor
The Crosby Hotel Terrace, SoHo
“The Crosby Hotel, located in the heart of Soho, brings an eclectic charm to an area best known for its flashy designer stores. The elegant terrace is my favorite place to meet for a champagne brunch or afternoon tea. Inside the walled garden, you’ll forget the hustle and bustle surrounding you. If you’re feeling indulgent, try the Croque Monsieur and the signature “Eden” cocktail.” —Ian Malone, experiences manager
Dante, West Village
“Dante serves the best cocktails in the city, America, and the world. I’m not grandstanding here—in 2019, it was officially crowned as the best bar in the world. 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. Make sure to try the Champagne Ramos—a cocktail made with the unusual, yet delicious, ingredient of burrata water.” —Elise Taylor
Dr. Clark, Chinatown
“Where else can you sip gin martinis under a disco ball? Be sure to get the uni pasta and multiple orders of the Addictive Cabbage (the name really says it all).” —Madeline Fass, market editor
Darling, Central Park South
“High atop the Park Lane Hotel is Darling, a new rooftop lounge and patio with sprawling views of Central Park. A pink chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and botanical motifs dot the colorful upholstery—a nod to the leafy oasis 47 stories below. It's perfect for visitors and seasoned New Yorkers alike who want to soak in the sprawling skyline.” —Elise Taylor
E.A.T, Upper East Side
“I’ve long loved E.A.T.—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. Its outdoor dining set-up isn’t anything fancy, but it totally works, which pretty perfectly matches the vibe there in general. Order the cucumber and goat cheese on ficelle.” —Marley Marius, associate features editor
Fanelli Cafe, SoHo
“I love wrapping 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.” —Mai Morsch, associate market editor
Kiki’s, Lower East Side
“I’m never not in the mood to sit outside at Kiki’s. It’s perfect for a late weekend lunch or early dinner after work. The Greek fare is reliably delicious and it’s easy to spend hours here without even realizing!” —Mai Morsch
Laser Wolf, Williamsburg
“A newcomer to New York's restaurant scene, Laser Wolf has quickly become the hottest table in the town. With unparalleled views of Manhattan's skyline in a vibrant, open-air atmosphere, this Israeli eatery knows exactly how to serve up an exceptional dining experience. If you can manage to secure a spot on this rooftop, you won't be disappointed.” —Eliseé Browchuk, production and marketing manager, experiences
Little Ways, SoHo
“Located on West Broadway, Little Ways serves up a spread of American fare with a tasteful twist. The coconut milk mussels are a must paired with the Harry Styles cocktail, which is made with fresh watermelon juice, of course. Stemming from the same team behind the LES's staple late-night spot, The Flower Shop, Little Ways steps up in style without sacrificing a buzzy scene. Don't forget to check out the infinity-mirrored bathroom before bidding the night adieu.” —Eliseé Browchuk
Lips Cafe, East Flatbush
Lips Cafe is by far Brooklyn's best-kept secret. Located in East Flatbush, this mother-and-son black-owned cafe serves not only coffee but also the community. Each week you can find a new event (art show, open mic, fundraising event, etc) showcasing new talents from the community while enjoying their signature cocktails and bake & saltfish. Even better? In the summer time their outdoor space becomes an extension of the cafe, making it the ultimate destination for a coffee date.-Taylor Anderson, Associate Social Media Manager
LaLou, Prospect Heights
“During the summer, the quaint backyard space at LaLou is one of my favorites to grab a light bite—like the meat and cheese plates—and some great wine (they have a great natural wine selection). It's relaxed, chic, yet not pretentious.” —Christian Allaire, fashion news writer
