Though we’re experiencing a very warm winter by NYC standards, temperatures are still low enough to require a heat lamp to dine outside comfortably. Al fresco dining is one of our favorite summer activities, and we see no reason to give it up come the winter weather.
Beat the winter chill at these dining favorites fully stocked with heat lamps to keep you extra toasty. Dig into your meal alongside great company, enjoy a cocktail or two and support local businesses.
From uptown to downtown, to the city's most outer boroughs, New York offers some great winter al fresco dining, and this list proves it.
See also: 11 Sizzling Steakhouses in NYC
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65 2nd Ave. / 212.777.1608 / Website
Pizza is always delicious, but there’s something about a piping hot slice during the colder months that is just so satisfying. Double Zero offers a healthier approach to one of the world’s most popular foods, serving pizza fired in the custom-built wood-burning oven and topped with tree-nut cheeses and other plant-based toppings. Their gorgeous outdoor seating is equipped with overhead heat lamps to keep you and your pizza toasty warm.
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Multiple locations / Website
This charming cafe from the land down under is a local favorite for fresh bowls, burgers and pasta. With multiple locations throughout Manhattan (all equipped with heat lamps for added outdoor dining comfort), you’re never more than a stone’s throw away. Breakfast, or should we say brekkie, is served till 4PM with avocado toast on fresh sourdough, or eggs in every way you can imagine. The wide-ranging dinner menu features grain bowls for the health-conscious or juicy beef burgers for the savory inclined.
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Multiple locations / Website
Furry friends are invited to brunch at this American eatery. The menu is large and in charge, with options ranging from salads to burgers, pasta and more. The Barking Dog serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of space to spread out. The outdoor eating area is covered and heated for a cozy atmosphere you’ll enjoy no matter the season, and with delicious cocktails, what’s not to love?
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77 Fulton St. / 212.243.1500 / Website
For fabulous pizza, an excellent wine list and a family-owned business, look no further. Kesté serves up a huge variety of incredible pies and even offers each of their pizzas made entirely gluten-free in a separate kitchen with a dedicated gluten-free oven, significantly lessening the chance of cross-contamination. It can get busy quickly, so be sure to arrive early to secure outdoor seating.
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222 Lafayette St. / 646.882.1939 / Website
Everyone loves a good bowl of noodles, and that’s why we think you’ll just love this Vietnamese restaurant. Nestled on Lafayette Street just across from Lt. Petrosino square, this Soho spot has a large outdoor dining area with a tent for cover and heat lamps for warmth. Breakfast is served all day (egg bahn mi, anyone?), and the lunch and dinner options include all things noodles, avec or sans broth. BoCaphe caters to the herbivores and carnivores alike with protein options of chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp and tofu.
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38 E. 19th St. / 212.475.5829 / Website
Under the helm of Jean-George Vongerichten, abcV delivers delicious vegan food chock-full of seasonal ingredients and bright flavor. The cozy outdoor patio is complete with heat lamps and umbrellas for a comfortable dining atmosphere. We recommend the whole roasted cauliflower with turmeric tahini, za’atar, date molasses pomegranate, red zhug, fresh herbs and pistachio.
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88 Madison Ave. / 212.691.0555 / Website
This NoMad hotspot has one of the cutest outdoor dining setups in NYC, as their heated tables are always adorned with seasonal foliage. Do some people watching while dining on their elevated pasta dishes and enjoying a bottle from the extensive wine list. Be sure to make a reservation early, as this fan-favorite books out quickly.
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26 Little West 12th St. / 646.624.2441 / Website
This chic lounge is truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With great music, a vibey atmosphere, a curated menu of top-quality ingredients, and views for days, STK reigns as one of downtown Manhattan’s hottest spots. STK’s menu offers the highest quality cuts of USDA beef for a difference you can taste. Plus, the weekend brunch can not be beaten. Sip on a cocktail or two, and drink up the Gotham city skyline from their outdoor patio.
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134 Edridge St. / Website
With a vibey heated outdoor patio and delicious cocktails, there’s a reason this Lower East Side haunt consistently ranks among the top cocktail bars in the world. Attaboy makes a fabulous date spot, though it doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to arrive early and put your name down. Happy sipping!
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52 Gansevoort St. / 212.929.4844 / Website
There’s something so right about French food during the winter months, and Pastis never disappoints. With delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch menus, this all-day eatery is a great place to catch up with friends. P.S. Don’t skip out on dessert!
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597 Hudson Street, 212.206.1100 / Website
If you’re looking for the comforts of home, Bus Stop Cafe’s cozy atmosphere is the place for you. This gem in the heart of the West Village is family owned and operated with a menu full of American diner classics (think pancakes, omelets and bagels with lox). Locals know this eatery is multifaceted - you can just as easily enjoy an intimate date night here, have a weekend catch up with friends, or dine alone in the prime location for people-watching.
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115 E. 60th St. / 212.339.8363 / Website
The Mediterranean way of life places a huge emphasis on dining al fresco, so it comes as no surprise that Amali has perfected the outdoor dining experience. Their menu of fresh vegetables, olive oil, cheese, grains, fish and more is served in the cozy patio space. We recommend bringing a few friends, as you’ll want to taste the whole menu, trust us.
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240 Central Park South, 212.582.5100 / Website
Chef Lauren Desteno elevates seafood and pasta at this award-winning restaurant just south of Central Park. Marea serves high-end Italian fare with an emphasis on the freshest catches of the sea. Dining at Marea is an experience that indulges all your senses. The upscale eatery creates the perfect cozy ambiance with string lights and a colorful floral canopy that transports you to a lush garden somewhere in the south of Italy.
So get out, enjoy some fresh air, and support local NYC restaurants with some al fresco dining this winter season. With toasty warm heaters and world-class cuisine, you're sure to find a meal to remember.
Photography by: Quentin Basnier/Unsplash
