Top 5 Restaurants Near Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park along the Long Island City waterfront is one of our favorite spots to take in views of the Manhattan skyline. And with awesome restaurants surrounding the park, it makes for a perfect outing when you want scenic city views paired with top-notch cuisine.

After checking out many of the restaurants in the area, here are our personal top 5 restaurant recommendations near Gantry Plaza State Park:

1. SHI 

For trendy Asian fusion plates in a super cool setting, check out SHI. This restaurant has insane floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the Manhattan skyline across the river.

The sleek, exotic decor and open kitchen set the mood for an awesome pan-Asian dining experience. With creative sushi rolls, dumplings, pad thai and more, the menu matches the sexy ambiance. Don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth Short Ribs.

2. Blend on the Water 

For waterfront dining at its best, make a reservation at Blend on the Water. This restaurant located right on the pier has a lively indoor space but the outdoor patio is the star.

Snag a table on their patio overlooking the river and take in the views of the passing boats with the city skyline in the background. Pair it with some sangria or mojitos and tasty Latin fusion plates like empanadas, roasted pork shoulder, and sea bass.

It’s not cheap, but the relaxing environment paired with the food and drinks makes it a perfect weekend splurge in the warmer months.

3. Skinny’s Cantina 

If you’re looking for good Mexican food in a casual, festive setting, check out Skinny’s Cantina. This spot isn’t right on the waterfront but it’s just a short walk from Gantry Park.

Skinny’s is known for their house margaritas and Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, fajitas and more. The vibrant, artsy decor and lively vibe make it a great choice for drinks, guac and chips after a day at the park. And prices are budget-friendly.

4. Blend 

Blend is an upscale Latin American restaurant just a quick stroll from Gantry Park. Blend infuses various Latin flavors into contemporary cuisine ranging from tapas to steaks.

The classy ambiance with dim lighting and brick walls makes it a nice choice for a romantic dinner or group night out. Dishes tend to be on the pricier side but you’re paying for high quality.

5. Maiella 

Maiella is a go-to spot when you’re craving upscale Italian with a side of stunning views. This place has huge windows and a nice outdoor terrace with awesome views of the Manhattan skyline and landmarks like the Chrysler Building.

Inside, the rustic-chic vibe continues with exposed brick, wood beams, and concrete floors. The food totally lives up to the top-notch setting. Their creamy homemade burrata and Nutella pizza with fresh strawberries have become a personal favorite. It’s a little pricey but worth it for the scenic experience.

SESAMO- Italian Restaurant Hell’s Kitchen NYC

We couldn’t write about the area without mentioning SESAMO, an Italian Asian Fusion restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s not in Gantry Plaza State Park, but is definitely worth the drive to experience their Italian Asian fusion dishes. They also offer a Theater Prixe Fixe everyday from 4:30p until closing, so grab some dinner before heading to the theater!

So there you have it – our picks for the top 5 restaurants to try on your next visit to Gantry Plaza State Park area. From Italian to Mexican and fusion spots in between, you’ll find awesome food with great views and vibes all around the park.