With movies in the park, beach experiences and even free concerts, it’s no secret that the City comes alive during the summer months. But one of the most glorious rewards of New York City summers is NYC Restaurant Week, when diners can devour a bounty of special prix-fixe menus from a diverse array of eateries in all five boroughs.
From peak waterfront vibes to affordable seafood feasts, we’re rounding up a summer hit list of restaurants that call out to us during NYC’s warmest months.
Waterfront Dining
City Winery. Photo: Evan Angelastro
City Winery
25 Eleventh Ave. (Pier 57), Meatpacking District, Manhattan
Dreamed up by Michael Dorf, founder of the iconic music venue the Knitting Factory, this expansive space shines a spotlight on intimate performances, along with delicious pours of wine and mouthwatering bites. City Winery hugs the western waterfront of Manhattan, offering front-row views of the Hudson River and neighboring Little Island. For NYC Restaurant Week, find an evening show and pair your multicourse meal with flights of wine that are crushed, aged and bottled on-site.
The Fulton. Photo: Lanna Apisukh
The Fulton
89 South St., The Seaport, Manhattan
Perched in the historic Seaport with a clear sight line of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Fulton, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s seafood restaurant, commands resplendent views—especially cinematic during summer when the sky is somehow bluer and the clouds are extra fluffy. The Fulton is known for icy towers of local shellfish and beautifully composed dishes bursting with brightness. Start a memorable Restaurant Week dinner with either a crispy calamari herb salad, half-dozen oysters or red snapper ceviche with sour cherries.
Courtesy, Industry Kitchen
Industry Kitchen
70 South St., The Seaport, Manhattan
Industry Kitchen is another Seaport spot that celebrates panoramic views of the waterfront. Snag seats at one of their umbrella-covered picnic benches, sip cocktails and watch a parade of runners, bikers and ferries glide by. Their NYC Restaurant Week menu is an easy, breezy and affordable way to soak up sunshine and good times with their wood-fired pizzas and contemporary American fare.
Sofrito On the Hudson. Photo: Jen Davis
Sofrito on the Hudson
679 Riverside Dr., Washington Heights, Manhattan
For tropical party vibes along the Hudson River, head up the west side to Sofrito, where summer nights are alive with music and revelry. This restaurant, known for its Puerto Rican cuisine and vibrant ambiance, also serves up weekday happy hours amid stunning sunsets and unobstructed views of the George Washington Bridge. Sofrito is a hot spot for big groups, especially during NYC Restaurant Week, when $45 takes you on a three-course tour of their classic dishes, such as empanadas and mofongo, which can be customized with your choice of garlic shrimp, chicharrón de pollo, ropa vieja, pernil or veggies.
Seafood Stunners
London Lennie’s
63-88 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, Queens
At London Lennie’s, fresh fish is a family tradition. At this mom-and-pop seafood restaurant, the Barnes family has expanded both the space and menu offerings of London Lennie’s since opening as a fish ’n’ chips shop in the bustling Queens neighborhood of Rego Park in 1959. Catch London Lennie’s all-day happy hour on Wednesdays for a boisterous and budget-friendly way to enjoy their famous raw bar or dive into a $45 three-course dinner during NYC Restaurant Week. Order their Thai-style mussels to start, but be forewarned: you’ll want to dip your bread and lick the plate clean.
Lure Fishbar. Photo: Lanna Apisukh
Lure Fishbar
142 Mercer St., Soho, Manhattan
Lure Fishbar turned 20 this year, and this Soho seafood institution is stronger than ever. Their subterranean dining room makes you feel like you’re floating inside a fancy boat, portholes and all, and their signature crispy rice sushi will impress your taste buds. Lure’s menu is dreamed up by executive chef Preston Clark and an evening’s dinner might have you bumping into someone famous, having hosted celebs like Taylor Swift in the past. Treat yourself to their nori-crusted tuna with garlic fried rice and Chinese broccoli during lunch or dinner during NYC Restaurant Week, along with a $12 sommelier-selected glass of wine.
Courtesy, Mermaid Oyster Bar
Mermaid Oyster Bar
127 W. 43rd St., Times Square, Manhattan
If you want to slurp some briny bivalves before taking in a Broadway show, Mermaid Oyster Bar awaits. A spin-off of the beloved Mermaid Inn, this restaurant is a treasure trove of fresh shellfish, thoughtfully prepared in a multitude of ways. Whether you drop by for an NYC Restaurant Week lunch or dinner, start with either their golden-fried Point Judith crispy calamari, cowboy oysters with ponzu, sesame and nori, or an unexpected-and-delicious niçoise salad with smoked salmon, haricot vert and cured olive vinaigrette. For non-fish-loving diners, Mermaid Oyster Bar’s NYC Restaurant Week menu also features a black angus burger for lunch and fire-roasted steak for dinner.
Red Hook Lobster Pound. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Red Hook Lobster Pound
284 Van Brunt St., Red Hook, Brooklyn
Lobster, in this economy? Yes, and Red Hook Lobster Pound is ready for you to find your way to Red Hook, an artsy, industrial waterfront neighborhood full of nautical nostalgia. In honor of their 15th anniversary, Red Hook Lobster Pound is rolling out their favorites for NYC Restaurant Week, which includes their lobster rolls on the dinner menu, served either warm and buttery à la Connecticut style, or cold and creamy à la Maine style. If lobster is not your thing, try seafood boils or grilled fish to feast on during dinner. For lunch, try a new fan favorite: their lobster crunch wrap. Crack open $5 cans of Stella Artois or enjoy a $30 bottle of wine, and kick back with a relaxing meal that somehow tastes even better during summer.
Courtesy, Sagaponack
Sagaponack
4 W. 22nd St., Flatiron District, Manhattan
The ultimate summer pro tip: head to Sagaponack for a taste of the freshest seafood and easy-breezy vibes without having to face infamous Long Island traffic. This restaurant, named after the Hamptons village, is a more delightful and delicious way to spend your summer day than being stuck in gridlock, especially with their all-afternoon happy hour. Sagaponack, located a couple blocks from Madison Square Park, adds playful Asian and Mediterranean twists to seafood favorites. During NYC Restaurant Week, try their yellowfin tuna melt kicked up a few spicy notches with togarashi, or sample their peekytoe crab roll with Old Bay aioli and guindilla pepper. Toast all the deliciousness with one of their signature crafted cocktails (hello, lychee spritz!) as a special add-on for $11. The cool smoothness of Sagaponack’s matcha panna cotta, which is included with their NYC Restaurant Week dinner, will leave you with a smile for days.
Aesthetically Summery Spots
Courtesy, Fandi Mata
Fandi Mata
74 Bayard St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
To escape the summer doldrums, scoot over to Fandi Mata for some serious tropical vibes. Lush greenery adorns this airy oasis, and Instagrammable photo ops abound. A festive bar on its mezzanine features over 50 artisanal mezcals. Whether you’re into cocktails or mocktails, you’ll find a refreshing drink that will perk your taste buds right up. If you’re rolling with a big group, this space can accommodate crowds looking to commemorate anything from boozy birthdays to intimate weddings. During NYC Restaurant Week, party on with their $45 three-course Mediterranean-inspired dinner, which includes vegetarian options that even meat lovers will want to try.
Parklife. Photo: Deb Klein
Parklife
636 Degraw St., Gowanus, Brooklyn
Parklife will have you living your best life with its homemade tacos, alfresco summer movie nights and DJ sets. Not too far from Barclays Center, Parklife is a taqueria with prime outdoor space perfect for a chill afternoon. Their corn tortillas are made in-house from masa imported from Mexico and filled with Persian, Mexican and Texan-inspired ingredients and flavors that will introduce you to combinations you’ve never had before, like a vegetarian taco filled with huitlacoche panisse and Persian pistachio. Their lamb beriyani taco takes three days to prepare, but will take you seconds to gobble down (and crave another one!). During NYC Restaurant Week, they’re offering $30 three-course sets, with your choice of tacos or tlacoyos, fried masa stuffed with heirloom beans and topped with your choice of protein or vegetables. For $5 more, you can opt for a short rib or smoked squash tlayuda, a thin corn tortilla that’s a popular Mexican street food.
Courtesy, Serra by Birreria
Serra by Birreria
200 Fifth Ave., Flatiron District, Manhattan
Serra means “greenhouse” in Italian—and you’ll definitely feel the verdant energy at Serra by Birreria. Perched on Eataly’s rooftop in the Flatiron District, this eatery is a love letter to summers in the Italian countryside. Sip a birra alla spina (beer on tap) or imbibe with a seasonal spritz. For NYC Restaurant Week, Serra by Birreria offers a caprese salad with house-made mozzarella, a crisp insalata verde or golden supplì to start your two-course lunch or three-course dinner. Of course, there’s pasta to choose from, along with Italian wine specials that start at $45 a bottle.
