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ZipPicks Awards

Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Upper East Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

La Goulue 8.3
Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
La Goulue revives the Upper East Side bistro playbook with polished French comfort dishes, a buzzy bar, and sidewalk seating just off Central Park. The outdoor tables feel like an extension of the intimate dining room, making it a popular choice for date nights and upscale neighborhood dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: French Onion Soup, Cheese Soufflé, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.5 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 9.1 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic French bistro cooking with a terrace that picks up Central Park-adjacent energy.
Who should go: Couples or small groups who like polished bistro atmospheres.
When to visit: Prime evening hours or late lunch when the outdoor seats turn over.
What to order: French Onion Soup, Cheese Soufflé, Steak Frites.
Insider tip: Ask for an outdoor-adjacent two-top if you want bistro ambiance without sitting directly on the sidewalk.