5 restaurants with stunning views of NYC bridges

April 3, 2023

How ironic is it that one of the most-connected cities in the world is made up of islands? New York City is a land of bridges connecting the four outer boroughs to Manhattan. And the bridges themselves are marvels of engineering from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge, erected in 1883, to the Manhattan and Queensboro bridges constructed in the early 1900s. These iconic landmarks are an integral part of the NYC skyline, and while there are plenty of restaurants with a view of the city, few offer truly spectacular views of the bridges. Here are five to check out.


Photos courtesy of Jean-Georges Management

The Fulton
South Street Seaport
The Fulton, located at Pier 17 in Manhattan is a seafood eatery by world-renowned restaurateur and chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Aside from its stellar views, it boasts nautical-themed painted walls and chic contemporary future and lighting. The menu focuses on seafood and offers a unique “sundown” menu of light bites from 3 to 5 p.m.

“From any vantage, whether upstairs or downstairs, The Fulton offers panoramic views of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges and beyond. From a certain corner of the restaurant, you are also able to see uptown with views of the Empire State Building and more,” said a spokesperson for Jean-George restaurant The Fulton. “No matter where you’re seated, guests can enjoy watching New York City in its fullest – twinkling lights at night, cars crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, driving up and down the FDR and boats passing by.”

While there are a number of Jean-Georges restaurants in NYC (including ABC Kitchen and the newly opened marketplace, the Tin Building), this one is particularly special to the chef.

“This area of Manhattan is incredibly personal and important to Jean-Georges – the Fulton Fish Market was one of the first places he visited when arriving in NYC in 1986. When choosing the location of the restaurant, he wanted to pay homage to this history and remind New Yorkers of how beautiful this city is, the cityscape being one of the many reasons he fell in love with New York,” said a spokesperson.


Photos by David Burk for Soho House

Cecconi’s
Dumbo
The aptly-named Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers unparalleled views of, you guessed it, the Manhattan Bridge. And in 2017, Soho House opened a Cecconi’s restaurant in the neighborhood offering a front seat to the view — with snacks! Eater dubbed it the “view of the summer” that year. With locations in some of the world’s trendiest cities, Cecconi’s restaurants have become a place to see and be seen, but the Dumbo outpost has a mellow vibe enhanced by the gentle sound of water lapping at the East River’s shore. The restaurant features modern Italian/Mediterranean cuisine with an all-day menu as well as a brunch menu and specialty cocktails.


Photo credit: Melissa Hom

Celestine
Dumbo
With the views the location offers, it should come as no surprise that there’s more than one Dumbo restaurant on this list. Celestine is located at the northern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park right under the Manhattan Bridge. The eatery’s floor-to-ceiling windows flood sunlight into the eatery; it almost feels like you’re outside. And speaking of the great outdoors, Celestine is located in a LEED-Gold Certified building, which means it was sustainably built. The Mediterranean eatery features mezze for small bites as well as large entrees and a cocktail and wine list.

“While Mediterranean coastal cuisine is the cornerstone for our menu, we take inspiration from our own experiences within the industry and through our travels to create a highly seasonal menu that’s as appropriate for a relaxed Tuesday night as it is for a special occasion,” a spokesperson said. The restaurant also serves as an event venue, hosting wedding ceremonies on the patio against the gorgeous backdrop of the Manhattan Bridge.


Photos of Panorama Room courtesy of Noah Fecks

Panorama Room
Roosevelt Island
For a truly unique experience, take the tram or ferry over to Roosevelt Island and check out the Panorama Room atop the new Graduate Hotel. As the name implies, this rooftop cocktail bar not only has panoramic views of the city but also of the Queensboro Bridge, which is set as the backdrop for the bar. Guests will have an up-close and personal view of the 114-year-old structure, which has never looked more beautiful. It’s no wonder the Panorama Room has been named on countless “best-of” lists for its view. The indoor-outdoor space features a glass-enclosed bar area as well as an open-air patio all outfitted with a mod decor reminiscent of the “Mad Men” era. Menu offerings include a wide variety of fun cocktails, a raw bar, and brunch.

Lost in Paradise
Long Island City
Long Island City may be just across the East River from Manhattan, but at Lost in Paradise Rooftop, you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics — the space is even heated. This trendy spot is all about Instagrammable moments with a neon sign, tropical plants, bubble gum napkins, and, of course, an amazing city skyline backdrop and the Queensboro Bridge as the star. The Mexican-inspired menu features street tacos and loaded nachos as well as traditional brunch offerings and fun cocktails.

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  1. M

    What about City Island??

  2. K

    At the Fulton restaurant can we also get steak we love the location and would like to eat there but one person in our party doesn’t eat fish. Thank you.