New York is undeniably famous for two things: its spectacular skyline and its world-class cuisine. So why not put the two together? Whether it's for a special occasion, a vacation splurge or simply a decadent nibble, these restaurants offer you a chance to dine in elegance above the bustle of the city.
The stunning views of Central Park from Asiate, perched atop the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Columbus Circle, are a perfect complement to chef Brandon Kida's seasonal Asian menu. Diners can enjoy butter-poached lobster with polenta, wagyu beef tenderloin, and etuvée of bay scallops in coconut broth, all while the city passes by below.
Asiate
80 Columbus Cir.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 805-8881
mandarinoriental.com/newyork
Sitting 48 stories above Times Square, The View is New York City's only revolving restaurant. The entire floor makes a complete 360-degree circuit once an hour, giving every diner a constantly changing panorama. The View's classic American dishes include sautéed chicken breast, filet mignon and grilled quail. Their early prix fixe menu, designed for the theatergoing crowd, is served until 6:30 p.m., and their lounge offers a dinner buffet and cocktails until the late hours.
The View
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 704-8880
theviewny.com
The northernmost high-rise restaurant in Manhattan, Terrace in the Sky is a lunchtime favorite of the Upper West Side's upper crust. Located just a block from the Columbia University campus, Terrace in the Sky's dining room, terrace and glassed-in Belgian Conservatory offer a full view of the city, both north across the Harlem rooftops and south over Central Park to Midtown. The European-inspired menu includes pan-roasted foie gras, Dover sole for two and New Zealand rack of lamb.
Terrace in the Sky
400 West 119th Street
New York, NY 10027-7194
(212) 666-9490
terraceinthesky.com
Diners lucky enough to be at The Top of the Tower at early evening can look straight west and watch the sun set across the rooftops of Midtown. The Top of the Tower's New American menu features dishes such as strip steak with roasted fingerling potatoes, horseradish-crusted salmon with crème fraiche, and burgundy-braised short ribs with celery root purée. The art-deco inspired dining room offers intimate tables for two and live piano music in the evenings.
The Top of the Tower
3 Mitchell Pl.
New York, NY 10017
(212) 980-4796
thetopofthetower.com
Located in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, Alma delivers beautiful views of lower Manhattan from its vantage point across the East River. The menu is Mexican modern, with offerings such as chicken with poblano mole, pozole stew with pork medallions, and roasted chipotle-rubbed mahi mahi. Alma's heated rooftop terrace is open year round, though only Thursday through Sunday in the winter. In 2009, the restaurant received one of the food world's most coveted honors: a mention in the Michelin Guide.
Alma
187 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 643-5400
almarestaurant.com
