Xia Rooftop Bistro

One of my favorite rooftop spots to recommend, xia rooftop bistro tends to sit in the mid-to-upscale range — not absurdly pricey but definitely a step above fast casual. For light bites and starters you can expect roughly $8–$15, with shareable plates and flatbreads more like $14–$25. Main courses usually fall between $16 and $35 depending on protein and how adventurous the dish is.

Drinks push the total up: beers and wine by the glass are often $8–$14, cocktails hover around $12–$18, and a craft cocktail plus a main and a small plate will usually put you around $30–$50 per person. They sometimes run a weekend brunch or tasting evening where a fixed menu can be $35–$65 if you go full experience. For a casual date or meet-up I typically budget $40–$60 each if cocktails are involved, but you can definitely do a lighter visit for under $25 if you stick to a couple of mains and water.

I love that the price feels fair for the skyline view and relaxed vibe — it’s the kind of place where I’ll splurge for sunset once in a while and save for it the rest of the month.

Golden hour at Xia Rooftop Bistro turns the food into theater, and their signature plates are the main acts.

I usually start with the yuzu tuna tartare — bright, citrusy, and surprisingly crunchy thanks to a layer of toasted sesame crumbs. It feels fresh and modern, like the kitchen wanted a clean opener that still hits hard. For a heavier main, their smoked soy-glazed pork belly is the kind of dish that makes me close my eyes mid-bite: silky fat, lacquered glaze, and a little char that sings with pickled cucumber on the side. Another favorite is the truffle mushroom risotto; it’s creamy without being cloying and gets a rustic boost from shiitake and oyster mushrooms.

Dessert and drinks deserve a shout, too — the mango sticky rice with coconut foam is playful and not-too-sweet, and their signature rooftop cocktail (a smoky citrus mix with a rosemary spritz) pairs beautifully with anything on the menu. I always leave feeling like I’ve had a small, perfectly curated meal that rewards lingering over the view.

Totally digging the vibe up there, so here's what I usually tell friends: Xia Rooftop Bistro opens every day at 11:30 AM and wraps up service at 11:00 PM. If you’re looking to grab a late bite, the kitchen typically takes last orders around 10:30 PM, but the bar sometimes keeps pouring a bit later on Friday and Saturday nights — think midnight-ish for cocktail service when the crowd's right.

I like to split visits depending on mood: brunch or early-lunch crowds around noon, golden-hour window seats around 5:30–7:30 PM, and a cozier, music-driven scene after 9. The rooftop is weather-dependent, so the open-air sections might close earlier in bad weather, while the indoor area stays on its normal schedule.

If you’re planning something special, I’d aim for a reservation in the evening — the sunset views fill up fast. For me, those 11:30–23:00 hours strike a perfect balance between daytime chill and night-time energy; I always try to catch the sunset up there.

If you're aiming to snag a sunset seat at Xia Rooftop Bistro, here's the routine I follow that usually does the trick. First I check their official website for a reservations page — many rooftop spots let you pick date, time, and seating preference there. If an online widget isn't available, I call the number listed; I like speaking to a human because you can confirm whether they hold tables for sunset or need a deposit for larger groups. When I call I say the exact arrival time, party size, and note any special occasion so they can try to place us near the edge or under cover.

If the phone lines are busy, I slide into their social media DMs or use email. My messages are short: date, time, number of people, a note about seating preference, and a contact number. For weekends or holiday evenings I book at least a week in advance; for prime sunset spots I aim for two weeks. I also ask about cancellation policies and weather contingency — rooftops sometimes move reservations indoors if the forecast turns sour.

On the day I arrive a touch early and confirm with the host; being polite goes a long way in getting a better vantage point. If it's a special celebration I bring a small plan (cake or flowers) and mention it ahead so staff can help. I love that rooftop vibe — it’s worth the little planning, honestly.

The rooftop at Xia absolutely doubles as a little live-music hideaway on many nights — I’ve been a few times and it always feels like a compact festival under the stars.

They bring in local acoustic acts and small jazz trios, and some weekends feature a DJ spinning mellow sets that fit the sunset-to-night shift. The sound setup is intimate rather than stadium-level, so it's perfect for conversations that don't get drowned out; there's usually a small raised area or corner for performers and a subtle PA system.

On the private-event side, Xia handles birthdays, rehearsal dinners, small corporate mixers, and engagement parties. They offer tailored menus, cocktail packages, and basic AV (microphone and small speaker) — you can request extra touches like string lights, a custom cake setup, or a plated tasting menu. The staff coordinates timing and weather contingencies for the rooftop, and I found their event manager responsive when I helped a friend plan a surprise. All told, it's one of my favorite spots for a cozy, memorable night with live tunes and skyline views; I always leave humming a song.

I love how Xia Rooftop Bistro doesn’t treat plant-based eaters like an afterthought. When I dine there, I’m always happy to find a clear vegetarian section and a surprisingly robust set of vegan options, not just salads with a sad look. Their seasonal vegetable small plates—like charred broccolini with sesame, miso-roasted eggplant, and a citrusy roasted beet salad—are crafted with real care. On my last visit I ordered a vegan take on their signature ramen that swapped the broth for a rich mushroom base and piled on silken tofu, scallions, and crunchy garlic chips.

The staff have been helpful about swaps: they’ll remove cheese, swap dressings for vinaigrettes or citrus oil, and point out gluten-free choices too. Desserts include sorbets and a coconut-based panna cotta that’s creamy without dairy. Cocktails on the rooftop also play nice with non-dairy preferences—think a yuzu spritz or a mezcal with a grapefruit finish.

Overall, Xia feels like a place where vegans and vegetarians get real options rather than token ones, and I always leave feeling both satisfied and a little smug about discovering another great plant-forward spot.

Walking into Aura Rooftop, you immediately get hit by this vibrant atmosphere that’s just as appealing as the food. Their menu is a delightful blend of modern Asian and international cuisine, perfect for those who love a little flair in their dining experience. You can expect everything from savory sushi rolls, with fresh ingredients that practically dance on your palate, to mouth-watering bao buns that are soft and fluffy, stuffed with rich fillings. What’s really cool is how they manage to incorporate local flavors into their dishes, adding a unique twist that makes every bite an adventure.

During my last visit, I tried their Thai green curry, and wow, it was like a hug in a bowl! The coconut milk was creamy without being overpowering, and the spice was just right—enough to get your taste buds excited but nothing that would burn your tongue off. Don’t even get me started on their dessert menu! The matcha cheesecake? It’s dreamy, and the texture is rich yet light at the same time.

Overall, Aura Rooftop offers a menu that’s not just about food; it’s about an experience, a journey through flavors that you can’t help but crave long after you’ve left your table. I can't wait to go back and try even more of their offerings!

Nan Xiang Restaurant is one of those places that's always buzzing, and for good reason—their soup dumplings are legendary! I've been there a few times, and the best way to secure a spot is through their official website or app. They usually open reservations a week in advance, and slots fill up fast, especially for weekend dinners. If you're planning a group outing, calling ahead might work better since their online system sometimes glitches with larger parties.

One thing I noticed is that they’re pretty strict about timing—if you’re late by more than 15 minutes, they might give your table away. So, set a reminder! Also, if you’re flexible, weekday lunches are way easier to book. Last time I went, I snagged a table same-day just by refreshing the page around 10 AM when cancellations pop up.

Nan Xiang Restaurant is this iconic spot in Flushing, Queens—specifically in the bustling New World Mall food court. I stumbled upon it years ago while hunting for authentic xiao long bao, and it’s been my go-to ever since. The place has this unpretentious vibe, with steam baskets piled high and the aroma of ginger and pork broth hanging in the air. What’s wild is how it’s managed to carve out a reputation alongside Manhattan’s flashier dim sum spots. Flushing feels like a culinary secret; you’ve got this whole underground network of stalls and restaurants where the food does all the talking. Nan Xiang’s location is perfect—just chaotic enough to feel real, but not so chaotic that you can’t savor those soupy dumplings in peace.

Their original spot is on 39-16 Prince Street, and it’s got this no-frills charm that makes the experience better. I love how it’s tucked away, like you’re in on some shared knowledge with other food nerds. The mall itself is a rabbit hole of flavors—after Nan Xiang, I usually wander over for scallion pancakes or hand-pulled noodles nearby. It’s one of those places that reminds me why I bother with subway trips to Queens. The location might not be glamorous, but the food? Absolute magic.