Are you searching for the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC? If so, keep reading!
Finding affordable restaurants with a view in NYC can be tricky.
Of course, anywhere with a view is premium real estate – and (more often than not) you’ll find that big prices come with those big views.
But saying that, finding affordable restaurants with a view in NYC isn’t impossible.
Not all amazing views in the city have a hefty price tag attached.
In fact, we’ve found some of our favorite affordable restaurants with a view in NYC and put them all in this handy list for you!
Why choose a restaurant with a view? There’s just nothing better than eating some amazing food and looking over the city.
NYC has some of the best views in the world – and some of them happen to be from the affordable restaurants on this list!
So, if you’re looking for the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get into it!
Here are our favorite affordable restaurants with a view in NYC…
Time Out Market, DUMBO
First up on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s the Time Out Market, NYC.
Now, this is more of a foodhall, than a restaurant – but it’s next-level amazing and serves up some of the BEST views in the city.
The foodhall is on the ground floor, but they have an epic roof terrace with indoor and outdoor seating and incredible views over the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown Manhattan.
Food-wise there’s a bit of everything here. Because of the ‘market-style’ layout, you can grab a little bit of something from all the vendors.
This ranges from fresh pizza, pasta, sandwiches, noodles, and so much more – and you’ll get a great meal here for less than $15. This is definitely one of the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
Merchants River House
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s Merchants River House.
It’s tricky to find affordable restaurants with a view of NYC, but Merchants River House is one of our favorites.
Not only was this restaurant named the Diner’s Choice in 2020 by Open Table, but it has a reputation for being one of the top affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
Among the delicious menu items here you’ll find Steamed Mussels, Lobster Mac & Cheese, various salads, and perhaps the best Hanger Steak in the city.
If you have room for dessert, you just have to try the NY Cheese Cake. Perfectly tangy and complete with a delicious strawberry compote, you’ll find yourself booking a table at this affordable restaurant with a view in NYC before you even leave the premises.
This is a fantastic choice for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
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Gaonnouri
The next place on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s Gaonnouri.
Not only does Gannouri have some of the most incredible skyline views in all of Manhattan, but it’s also home to the best Korean food in the city.
Although you will have to budget if you want to keep this as one of your affordable restaurants with a view in NYC to visit, you should be able to dine here with some pocket change leftover.
If you’re really pinching pennies, we recommend grabbing an appetizer or two and filling up at lunchtime.
Sure, this may not feel as glamourous as indulging in one of their popular set meals, but it allows Gaonnouri to be considered one of the most affordable restaurants with a view in NYC that you should definitely check out.
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Smorgasburg
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s Smorgasburg.
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market in NYC, and they have a few different locations.
The location with the best views is probably the market that takes place in Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Brooklyn.
It’s right across the river from NYC’s famous skyline so you’ll be treated some incredible views.
It’s affordable (of course) because it’s market style, and the vendors offer really reasonable prices on their street food! It shouldn’t cost more than $20 here to get a great meal and a drink or two.
City Vinevard
City Vineyard has been one of the most popular affordable restaurants with a view in NYC since it opened.
With gorgeous views of the Hudson River, speciality wines, and amazing dishes from Executive Chef Mario Arnero, this is a dining experience that won’t disappoint you.
The food here is fantastic, but it’s the decor and atmosphere that we find most appealing.
Leather seating and oak tables make this one of the coziest affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
Gigino
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s Gigino. Located in Wagner Park, Gigino is one of those restaurants that has always been a fan favorite.
If you pick your menu items carefully, you’ll be able to dine at Gigino for under $30.
Considering this place offers some of the best views of the skyline that you can find in the city, we feel a $30 dining fee per person is more than reasonable.
If you fancy making this affordable restaurant with a view in NYC even cheaper, then why not order a couple of appetizers and call it a day?
Even the small plates here are generously portioned, so you can certainly get away with it. Just remember to consider tips and service in your budget – there’s nothing worse than being faced with a tip you can’t afford!
The Greens at Pier 17
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s The Greens at Pier 17.
If you’re on the hunt for rooftop dining and drinks with some breath-taking views of NYC, then you really can’t beat The Greens at Pier 17.
Although this won’t be an amazing spot to choose for rainy days (it’s fully alfresco!), The Greens at Pier 17 serves delicious food and drinks using fresh ingredients.
There are plenty of flavorful items on the menu here, but our ultimate pick would have to be the Maine Lobster Roll.
Not only is it surprisingly affordable (hey, it’s lobster!), but it’s perfectly simple and bursting with flavor. Delectable. A great choice for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC!
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Maiella
If you’re on the hunt for incredible, affordable food that will fill that hole in your stomach, then you can’t do better than Maiella.
This might not seem like one of the most affordable restaurants with a view in NYC… But it’s all about knowing how to make this one work for your budget!
Whilst some of the main courses can cost $60+, you can actually grab a delicious pizza here for as little as $15, and a couple of sides shouldn’t boost your bill to ludicrous heights.
If you want to keep your meal as cheap as possible, skip the wine! We wouldn’t encourage missing out on a wonderful tipple or two, but alcohol prices can take any bill from affordable to extortionate – so, watch out!
This is an amazing choice for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, if you’re willing to be smart about what you order!
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East Hae
You won’t get absolutely sensational views at East Hae, but it’s still considered one of the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
We understand that most people will want incredible views of the skyline. However, you’ll likely pay a premium for this experience.
What we love about East Hae is the fact that it’s cheap, it’s friendly, and it still provides excellent views of NYC.
You do have to make reservations at this Korean Gastropub, so don’t expect to rock up and be seated without waiting for quite some time.
Despite its shortcomings, we still feel East Hae deserves a place on our list of the top affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
Read more NYC food inspiration: What is the best pizza in New York City
Icehouse Cafe
Are you on the hunt for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC? Are you also a massive fan of Italian food and seafood? If so, then the Icehouse Cafe has got your back.
Of course, the views of the city speak for themselves.
However, we feel the need to wax lyrical about this place’s food. All the seafood here is made fresh to order, which means each dish is ridiculously fresh.
The Frutti Di Mare over linguini is particularly popular, so we highly recommend ordering it if you happen to dine here.
If you fancy something meatier, why not give the house chicken wings a try? Deemed the “Best Wings in New York” by the Daily News, this is a staple menu item that will probably blow your mind.
Whatever you choose to order, this is one of the top affordable restaurants with a view in NYC that will please most people.
Hudson Eats
Although Hudson Eats isn’t technically one of the most affordable restaurants in NYC (it’s considered more of a food court!), we felt we’d include it on our list for you good folk.
Not only does Hudson Eats give you an incredible level of choice that’s unmatched anywhere else in the city, but you can keep your bill down by choosing small portions and not going overboard.
Of course, we can’t promise that you won’t order a selection of different dishes, but we promise you won’t regret it if you do.
With gorgeous views of the city and some of the most incredible pulled pork around, we highly recommend checking this affordable restaurant with a view in NYC on your next trip.
It’s a great choice for the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
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Wholefoods (Bryant Park)
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s the Wholefoods in Bryant Park.
Whilst this is more well known as a grocery store, on the top floor you’ll find some great food options and some amazing views of Bryant Park too!
So, pick a delicious serving of food from Wholefoods, and take a window seat overlooking Bryant Park! It’s one of the best views of this cute little midtown park!
Bad Roman
Next on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s Bad Roman.
This place has the most wonderful view of Central Park, and whilst it isn’t the cheapest restaurant on this list, if you’re clever about what you order – you can dine here pretty cheaply and enjoy the views from a bargain price!
The food here is Italian-inspired, and the pasta dishes are simply delicious (so make sure you try one!). But you could order a selection of smaller dishes too, and be super satisfied.
It’s a great choice for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC. This place is pretty new in the city too – and flying under the radar at the moment!
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Industry Kitchen
Both minimalistic and affordable, this industrial indoor and outdoor spot is one of the most affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
If you’re worried about your view being impeded by windows, then don’t be.
Not only does this 5,000 square-foot restaurant have plenty of open space, but all the windows are floor-to-ceiling, meaning you won’t miss a single section of the NYC skyline.
Industry Kitchen is such a great choice for affordable restaurants with a view in NYC.
Aside from the amazing unobstructed views, we consider this one of the best affordable restaurants with a view in NYC because of its food. The regular weekday menu is both reasonable and delicious.
However, it’s the brunch menu that keeps people coming back. With homemade muesli, smoked salmon sandwiches, and a large full breakfast all appearing for brunch, it’s unsurprising that this is one of the affordable restaurants with a view in NYC that’s always packed out!
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The Skylark
And last on our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, it’s The SkyLark. This is actually more of a nightlife venue, and it’s a fantastic place for a night out!
However, if you book a table earlier in the evening, it’s a great restaurant to enjoy some affordable snacks and food.
Now, we’ll give you a heads up – the cocktails and alcoholic drinks aren’t cheap here. But if you’re heading there for food, it’s actually quite reasonable (especially given the AMAZING views on offer).
The small bites are priced around $14 – $25 each, and a few plates would definitely be enough!
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Bonus suggestion: Terrazzo Rooftop Bar
We’re ending our list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, with the lovely Terrazzo Bar located inside the Park Terrace Hotel.
You’ll get a view of the Empire State Building here, as well as the New York Public Library and the wonderful Bryant Park.
Whilst they don’t do food here, it’s a lovely and affordable roftop terrace, and a really underrated location in the city, that isn’t mentioned in many lists.
We hope this list of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC has inspired you!
Want more ideas? Well, if you’re looking for rooftop restaurants in NYC, follow that link for a blog post with some more ideas!
As you can see, there are loads of affordable restaurants with a view in NYC, and you don’t need to pay loads for incredible views in New York City!
