The best rooftop restaurants in Upper Manhattan

Fulfill your Gossip Girl fantasies at the Empire Rooftop, a luxury rooftop restaurant and hotel in Upper Manhattan. This spot is swanky and modern, with retractable roofs on the outdoor terraces, an intimate fireplace, and comfortable seating. Guests (up to 250) can lounge, gossip, munch on light bites, and sip on specialty cocktails, like the Empress or the Empire Sunset. They also offer an exclusive Gossip Girl experience with photo-worthy moments and a specialty XOXO Gossip Girl cocktail. For Manhattan’s elite, this Chuck Bass destination is the place to be.

On the 47th floor of the Park Lane Hotel is Darling, an Upper Manhattan rooftop restaurant and bar. This is the only rooftop on Billionaire’s Row and was recently rated by Vogue as one of the best rooftop bars in NYC. This intimate garden oasis overlooks Central Park and offers guests comfortable seating surrounded by lush greenery. At Darling, you come for the specialty cocktails and indulgent bites–like the seafood tower and caviar grilled cheese–, and stay for the sweeping views.

Parties of more than 11 must contact the restaurant directly for private dining.

Inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Columbus Circle is MO Lounge, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar. The space has a sleek design with mid-century modern decor and boasts views overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. They offer breakfast, dinner, and afternoon tea packages, as well as beer, wine, and specialty cocktails like a Yuzumi Pear (whiskey, ginger beer, yuzu pear). Tip: ask to sit by the window for an Instagram photo-worthy moment.

You can make a reservation for up to 20 people. For larger parties and private events, contact the restaurant directly.

If you didn’t know it already, the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side has an outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar called Cantor Roof Garden Bar. Some may say it’s a well-kept secret, on the 5th floor of the museum, offering magical views of neighboring Central Park. After a morning of exploring art, come and sip on a MET Minted Mojito and munch on some snacks and sandwiches. They’re mainly open during the day from mid-April through October, and on a first come first serve basis.

Located near Columbia University, The Heights Bar & Grill is a family-owned rooftop restaurant offering a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Known for its tequila-based cocktails and a menu featuring Mexican favorites like tacos and quesadillas alongside classic burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, it's the perfect spot for casual dining uptown. For private events, the rooftop accommodates up to 75 guests for semi-private gatherings or up to 150 for a full buyout. Event packages include shared appetizers, a 3 or 4-course buffet, and options for an open well or premium bar.