The Big Apple has always been known as a haven for art, fashion, food, and theater. But for locals, NYC is also the best destination for anyone looking for captivating rooftop restaurants and breathtaking views. Yoreevo’s James McGrath writes that there are over 13,500 buildings over six stories high in NYC with many of them even taller. And although not all of them are home to urban meccas for food and drink, many have capitalized on the opportunity and created unique rooftop experiences several stories above the ground. That being said, no other restaurant does it quite like SERRA FIORITA by Birreria, which opened its doors in 2018 and has fast become the top go-to place for decadent Italian cuisine, high-end imported craft beer, and an unforgettable ambiance. 

SERRA FIORITA is the rooftop bar of Eataly, which is fast becoming a gastronomic hotspot known for putting on different events and themes. In one of our blog posts on Socially Superlative, we featured Eataly’s celebration when it opened the Nutella Bar, which featured numerous Nutella-filled cookies and pastries as well as crepes and waffles—enough to send Nutella lovers into a frenzy. Last year, the elevated space transformed into a cozy Italian Alps lodge for winter, complete with hot chocolate, eggnog, and classic-rifling cups of Barr Hill Gin with White Hot Negroni. For the previous two summers, it was re imagined into an Italian seaside resort with beach set pieces and sparkling-wine cocktails. This year, Time Out reports that Birreria turned into a sprawling garden just in time for spring.

SERRA means “greenhouse” in Italian and true enough brightly colored flowers now cover the ceiling of the restaurant. This complements the fresh herbs that the restaurant grows in partnership with Farm. One. The urban farm team along with the restaurant created the lush space by using a hydroponic system on the roof.

The restaurant’s menu features rustic, spring-inspired Italian favorites like Basil pesto-topped gnocchi and broccoli rabe burrata. They also serve grilled Lucagina sausages and Prosciutto di Carpegna, which is an indulgent type of prosciutto made from a specific Italian pig breed that can only be found in Italy’s central Marche region. If guests are feeling a bit indulgent, they can savor a beautifully cooked and seasoned Roman-style pork roast, which is ideal for sharing. They can then wash all of these mouth-watering dishes down by choosing from the restaurant’s refreshing drinks selection, which includes an extensive menu of natural wines. They also have a Spritz cocktail menu for patrons who just want to spend the afternoon hanging out with friends. This includes the classic Aperol Spritz, along with inventive frozen drinks.

From the ceiling to their plates, diners will see a touch of spring and they will feel the unmistakable ambiance of the Italian countryside. The restaurant is also open for spring events and cocktail parties.