Don’t hide in the shade. Take advantage of the warm sun and fresh air by dining outdoors for a change.—Jessica Wang
Barbetta Restaurant
212-246-9171
321 W. 46th St.
Founded in 1906, Barbetta, which specializes in the cuisine of Italy’s Piemont region, is one of the oldest restaurants in New York.
Battery Gardens
212-809-5508
1 Battery Park Plaza
Gaze at the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island while you dine at this beautiful waterfront venue located in the financial district. Perfect for an enjoyable business luncheon or a hot date.
The Park
212-352-3313
118 10th Ave.
Slurp cocktails, puff on a cigarette and people watch in the garden of this laid-back café. The Park, which features a "red room" decorated with Chinese lanterns, also offers free entertainment on Sunday nights.
Pure Food and Wine
212-477-1010
54 Irving Pl.
This raw-food restaurant prepares organic dishes in blenders and dehydrators. Its 60-seat outdoor garden is filled with trees and fruit completed with cherry wood tables and chairs.
Le Jardin Bistro
212-343-9599
25 Cleveland Pl.
Have a tranquil brunch or a light supper at this modest French eatery located in Soho. Its white lace curtains and lush back garden adorned with grapevines and fresh vegetables make Le Jardin Bistro a great getaway from the huge crowds of summer tourists.
Japonais
212-260-2020
111 E. 18th St.
Elaborately furnished with plush leather, velvet window banquet seating and orange-and-black mirrored walls completed with a sizeable outdoor dining area, this sleek restaurant serves up Japanese-inspired cuisine.
Imagine Bar & Grill
212-228-2282
132 1st Ave.
Take a break from all those exotic and fusion cuisines that seem to have taken over New York City and enjoy some gourmet dishes from the American Southwest. Arrange a family gathering or catch up with old friends at this cozy restaurant, which features a brick interior and a plant-filled back garden.
Masala Garden
212-362-1767
226 W. 79th St.
Entice your taste buds with some authentic Indian cuisine. Sample Masala Garden’s specialties—the clay oven prepared tandoori chicken and the chicken tikka masala in its year-round garden.
Nello’s
212-980-9099
696 Madison Ave.
Can’t tolerate the scorching sun and buzzing insects that come with outdoor dining? Check out Nello’s, which features a full indoor garden. Also a plus: Nello’s is a favorite among famous faces including Jessica Simpson, Eric Clapton and Hillary Clinton.
Café Espanol
212-505-0657
172 Bleecker St.
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Café Espanol is a traditional Spanish bistro offering specialty items such as paella flavored with wild saffron, imported Spanish manchego cheese, Serrano ham and imported pulpo. Its small but charming garden is perfect for a lazy afternoon of sangrias.
