Westlight — Restaurant in New York

Westlight is truly a unique and memorable experience. Set atop the William Vale, this rooftop bar/restaurant was one of the first recommendations from my host as a local must-see, and having been there, I understand why.

Westlight is located on the 22nd floor of the building, accessible only through a marked and guarded elevator. Once you arrive, you are greeted by several very friendly and hospitable hosts who can either schedule a reservation for outside seating (which is usually needed due to the popularity of the view), seat you inside, or guide you to the open rooftop bar area.

Should you choose to embark to the rooftop, there is a small bar with a pared-down menu, as well as ample space for enjoying your beverage and absorbing the gorgeous views of the city. There are even lawn games, bean bags, and various seating areas for group mingling.

Back downstairs for food, you can sit (or stand and order drinks) inside in a very modern, but comfortable dining area and bar. This area is actually very nice, but is eclipsed by the splendor of the outdoor seating area, which provides nest 360 views of the city, with intermittent mounted binoculars for viewing.

Getting past the strong aesthetic value and to the food and drinks, there is a wide variety of beverages to select from, including beer, wine, and various cocktails. Much to my surprise and pleasure, there are also non-alcoholic cocktail options (called soft cocktails), which, if you follow me, means a lot, and really sold Westlight in my book. I was able to try both the Pinwheel and the Cheeky Cherry Cola. I was impressed with how both of them actually felt like a drink, with flavor and a slight herby kick, not just juice or soda.

The food options are surprisingly simple and easy to parse, with a variety of options from fries to burgers to sea bass. After conferring with the server, I selected the tempura bass buns, a favorite as per his recommendation.

I won't sugar coat it - this place is not cheap. But it doesn't pretend to be. It is a destination, and one with not only a beautiful views, but also delicious food. The bass buns at first appeared disappointingly small in portion, but as I took my first bites, it became clear that there is more to them than meets the eye. The flavor of the tempura was on point, crispy and light but firm, with a slight taste of the cooking oil but not enough to overpower. There was also a spectacular sauce that really paired well with the bass and provided a good balance of flavors and textures. Finally, though small, I found myself enjoying the dish for much longer than expected, perhaps as a result of savoring each bite or perhaps due to (positively) deceptive sizing of the buns to the fish. Either way, I was more than satisfied with the food, particularly given that Westlight is as much about the experience as the food itself.

I would strongly recommend this restaurant/bar if you happen to be in the Williamsburg area and are looking for a unique dining experience. It is spendy, so it may not be a practical go-to, but is definitely...

What started off as a 3 star experience ended with a 10 star experience in my book. First I will commend Diego for his professionalism and hospitality.

3 star start: I made a reservation for two. The place was busy but not as crowded as it usually gets. My friend and I really went for drinks but also ordered some bites. Out of the two bites we ordered one came, which was the duck tacos. It was decent. We also ordered a shrimp platter. After about 35 minutes after first receiving the tacos, I asked the waitress what was going on. She said it was sent to another table by mistake and she put in the order again. I said okay, mistakes happen and it was forgivable. After another twenty minutes the platter came. I thought to myself this is acceptable if a ten year old made it. It was so poor tasting and disappointing. My friend went ahead and ordered another drink. Guess what, the busser places it on the wrong table. A table where guests just sat down and didn’t even order yet. Every drink we ordered came without straws and we had to ask for it. I was ready to go to another restaurant so we asked for the check. I told our waitress, not even thinking about getting it removed from the bill or anything about the shrimp platter. She grabbed it up, said okay and walked away, drenched in attitude before I was even done talking.I just shook my head.

10 star rating: Let me start off by saying often times establishments pay attention to big spenders. The tables that are buying in the hundreds and thousands. My table was a table of two with just a few drinks purchased and bites.

Diego came over to apologize and at the end of our conversation I felt like, as a customer, whether I spent $200 or $1,000, my business and me having a good dining experience mattered to him.

This is the type of management you need. He absolutely took care of us until I started feeling so bad in the end for complaining. Unfortunately, the service was not so good in the beginning and I believe that he will take the necessary action to ensure future customers have a wonderful dining experience.

I am so grateful for Diego changing the experience from a negative to positive one because Westlight was on my list of must go places while in NY. The view is absolutely amazing.

The ribs are tender and delicious and the curry cashew is so good! You should definitely try it.

Keep up the good work Diego! You’re...

Westlight offers an unparalleled culinary journey, where every bite and sip transports you to a realm of exquisite flavors and impeccable service. From the moment you step foot into this elevated oasis, you are greeted with warmth and sophistication, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The attentive staff, guided by a passion for hospitality, curates each moment with precision, ensuring every need is met with grace and efficiency.

The culinary offerings at Westlight are nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with the finest ingredients and innovative techniques, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dance upon the palate. From delicate small plates to sumptuous entrees, every bite is a revelation, leaving you craving for more.

And let's not forget about the cocktails – a true highlight of the experience. Expertly crafted by master mixologists, each cocktail is a work of art, marrying unique flavors and premium spirits to create libations that tantalize the senses and ignite the imagination. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or a bespoke creation, the options are endless and the quality unparalleled.

But beyond the exceptional food and cocktails, what truly sets Westlight apart is the ambiance. Perched high above the city, the panoramic views of the skyline create a magical backdrop for an evening of indulgence. Whether you're savoring a meal with loved ones or enjoying a cocktail with friends, the atmosphere is imbued with an air of sophistication and charm, making every moment feel like a celebration.

In sum, Westlight is more than just a restaurant and bar – it's an experience. A five-star destination where culinary mastery meets impeccable service, inviting you to embark on a journey of gastronomic delight and unparalleled luxury. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an unforgettable...