Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sea Salt
Mediterranean seafood and meze with a well-used sidewalk patio that shines during happy hour.
Notable Picks
#1
Sea Salt
8.5
Sea Salt NYC is a Greek-leaning Mediterranean restaurant known for grilled seafood, meze, and cocktails served on a busy First Avenue patio that is popular during happy hour. It’s a go-to for after-work drinks that can easily turn into a full dinner built around branzino, lamb, and classic Greek salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Whole Branzino, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean seafood and meze with a well-used sidewalk patio that shines during happy hour.
Under the Queensboro Bridge, The Jeffrey is a craft beer bar with a serious kitchen, where the cult-favorite pho tacos sit alongside one of Midtown East’s best happy hour lineups. The split indoor–outdoor setup makes it a go-to for after-work pints, elevated bar snacks, and casual taco runs that feel more beer garden than taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tacos, Jeffrey Smash Burger, Chili Cheese Fries
What Makes it Special: A craft beer hub where the pho tacos and happy hour compete with the tap list.
#3
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
What Makes it Special: Classic French bistro cooking with a terrace that picks up Central Park-adjacent energy.
The Migrant Kitchen’s Central Park outpost is a fast-casual stand where shawarma bowls and sandwiches share space with surprisingly serious donuts. Guests heading in and out of the park use it for grab-and-go food plus mini donuts and seasonal donuts that travel well to a bench or blanket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain Seasonal Donut, Jelly Mini Donuts, Chocolate Hazelnut Mini Donuts
What Makes it Special: Parkside shawarma stand that also turns out playful donuts for picnics and strolls.
Worthy Picks
#5
Mezzaluna
7.8
A longtime neighborhood Italian trattoria with classic baked lasagna and hearty, old‑school pasta offerings in a casual, family‑friendly setting. Portions are generous and the comfort‑food focus makes it a reliable choice for familiar Italian favorites. Reviews note that some dishes vary in execution, but the lasagna remains a recognizable classic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne Alla Bolognese, Vegetable Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Generous portions of classic Italian comfort dishes like meat and vegetable lasagna