Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Casa Enrique
Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
Notable Picks
#1
Casa Enrique
8.8
A long-running LIC destination for regionally rooted Mexican cooking that leans into big, slow-cooked plates as much as tacos. The room stays energetic, and the kitchen’s best dishes reward ordering beyond the basics—think mole, braises, and seafood with deep chile-driven flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole de Piaxtla, Braised lamb shank, Branzino “al pastor”
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
#2
Tournesol
8.5
A tight, classic French bistro where the food leans traditional and satisfying rather than experimental—exactly what you want when you’re craving steak-frites energy and serious sauces. Order with restraint and balance (one rich entrée, one lighter starter) and it delivers a dependable, date-friendly night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Duck confit, French onion soup
What makes it special: Old-school French bistro cooking that rewards classic ordering.
#3
Il Falco
8.4
A classic-leaning Italian dining room with a menu that does its best work on nightly specials and old-school favorites. The vibe is date-friendly without being formal, and the kitchen’s strengths show up in seafood pastas, veal, and desserts that feel made for lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Burrata, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Specials-driven Italian cooking with a patio and a classic LIC feel.
8.4
A New American small-plates spot that rewards decisive ordering and a shareable spread rather than solo mains. The best experience is built around contrast—one richer plate, one bright/acid-driven bite, and something crisp to reset the palate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal small plates, Chef’s daily specials, Shareable starters
What makes it special: New American small plates designed for sharing and pacing.
#5
R40
8.3
An Argentinian parilla with smoke-forward grilling and a menu that shines when you order for contrast—one beef cut, one seafood or vegetable plate, and a shareable starter to set the pace. It’s a strong pick for steakhouse-style dining that feels modern and intentional, especially if you lean into the wood-grilled specialties rather than over-ordering sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Empanadas, Skirt steak from the parilla, Parrillada-style mixed grill
What makes it special: Wood-fired Argentinian grilling with a Michelin Guide-listed profile.
Worthy Picks
A true outdoor-first waterfront hang where the point is open air, skyline views, and a casual grill menu that keeps the day moving. It’s best when you treat it like a daytime patio session—food as fuel, atmosphere as the headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamburger, Hot dog, Fries
What makes it special: A waterfront, open-air setup that feels like a summer event space.
7.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
A neighborhood coffee-by-day, bar-by-night space that’s strongest as an outdoor hang: rooftop energy, casual bites, and rotating drinks that make it easy to post up. Come here when you want outdoor seating with a low-commitment menu and a social vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast sandwich, Avocado toast, Cold brew
What makes it special: Brunch that can pivot into coffee-and-drinks hang time.