This list of the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, a NYC local and co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
The winters in the Big Apple are known to be brutal, fortunately there’s a plethora of restaurants with heated outdoor dining in New York City. The trick is to find the coziest options that actually serve great food. In this article we’re going to do just that! We’ll chat about the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in NYC. From casual to chic, from calamari to cocktails we’ll give you the premier options!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining in New York City
Table of Contents: Outdoor Dining in NYC in Winter
Table of Contents: Where to Eat Outdoors in NYC in Winter
Tartine
Website: Tartine
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Any long time reader of New York Simply knows we’re head over heels in love with Tartine. The French restaurant stands at the crossroads of being cute and intimate, yet casual and fun. Luckily, Tartine is one of the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in New York City. You’ll just have to be one of the lucky few to snag a table, since they only have a handful in their enclosed covered area.
Local’s tip: The bistro has a BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy so don’t forget to swing by for a bottle of wine. With the wine and the heated outdoor dining in NYC you’ll be feeling warm, both inside and out.
Serra by Birreria
Website: Serra by Birreria
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
A rooftop restaurant above Eataly in the Flatiron District, Serra by Birreria is a popular dining destination during Christmas in NYC. They decorate to resemble a winter greenhouse, and by enclosing their roof are able to keep in the warmth. The Italian restaurant has a rotating menu, but focuses on Italian fare and cocktails. Combine the fare, the photo-ops and it’s easy to understand why Serra by Birreria is my wife’s go-to restaurant for a girl’s night with heated outdoor dining in NYC.
Balthazar
Website: Balthazar
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
What can I say about Balthazar that hasn’t already been said? The French bistro is a hotbed for celebrities, tourists and anyone else who wants to treat their taste buds. When the weather starts to sour they set up some of the best most elegant, heated, outdoor dining in New York City.
Simple and to the point, it does its job and is more than warm enough to take off your coat. The reason it’s one of my favorite New York City restaurants with heated outdoor dining is thanks to the French fare. This is one of a small handful of elegant dining establishments in NYC to offer outdoor seating.
Castell Rooftop Lounge
Website: Castell Rooftop Lounge
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
You’d think that the dipping temperatures mean that New York City’s famous rooftop bars and restaurants shutter for the season. However, the Big Apple has mastered the art of evolving, and Castell is a prime example. The rooftop bar offers some of the best heated outdoor dining in New York City. It equips their terrace with heaters to keep you cozy as you soak in the skyline.
Olio e Più
Website: Olio e Più
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
Olio e Più has mastered the art of cozy. As one of the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in New York City, the restaurant has captured the comfort of the Italian countryside and plopped it onto their West Village sidewalks. There are vines and foliage adorning the walls and ceilings of their outdoor dining area, and to be honest it can be quite romantic.
Plus the food is nothing to scoff at either, I’d gladly sit on a frozen chair during a snowstorm for a plate of their cavatelli. Luckily Olio e Più has one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City, so no hypothermia here folks.
Industry City
Website: Industry City
Neighborhood: Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Address: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
A former industrial complex that’s been transformed into a hub of restaurants and shops, Industry City is a local market that’s still underrated. And although it’s not technically a restaurant (but it does house a bunch!) Industry City has some of the best heated outdoor dining in New York City.
There are heated outdoor seating areas all around the complex, adding up to a whopping 12,000 square feet (they claim to be the largest heated heated outdoor dining experience in NYC). The largest of these communal spaces are the giant tents in their three courtyards. You’ll also come across a variety of heating methods, including cozy fireplaces.
Pera Soho
Website: Pera Soho
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 54 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
An oasis of warmth and good food, Pera Soho is well placed among the best New York City restaurants with heated outdoor dining. The Mediterranean joint has a covered patio that’s cozy enough to take off your winter coats and forget you ever needed them in the first place.
It’s brimming with warm string lights. And although it’s outside, it’s magically insulated from the bustle of the streets. All things considered, the garden-feel of the patio feels quite homey. Pera Soho gets its name from a region in Istanbul, Turkey which is home to a diverse population. Thus, the culinary practices blended a variety of different Mediterranean cuisines.
Rule of Thirds
Website: Rule of Thirds
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Every winter Rule of Thirds becomes a Winter Village. You can reserve bungalows that can fit anywhere from 6 to 20 people, and you and your friends can enjoy one of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining. Covered and protected from the elements, Rule of Thirds is a popular NYC brunch destination that’s famous for their Japanese soufflé pancakes.
Analogue
Website: Analogue
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 19 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Adding a bar to a list of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining wasn’t originally part of the plan, but Analogue is too good not to mention. Their outdoor seating is warmed up with heaters, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice the lively West Village streets when the temperature takes a dip. Analogue was already one of the best bars in the Greenwich Village, and now it’s a hot-spot for outdoor dining in NYC in winter.
Loreley Beer Garden
Website: Loreley Beer Garden
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Home to the largest outdoor patio in the Lower East Side, Loreley Beer Garden is a lock to be included on every list of the best heated outdoor dining in New York City. Truth be told, it doesn’t take much to be the biggest (real estate is a hot commodity in NYC) so don’t expect it to be massive.
Moreover, Loreley’s boasts one of the best decorated heated outdoor dining areas in NYC. During December the holiday decorations go up and festive cocktails follow in tow, which is followed by a winter lodge in January and perfectly pink Valentine’s Day theme in February.
Cibo e Vino
Website: Cibo e Vino
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: 2418 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
The Italians have mastered comfort, and Cibo e Vino is a pristine example. The Italian restaurant is home to the most charming heated outdoor dining in New York City. Abounding in fairy lights and greenery it’s easy to forget you’re neighboring the bustling streets of the Upper West Side.
The menu is full of flavorful dishes that will transport you to Italy, and if you order a bottle of wine? Chef’s kiss. If your significant other loves carbs, this is one of the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in New York City for a date-night. However, don’t overeat otherwise you’ll have to be rolled home!
Kokomo
Website: Kokomo
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Kokomo is a Caribbean restaurant that lines both the street and building in fairy lights and has enclosed dining areas wrapped in clear plastic. Anybody celebrating a winter birthday will love to hear that Kokomo has one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City for small groups.
As far as food goes you can’t leave without trying the oxtail flatbread. I blame the long lines and wait times on that dish alone. Or, if you’re looking to enjoy an outdoor boozy brunch in New York City, Kokomo has a full menu of brunch cocktails for you and your friends.
Lola Taverna
Website: Lola Taverna
Neighborhood: SoHo
Address: 210 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Lola Taverna all but sets up a second dining room outside, making it a premier destination for outdoor dining in the winter in New York City. It’s full of decorations so you don’t really sacrifice much to dine outside. Plus, the Greek restaurant serves a plethora of delicious fare including (but not limited to) seafood, lamb and salads.
You should order off their robust wine list. At the time of publication, Lola Taverna is offering 50% off Greek wines on Sundays and Mondays! Combine the wine, shareable plates, and the cutesy decor and Lola Taverna one of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining for a date-night.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
Website: Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
A rooftop bar with views of the Empire State Building? Can it get any more New York than that? Magic Hour does a phenomenal job decorating, they’ve somehow put pumpkin patches and carousels on their rooftop deck.
Fortunately the party doesn’t end in the winter, instead it transforms and offers some of the best heated outdoor dining in New York City. By enclosing it’s roof it’s able to keep everyone warm, while still feeling like you’re at a outdoor rooftop bar.
Word to the wise: The photo-opportunities are endless and the drinks are tasty, but Magic Hour’s food is forgettable. Skip the meals and you’ll have a great time!
Lafayette
Website: Lafayette
Neighborhood: NoHo
Address: 380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
Popular thanks to a TikTok-famous round croissant, Lafayette is more than just a bakery. The French cafe serves food, not just sweets, in what I consider to be one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City. In fact, Layafette calls their heated NYC outdoor dining a “winter village” because it’s compromised of a bunch of tiny, clear huts.
You and your party get to sit in one during your meal and enjoy the busy NoHo streets. It’s some of the best heated outdoor dining in NYC for a coffee date with a friend. Order a hot-coffee, some pastries, and fruit and make the folks shivering in line for the viral croissant jealous of your warmth.
Jua
Website: Jua
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 36 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
If you’re searching for one of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining, Jua is a can’t miss destination. In fact, it’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion (they boast a Michelin Star!). Impressively, Jua has a tasting menu available at a very respectable $135 for seven courses.
During your dinner you can expect to savor a variety of Korean fare that will leave you satiated and smiling. You can also add a wine pairing for $95. Moreover, if you’re celebrating a special occasion Jua is one of the best heated outdoor dining options in New York City, you won’t find higher quality bites elsewhere.
Best Restaurants with Heated Outdoor Dining in New York City (Post Summary)
- Tartine
- Castell Rooftop Lounge
- Olio e Più
- Industry City
- Pera SoHo
- Rule of Thirds
- Analogue
- Loreley Beer Garden
- Cibo e Vino
- Kokomo
- Balthazar
- Lola Taverna
- Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
- Lafayette
- Jua
Frequently Asked Questions
Outdoor dining in NYC is alive and well, with both year-round sidewalk permits and seasonal structures in roadways popping up from April to November.
This article covers all the best places to eat when it’s cold and rainy in NYC, including Olio e Più, Loreley Beer Garden and Balthazar.
Restaurants can use electric heaters in their outdoor dining areas, as well as gas heaters so long as they follow strict guidelines. Propane on the other hand is not allowed.
Best Heated Outdoor Dining in NYC (Map)
More Helpful Related Winter Links:
Best Decorated Christmas Restaurants: 15 Epic New York City Christmas Restaurants
Festive Holiday Bars: 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City (Worth Waiting For)
How to Stay Warm: 3 Essential Winter Coats New Yorkers Swear By (Helpful Local)
Best Events in December: 30 EPIC Things to Do in New York this December (Best Attractions!)
Best Things to Do in January: 15+ EPIC Things to Do in New York City in January (2024 Guide)
What to Do in February: 20 FUN Things to Do in New York City in February (2024 Guide)
What to Do in the Winter: 30+ Worthwhile Winter Activities in New York City
And there you have it, my friends. In summary that was my round-up of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining. To this end I hope it helps you stay warm this winter.
Until next time, cheers!
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