Culture

Sky-High Eats

07.28.11

To eat in some of NYC’s most unique restaurants is pleasurable and glamorous, to say the least. To eat in one of these dining havens on a rooftop makes the experience even better. Cotton Candy wanted to share with you some of the best rooftop dining experiences New York City has to offer. And dolls, we don’t disappoint. Cotton Candy contributor Carla Sullivan scoured the City for the ultimate sky-high restaurants that take advantage of the twinkling lights of Manhattan’s nighttime sky.

SUSHISAMBA 7 (West Village)
The full – not to mention amazing – menu stands out in Manhattan’s West Village, and it is worth making a reservation to score these prime tables on the rooftop. Although SUSHISAMBA 7 has been around for a while, the consistently good food at this lively Japanese restaurant continues to bring in hot, new crowds. sushisamba.com

SUSHISAMBA 7

Rare Bar & Grill (Midtown, Chelsea)
Rare Bar & Grill considers is a fine steakhouse with prices reflect that. Most of its Midtown patrons visit Rare Bare & Grill for the breathtaking views of the East River. The rooftop has a separate entrance and yes, a velvet rope. And once pass the VIP ambiance, the sky view ends this trip in a magical way. RareBarandGrill.com

Rare Bar & Grill

Eataly’s Birreria (Flatiron District)
The newest spot on this list, Birreria is a hidden gem on the top of Mario Batali’s mall-like Italian food hall in the Flatiron District. Billing itself as the Italian version of a beer garden, it is a treat to score a table at this restaurant. Yes the view of the City is nice,  and the delectable morsels on your plate will make the night complete. eatalyny.com/eat/birreria

Salon de Ning at The Peninsula Hotel
Although just finger foods are available at this Midtown hotel rooftop, you cannot leave out The Peninsula Hotel’s lounge Salon de Ning from any list of NYC rooftop spots. Looking for a  great aerial view of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings? This is definitely the place see and be seen. peninsula.com

Salon de Ning

Hudson Hall at The Hudson Hotel
A Cotton Candy culinary fave is Hudson Hall at Hudson Hotel because of its great aerial views of Central Park.  The food is wonderful and the cozy outdoor area is big enough to have a cool scene, yet small enough to feel like you were swanky enough to score a table. hudsonhotel.com


Carla Sullivan a longtime resident of Manhattan is always in search for the best and chicest places to drink and eat. Carla is also the founder of MiniMunchers.com, a popular source and resource for kid-friendly in restaurants in New York City.

Cotton Candy Magazine®