As August unfolds, many still chase the carefree vibes of summer, even amidst the creeping back-to-school dread. With kids away at sleepaway camp, the anticipation of their return makes this season feel fleeting, igniting a desire to savor these last sun-soaked days full of outdoor adventures. For those not heading to the East End, a curated list of New York’s best restaurants serves as a reminder that summer is far from over. Enjoy sunsets over shellfish towers, refreshing slushy daiquiris, campfire cooking, and blissful nights spent at outdoor pizza patios surrounded by fireflies.
Dinner at the Yacht Club, located at 212 12th Avenue, presents a delightful escape. Covering a sprawling 20,000 square feet, this exquisite indoor-outdoor venue offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River. Guests can unwind on the Lido Deck, sipping cold Champagne, white Negronis, and large-format tequila punches infused with juicy grapefruits and limes. For groups, breezy cabanas come equipped with sofas, loungers, and a stocked Yeti cooler.
When the sun dips down, the dining room beckons, resembling a luxury schooner with a menu featuring enticing options like Sailor Babys oysters, steak tartare, and lobster rolls. Diners can also indulge in ample plates such as skate wing meuniere and tomahawk steak frites. It’s the perfect place to dream of being shipwrecked.
On Doyers Street in Chinatown, Lei wine bar offers a cozy atmosphere filled with history and love. Although it opened only recently, its charm is undeniable, illuminated by taper candles. Named after Annie Shi’s late sister, this new hotspot celebrates Chinese cooking loved by the Queen native. Chef Patty Lee, formerly of Mission Chinese, delights patrons with handmade cat’s ear noodles in a rich lamb ragu and beef carpaccio for the Couples’ Delight.
If you prefer scallops, the Montauk scallop crudo with ginger and lily buds awaits, perfectly paired with a stunning 25-page wine list curated by wine director Matt Turner, showcasing renowned producers and up-and-coming wineries from Italy, Greece, and China. Not only does Lei cater to connoisseurs, but it also serves as a wonderful introduction to new favorites.
As for Happy Hour, Bar Kabawa, the more casual sibling of the award-winning Kabawa restaurant located at 8 Extra Place, creates an island vibe with a fun and fizzy atmosphere. With games of dice and dominoes available, along with slushy rum-and-lime daiquiris served over hand-cranked shaved ice, it’s an experience that exudes joy.
Paul Charmichael’s creations shine through delicious patties – stuffed with curry crab, short ribs with conch, and pepperpot duck with foie – paired with festive cocktails adorned with paper umbrellas. Bar Kabawa transcends the typical restaurant; it embodies a state of delightful wonder perfect for summer celebrations.
Lunch spots are essential for enjoying the high-energy rhythm of summer days, and Fini Patio Bar at 159 Bridge Park Drive is a must-visit. This red-sauce restaurant, opened by Sean Feeney and Will Unseld, transcends regular pizza joints, offering tantalizing chicken Parm, sausage-stuffed peppers, and fried calamari alongside exceptional pizza options.
For those who run in Brooklyn Bridge Park, pairing the workout with lunch at Fini makes the effort worthwhile. The breezy waterfront location also offers a peaceful environment for diners with children, who can play while adults enjoy food and drinks.
Further East, Léon 1909 at 29 West Neck Road, Shelter Island, is an enticing spot for those who lean toward glamping rather than traditional camping. The chef, Armond Joseph, renowned for his fire-roasting technique, prepares meals on a hearth every evening that are simply magnificent. Drawing produce from local farms, Léon embraces fresh ingredients in every dish.
From crispy fried tiny spearing fish, featuring lemon and aioli, to ceviche made from Montauk surf clams in freshly harvested nasturtium leaves, the focus on local earthiness enhances every bite. The signature roast chicken, which Joseph dry-brines and slow-cooks on the hearth, emerges with perfectly rendered skin, crisp and flavorful.
There’s also a mouthwatering 75-day dry-aged rib-eye showcasing the deep flavor fostered by the hearth’s embers. Each dish embodies elemental cooking, captivating food enthusiasts and igniting a sense of wonder in the culinary experience.
As summer winds down, now is the time to explore New York’s best dining spots, making memories and delighting in the last days of warm evenings and vibrant flavors that the season brings.
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