ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
La Goulue
8.3
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.