NYC highrise restaurants?
December 23, 2010 8:00 AM   Subscribe

Are there any decent restaurants in NYC that have a great view?

I'm visiting NYC for the first time next week. One thing I've been trying to find is a restaurant somewhere up high in a building for great views of the city. The only revolving one I can find is The View which seems to have meh reviews on Yelp. Is there anything else worth checking out? Should we just eat dinner somewhere and then check out the Top of the Rock after?
posted by Tu13es to Food & Drink (15 answers total) 7 users marked this as a favorite
 
Tu13es: " Should we just eat dinner somewhere and then check out the Top of the Rock after?"

Yes, this is probably your best bet. Otherwise you'll end up paying for the view, and even if the food is good, I can almost guarantee you can find somewhere with better food for a better price without the view.
posted by Grither at 8:07 AM on December 23, 2010


I have heard really good things about The River Cafe, but haven't been.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:09 AM on December 23, 2010


Asiate
posted by Right On Red at 8:13 AM on December 23, 2010


You could always go to The View for a drink after dinner somewhere else. I did that once, and it was nice.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:22 AM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]


I’m not sure about restaurants but we went on Spring Break and stayed at the Millennium at UN; view from the rooms is unbelievable and you will have it have there all night/day long. Totally worth it!
posted by 3dd at 8:28 AM on December 23, 2010


If it is still open....Nirvana (great Indian food) on Central Park south. It's great...enter the lobby of the building and there is a sign at the elevator, "Push down button for Nirvana". It takes you to the top floor for a gorgeous view of the park. Of course, ask for a table by the windows.
posted by txmon at 8:33 AM on December 23, 2010


Came in to second Asiate.

If you'll be there between (roughly) May and October, I highly recommend checking out the roof of the Metropolitan Museum. There's also a bar up there, but you can go just to check out the installations they put up each spring and enjoy the view.
posted by Sara C. at 8:35 AM on December 23, 2010


D'oh, saw that you'll be there next week. So scrap the Metropolitan Museum thing. But if you're ever back during warmer months, highly recommended!
posted by Sara C. at 8:36 AM on December 23, 2010


The BG Restaurant at Bergdorf's Goodman has a nice view of Central Park.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:40 AM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]


Terrace in the Sky up at Columbia University. Spectacular views. Very good food, too.
posted by andrewraff at 8:46 AM on December 23, 2010


I've been to both The River Cafe and Nirvana (of those listed above) and they're good choices.
posted by Obscure Reference at 9:25 AM on December 23, 2010


There are many great restaurants, and many great views, and almost no places that combine both. I'd heartily suggest doing Top of the Rock separately after having a wonderful meal.
posted by anildash at 10:38 AM on December 23, 2010 [1 favorite]


I have heard really good things about The River Cafe, but haven't been.

I have. The food's okay, but not worth what they're asking for it. I love the view (which isn't from high up, by the way) but you can get that for free just walking the Promenade. Nthing the suggestion to eat at one place and view from another.
posted by keever at 10:56 AM on December 23, 2010


I've read really great things about Terrace In The Sky both view and food-wise (great suggestion, andrewraff!) and would second the recommendation.

Top of the Tower supposedly has great views and mixed food reviews.

Robert supposedly has great views *of the park* and pretty good overall food reviews.

I've never been to any of the above so I can't speak from personal experience.
posted by chaiwawa at 1:47 PM on December 23, 2010


I'm seconding (thirding/forthing) getting dinner anywhere else and then going to have a very expensive cocktail/desert at one of the view spots. As you see, there are certainly a few options, but unless you want to go with one of those types of cuisines, you will probably find a better & cheaper spot that doesn't have a 'view'.
posted by darkgroove at 6:19 AM on December 28, 2010


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