By Ayana L. Haywood
With all the heat in the city during these summer months there is something about dining at a fine restaurant, having a mouth-watering dish and admiring a view of the river. Here are some Manhattan restaurants worth your while that offer a scenic river view as well as palatable menus.
The Water Club Restaurant
The East River and FDR Drive via East 23rd Street
212-683-3333; thewaterclub.com
At the Crow’s Nest, the upper deck dining spot, guests can enjoy the scenic view between the months of May and late September. A view of the river can be seen from every table in the dining room as the fireplace and nightly piano music fill the room.
Harbour Lights Restaurant
Pier 17, South Street Seaport, 3rd Fl.
212-227-2800; harbourlightsrestuarant.com
Known to have the most romantic view in Manhattan, the restaurant offers American, seafood and contemporary cuisine. For dinner, the menu offers an apple wood roasted crispy chicken breast with French beans, roasted lemon and garlic sauce. For brunch there is black olive crusted salmon medallions which come with sautéed spinach and tomato fondue.
Steamers Landing
375 S. End Ave.
212-432-1451; steamerslanding.com
Located near the Hudson River esplanade, this café offers a casual dining experience with a view of the river from two outdoor garden terraces. From appetizers to pizzas and pastas guests can enjoy it all. Take in the view by savoring some sesame crusted calamari and pan seared pork tenderloin with some polenta on the side. Or try macadamia crusted tilapia with black bean and charred corn salsa with red pepper pesto.
The West 79th Boat Basin Café
West 79th Street and the Hudson River
212-496-5542; boatbasincafe.com
Dining on the patio offers a view of the marina and the Hudson at this outdoor restaurant. The location is kid friendly and caters to private parties. A variety is offered on the menu. In the burger selection there are turkey, veggie and classic burgers. Grilled chicken paillard with sun dried tomato relish, orzo, red peppers and black olive salad is among the entrées. The kids can enjoy an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich or turkey or ham sandwich.
Cabana Nuevo Latino Restaurant
Pier 17, South Street Seaport
212-406-1155; cabananyc.ypguides.net
This Latin American restaurant and bar is on the upper deck of the South Street Seaport. Try the paella valenciana, a mixture of clams, mussels, shrimp and chicken in a garlic and saffron rice.
Rise at the Ritz-Carlton
2 West St.
212-344-0800; ritzcarlton.com
This 14th floor bar and terrace offers a scenic view of the river. Offerings include Maine lobster rolls, mini burgers plus the six artisan cheese plate. If you are just in the mood for drinks, try the vanilla cosmos and basil strawberry mojitos.
