Savor the Season: Outdoor Dining With Sam Tell Customers
Discover the best outdoor spaces New York restaurants have to offer with Sam Tell's guide to enjoying the finest cuisine in the city and beyond.
As the weather warms up, there's no better way to enjoy a meal than by dining al fresco. Whether you're in the heart of New York City or venturing out to Long Island, outdoor dining offers a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to savor the season's finest flavors.
From chic rooftop terraces to cozy garden patios, Sam Tell highlights some of our favorite customers—truly the top spots for an outdoor meal you’ll want to recreate again and again. So grab your sunglasses, soak up the sunshine, and join us as we explore the best places to dine under the open sky.
Photo Credit: Pastis
Pastis
For quintessential outdoor dining in the heart of the Meatpacking District, look no further than Pastis. This beloved French bistro offers a pleasant patio where you can enjoy the buzz of the city while savoring delicious Provençal dishes. The menu features a delightful mix of hearty French classics and moderately-priced bistro fare, perfect for any meal of the day. As you relax in the vibrant outdoor seating area, enjoy house cocktails, wines by the glass, carafe, or bottle, and several varieties of pastis, an anise-flavored aperitif from the south of France.
Photo Credit: 2 spring
2 spring
Oyster Bay, with its wonderful small-town vibes, offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor dining, and 2 spring is the ideal spot to soak it all in. This adorable and diminutive Long Island restaurant features an inviting patio where you can enjoy the fresh air and absorb the scenic beauty of this seaside town on the north shore of Long Island. The menu at 2 spring indulges with a raw bar, small bites, and seasonal produce sourced from local farms, bringing the best flavors of the region to your table.
Photo Credit: Lilia
Lilia
If you're craving a taste of Italy with the quintessential Brooklyn atmosphere, grab an outdoor spot and sip a Negroni at Lilia in Williamsburg. This New York City restaurant spot effortlessly blends the best of Italy with the cool, laid-back ambiance of Brooklyn. Picture yourself dining al fresco, surrounded by the lively energy of the neighborhood, while enjoying wood-fired seafood, handcrafted pastas, and classic Italian cocktails. Lilia's warm hospitality and casual dining allure make it the perfect place to unwind and savor delicious food.
Photo Credit: Cafe Luxembourg
Café Luxembourg
New York City restaurant outdoor dining at Café Luxembourg has set the tone in the Upper West Side since 1983. This spot brings French comfort food and an unmistakable Parisian flair that has been drawing A-list types for decades. Whether you're there for a casual brunch, a relaxed lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Café Luxembourg provides the appropriate backdrop to enjoy the best of French cuisine and the spirited Upper West Side.
Photo Credit: Altro Paradiso
Altro Paradiso
The only way to truly take in the culture and personality of Downtown is by dining outdoors at Altro Paradiso. Located on Spring Street, this quintessential neighborhood Italian eatery offers elegant and inspiring food that perfectly complements its charming surroundings. As you relax in the inviting outdoor seating, you can become fully ensconced in the lively atmosphere of the city while enjoying delicious Italian dishes. Stop in for a leisurely lunch or a sophisticated dinner, and fill your night with a unique blend of casual dining and culinary excellence.
Photo Credit: Valbella at the Park
Valbella at the Park
For elevated outdoor dining in Manhattan’s Midtown scene, Valbella at the Park is the place to be for the quintessential New York City restaurant experience. This Northern Italian restaurant is known for its exceptional food, wine, and service. The Rooftop Lounge, with its lit waterfall and expansive bar, offers a serene setting to gather with friends and enjoy specialty cocktails. Additionally, the Sushi Bar provides a tranquil spot to savor fresh sushi while taking in the spectacular city views.
Photo Credit: South Soho Bar
South Soho Bar
Situated on the border of Soho and Chinatown, South Soho Bar embraces the eclectic energy of the area with its outdoor dining scene. This intimate venue offers an impressive menu of over 60 classic cocktails, covering all spirit categories, along with a back bar featuring over 400 premium spirits and a curated international wine list. The kitchen, led by international chef Paul Donnelly, serves upscale bar bites for a cozy companion to a night of living it up under the New York City skyline.
