One of the main draws of New York City is the Manhattan skyline. A favorite activity among visitors is to dine while admiring the view. This can either be done from a restaurant perched on the top floor of a Manhattan skyscraper, or from across the East River in Brooklyn or Queens. Keep in mind that you will not be able to see the full skyline from Manhattan and restaurants with a view often have prices that are higher than the quality of the food warrants.
The View, on the 47th floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, is New York's only revolving restaurant. The restaurant makes a full circle every hour while guests dine on chef Ron Camillo's American cuisine. The restaurant is open for dinner only and offers two prixe fixe menu options as of 2010--the 2-course pre-theater menu before 6:30 p.m. for $59 and the 3-course menu for $69.
The View
Marriott Marquis Hotel
1535 Broadway, 47th floor (between 45th & 46th Streets)
Manhattan, NY 10036
212-704-8900
theviewny.com
Asiate, on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, offers floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park and Manhattan skyscrapers. Chef Brandon Kida serves an Asian-influenced fusion cuisine. As of 2010, a 3-course prixe-fixe dinner menu is available for $85, and an 8-course tasting menu is available for $125. Asiate won Zagat's Top Decor award in 2009 and 2010.
Asiate
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
80 Columbus Circle, 35th floor (60th Street at Broadway)
Manhattan, NY 10023
212-805-8881
mandarinoriental.com/newyork/dining/asiate
The River Café, under the Brooklyn Bridge on the waterfront, has been a Brooklyn landmark since opening in 1977. You experience views of the skyline from the restaurant, or the outdoor deck in warm weather, while dining on a modern cuisine that blends American and international styles. As of 2010, the prixe-fixe dinner menu is $98, and the 6-course tasting menu is $125.
River Café
1 Water Street (between Furman & Old Fulton Streets.)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-522-5200
rivercafe.com
Skyline views, seafood dishes and steak are the house specialties at the Water's Edge, a restaurant in Queens. As of 2010, two 3-course prixe fixe menus for $25 and $32 are available for lunch, but dinner is a la carte. Entrées generally range from $25 to $36, but steak will be more expensive, with a 12 oz. filet mignon going for $54. On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant has a complimentary ferry service across the East River from the East 23rd Street pier in Manhattan.
Water's Edge
East River & 44th Dr.
Queens, NY 11101
718-482-0033
watersedgenyc.com
Alma, a Mexican restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, offers a more affordable dinner with a skyline view. The view is provided from its roof deck, open year-round thanks to a profusion of heat lamps. As of 2010, entrées range from $14 to $18 and the menu features Mexican classics like enchiladas and guacamole with chef Hans Dannerhoj's special touch. The brunch menu is an even better deal.
Alma
187 Columbia St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-643-5400
almarestaurant.com
