The winters in the Big Apple are known to be brutal. Fortunately there are more than a few 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 New York City. 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 +2 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
Tartine
Any long time reader of New York Simply knows we’re head over heels in love with Tartine. The French restaurant is at the crossroads of being cute and intimate, yet casual and fun.
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. Surprisingly enough I’ve rarely had to wait, even though it’s a relatively small joint.
The bistro has a BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy so don’t forget to swing by for a bottle of wine. Then make haste for the escargot, mussels, burger or steak while enjoying some of the best heated outdoor dining in NYC.
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Worth mentioning: Tartine also cracks our list of the best restaurants in the Greenwich Village!
Castell Rooftop Lounge
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 (Darwin would be so proud!).
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.
The swanky bar boasts a menu of both creative and classic cocktails that’ll also help keep you warm. 😉
If you’re celebrating a special occasion and would like to enjoy one of the best New York City restaurants with heated outdoor dining, you’ll have a hard time finding a better option than Castell.
Address: AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Olio e Più
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.
If forced to describe it in only one word it would be: Green. 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 cavatelli. Luckily Olio e Più has one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City, so no hypothermia here folks.
Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
Industry City
Long time readers of New York Simply know that we try to plug Industry City whenever we can, we’re big fans. The former industrial complex has transformed into a hub of restaurants and shops that’s both cute and convenient.
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. 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. Needless to say, Industry City is home to more than a few New York City Restaurants with heated outdoor dining.
Address: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Pera Soho
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.
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.
My personal favorite is the chicken sashlik (chicken, bulghur rice, pita bread). However, thanks to one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City you’ll want to stick around and try a few different plates before stepping back out to brave the cold.
Address: 54 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Bonus reading: Not only is Pera Soho one of the best restaurants with heated outdoor seating in New York City, it’s also one of the best restaurants in SoHo! Read on for more recommendations in the neighborhood.
Rule of Thirds
You’ll find Rule of Thirds in Williamsburg Brooklyn, where it boasts one of the best heated outdoor dining areas in New York City. Covered and protected from the elements, you can visit the popular NYC brunch destination rain or shine!
The Japanese restaurant has the clean, sleek and mimimalist aesthetic normally attributed to the island nation. I’ll be the first to say I found it impossible to resist picking up my phone to take a few pictures.
Every winter Rule of Thirds becomes a Winter Village, you can reserve bungalows that can fit anywhere from 6 to 20 people. How could I leave it off a list of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining?
And like I mentioned earlier, Rule of Thirds is well placed among the best brunch restaurants in Brooklyn and the city as a whole. The fan-favorite souffle pancake has made the restaurant a social media sensation.
Address: 171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Analogue
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.
During the winter their outdoor seating is warmed up with heaters, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice the lively West Village streets when the temperature goes south.
Mix in a few of their mesmerizing cocktails and you’ll be feeling fuzzy inside in no time. It’s no wonder Analogue is one of the best bars in the Greenwich Village and a hot-spot for outdoor dining in NYC.
Address: 19 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Loreley Beer Garden
Home to the largest outdoor patio in the Lower East Side, Loreley Beer Garden is all but guaranteed 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 here!) so don’t expect it to be massive. Having said that, it’s still very much worth checking out to enjoy a bite.
This is one of our most highly recommended Lower East Side bars thanks to the (near) year-round decorations.
During the month of December it becomes one of the cutest New York City restaurants with heated outdoor dining thanks to their over the top holiday decorations.
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Cibo e Vino
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 (until a car with thumping bass drives by).
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!
Address: 2418 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Kokomo
Kokomo is a Caribbean restaurant that hosts some of the best outdoor heated dining in New York City.
Lining both the street and the building are covered areas strung with fairy lights and protected from the elements with clear plastic. In addition sprinkle in some rum-filled cocktails and you’ll feel like you’re on a beach!
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, and it single-handedly places Kokomo among the best restaurants with heated outdoor dining in NYC.
Address: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Balthazar
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 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. The onion soup makes my wife forgive any mistake I’ve made and the steak-frites are my guilty pleasure.
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Lola Taverna
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 and has a roof 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!
The cutesy decor makes Lola Taverna one of the best restaurants in New York City with heated outdoor dining for a date-night. Furthermore, the shareable plates help a bit too. 😉
Address: 210 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
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, it becomes home to some of the best heated outdoor dining in New York City.
The photo-opportunities are endless and the drinks are tasty, but truthfully the food is just okay. But lets be real — you visit Magic Hour for the vibe and the fun, not because you’re hungry!
Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
Lafayette
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 waiting in line for the viral croissant jealous of your warmth.
Address: 380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
Jua
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!). Plus, 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.
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
Best Heated Outdoor Dining in NYC (Map)
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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