Vintage Green Rooftop — Restaurant in New York

The Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in the heart of Murray Hill, Vintage Green Rooftop stands as a verdant crown jewel in Manhattan’s ever-evolving skyline. This 11,000-square-foot oasis seamlessly marries the romance of vintage aesthetics with the sophistication of modern luxury, creating an experience that transcends the typical rooftop bar scene.

The Views: A 360-Degree Love Letter to Manhattan. The moment you step onto Vintage Green’s expansive terrace, you’re greeted by what can only be described as a breathtaking 360-degree embrace of Midtown Manhattan. The iconic Empire State Building rises like a beacon to the west, while the Art Deco magnificence of the Chrysler Building catches the light to the north. The East River glimmers in the distance, adding a serene counterpoint to the urban energy below. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause mid-conversation, cocktail in hand, simply to absorb the grandeur of the city spread out beneath you.

Atmosphere: Where Vintage Charm Meets Modern Elegance. True to its name, Vintage Green cultivates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary. The space thoughtfully incorporates lush greenery throughout, creating intimate garden-like pockets that offer respite from the bustling energy of Midtown below. The retractable glass atrium is a stroke of genius, allowing for year-round enjoyment regardless of New York’s unpredictable weather. Whether you’re nestled in the cozy indoor section during a crisp autumn evening or basking in the open-air splendor of a summer night, the space adapts beautifully to every season.

The Experience: Elevated in Every Sense The venue strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and exclusivity. Located just steps from Grand Central Station, it’s remarkably convenient for both locals and visitors, yet the 16th-floor perch provides the perfect escape from street-level chaos. The thoughtful design creates multiple intimate spaces within the larger venue, making it equally suitable for romantic date nights, corporate gatherings, or celebratory occasions with friends.

Culinary Excellence: Small Plates, Big Flavors The menu showcases a carefully curated selection of gourmet small plates that complement the sophisticated ambiance without overwhelming it. Each dish is crafted with the same attention to detail that characterizes the entire Vintage Green experience. The craft cocktail program deserves particular praise, featuring creative concoctions that incorporate fresh ingredients and premium spirits, perfectly suited to the garden-inspired setting.

Service: Polished and Professional The staff at Vintage Green embodies the perfect blend of Manhattan sophistication and genuine hospitality. They’re knowledgeable about the extensive wine and cocktail offerings, attentive without being intrusive, and clearly take pride in being part of what has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after rooftop destinations.

The Verdict: A Must-Visit Manhattan Gem Vintage Green Rooftop isn’t just another addition to New York’s crowded rooftop scene—it’s a destination that elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening with unparalleled city views, a sophisticated venue for entertaining clients, or simply a beautiful space to celebrate life’s special moments, this verdant sanctuary delivers on every front.

The combination of stunning 360-degree views, thoughtful design, excellent service, and that ineffable quality that makes certain places feel truly special positions Vintage Green as one of Manhattan’s premier rooftop experiences. It’s the kind of place that transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary memory, where the city’s energy mingles with garden tranquility to create something...

So I decided my husband and I needed to celebrate in appropriate style during our weekend in NYC. At the same time, we wanted to be mindful of our caloric intake because alas, we're at that age. Just as important to acknowledge, we are hot weather wimps, so we didn't want to venture too far from our Midtown East hotel. Noticing this spot checked off all the boxes, I made a reservation little realizing how recently it had opened.

Sure enough, it was just a 15-minute walk to the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel on Lexington in Murray Hill. The restaurant was up on the 16th floor, high enough to afford nice urban views including the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. The place felt like it was still trying to find its sea legs. People were looking a bit anxious waiting at the bar and in the reception area, but thanks to our reservation, we got seated fairly quickly on the patio.

The setting sun was hitting our eyes, and before we said anything, the hostess reseated us under some shade. We appreciated the proactive move and decided celebratory cocktails were in order. My husband had the $19 Mister Spicy, an ideal summertime libation with "frozen" ghost tequila, chinola mango, coconut, lime, and toasted coconut salt. I went for the $21 On Cloud Nine, a tantalizing mix of Grey Goose, combier rose, watermelon, and lime.

My husband and I kept it light and simple because gluttony was not an option. We split the $20 Margherita Pizza which we knew was a can't-miss choice with di Paolo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. Our instincts proved to be correct. Each of us ordered an entree salad. My husband went with the $16 Green Goddess Wedge where the baby iceberg was disassembled and combined with avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

It was gratefully without creamy blue cheese. I decided to have the $17 Waldorf Salad made with celery root, green grapes, apple, walnuts, and - guess what - the blue cheese that went missing on my husband's wedges. Both salads were refreshing in the midst of the excessive humidity, just the right amount of food. Once finished, we took a stroll around the rooftop which was a lot more expansive than we had assumed. Definitely a New York State of Mind.

FOOD / COCKTAILS - 4 stars...expert libations, simple quality food AMBIANCE - 5 stars...cinematic rooftop views...and I like Ben and his bubblegum in the restroom SERVICE - 4 stars...conscientious, a bit distant TOTAL - 4 stars...a rooftop experience...

To mark my move to the city, I decided to celebrate the only way a modern adult truly can: perched atop a rooftop with a cocktail in one hand and an oyster in the other. Vintage Green Rooftop delivered the ambiance I was looking for—breezy, stylish, and just the right amount of sceney without needing to wear sequins to blend in.

We sampled a wide spread, as one must when one is pretending this is a “special occasion” and not just a great excuse to try half the menu. The drinks were where the fun really bloomed. The rosé was fine—inoffensive, pretty, and exactly what you’d expect if wine could wear linen. But the flower-inspired cocktails? That’s where things got interesting. I believe we tried the Lavender Field, which may or may not have come with its own personality. My friend found it a bit sweet, but I rather liked it. It tasted like what a child imagines a butterfly tastes like—floral, delicate, slightly magical, and just barely plausible.

As for the food, it was a mixed bag—but a charming one.

The oysters were, as ever, fabulous. Briny, fresh, and confidently placed on ice like little edible jewels. The mushroom bao bun, on the other hand, didn’t win me over. Earthy and pillowy, yes, but not enough flavor to justify the bun real estate.

The wagyu katsura sandwich was enjoyable, though it felt a bit like it had been translated for a western palate—rich and tender, but missing the bold edge you’d expect from something wagyu-adjacent.

The avocado-miso chips were an unexpected hit. I definitely tasted the miso in the dip, which gave it a savory, almost fermented funkiness that played nicely with the creamy avocado. Weird? A little. Good? Definitely.

The charcuterie board was…fine. Nothing revolutionary, but frankly, I’m not in the business of criticizing cheese and prosciutto when they show up and behave themselves.

The view is what seals the deal. It’s the kind of place that makes you remember, “Oh right, this is why people romanticize rooftops in New York.” The staff was kind, attentive, and just the right amount of chatty without lingering like they were auditioning for a podcast.

All in all, Vintage Green Rooftop is a delightful spot to raise a glass to new beginnings—or just to drink something floral and pretend your life is a French arthouse film for an...