New York City is home to some of the best chefs in the country. We're also home to some pretty spectacular views. 

When you combine the two, you have yourself a hit restaurant, and we consider ourselves lucky.

 Where else on Earth can you dine on a rooftop overlooking the Empire State Building or eat at a gourmet food court with unbeatable city sunset views? Nowhere but NYC. 

Whether you're looking to propose to your high school sweetheart, share a pitcher of sangria with your best friends, or down some craft beers overlooking the city, this list definitely has a spot for you. 

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1. Riverpark (450 East 29 Street)

This restaurant from celebrity chef, Tom Colicchio, is the place you want to take your parents for brunch when they're questioning your decision to live in NYC.

"Look Mom, you can't get this view back in the boonies of North Carolina."

Make sure to make a reservation with outdoor seating to take in views of the East River. Order a Kilgore Trout to sip on if your parents are giving you hell. 

Tell your Dad to get a Dr. Seuss (a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail for the old man in your life who can't hold down his liquor), then only talk to him in Dr. Seuss quotes. Let us know how that goes.

In the meantime, order a bunch of their starters for the table. We're feeling the French Toast Sticks, Grilled Bread and Ricotta, and Maple Brook Farms Burratini. 

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2. Eataly Birreria (200 5th Avenue)

This rooftop brewery and restaurant is a must if you're really into beer and food (and if you aren't, we can't be friends). 

Their beers are naturally carbonated in cask ales a mere 30 feet from the seating area. They also have a retractable roof and heaters, so you can enjoy the views and craft brews any time of the year. 

While the focus for Birreria is on the beer and views, it offers a range of the foods that made Eataly a household name. 

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3. The View (1535 Broadway)

This revolving rooftop restaurant will give you 365˚ views of the New York City skyline. Not only will you have the pleasure of getting a bird's eye view of the city, but you will be served one of the best meals of your life. 

At $84 for a three-course, prix-fixe menu, this is definitely a restaurant to take your significant other for an important anniversary or for an impressive setting for a proposal. It's going to be a night they will never forget. 

Unless your SO gets motion sickness or is afraid of heights...then we'd recommend LITERALLY ANYWHERE else. 

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4. Landmarc Restaurant (10 Columbus Circle)

With views of Columbus Circle, this restaurant from Chef Marc Murphy is as playfully delicious as it is beautiful. 

Chef Murphy serves up a combination of French and Italian cuisines that are bound to satisfy any craving. 

For brunch, try the Black Forest & Gruyere Omelette.  If you're looking for dinner and are feeling extra adventurous, try the Crispy Sweetbreads. We won't tell you exactly what they are here, but we'll let you in on a little secret: they're delicious.

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5. Monarch Rooftop Lounge (71 West 35th Street)

We absolutely had to include Monarch on this list for its incredible views of the Empire State Building. If you're looking for a place to Happy Hour after work, head there. Run. Don't walk.

If you're feeling hungry while you indulge in the views, they have a menu of small plates and pizza. 

Monarch can fill up fast, so if you're looking for seating (and especially if you have a larger party) call ahead to reserve your spot. 

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6. Hudson Eats at Brookfield Place (225 Liberty Street)

If you're not feeling the fancy setting, but want some drool worthy food and views? Head over to Brookfield Place and hit up their food court. 

This is unlike any food court we've ever seen, with options like Umami Burger, Parm, Little Muenster, and Financier Patisserie.  

With this many culinary options, the spectacular views may play second fiddle, though we highly doubt it. Make sure to head out during sunset for the best views of the day.

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7. Robert (2 Columbus Circle)

If you're headed out to the Museum of Arts and Design, you have to make a reservation to eat at Robert. If you aren't headed there, change your plans, and head on up to Robert. 

With stunning views of Central Park and Broadway, this has to be your go to spot to eat incredible food while watching the foliage change. 

We're feeling the Tuna Carpaccio on the lunch menu, the Tagliatelle Black Summer Truffles for dinner, and the Bomboloni Cinnamon Dusted Ricotta Fritters for dessert (because you can't leave without dessert). 

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8. Rock Center Café (20 West 50th Street)

Sometimes we're feeling touristy. When we get that feeling, we head on over to Rock Center Café. 

It is certainly the best place to hit if you're a native New Yorker exploring the spots you normally avoid. 

We'd recommend waiting until the rink opens. In the winter months, you can munch on amazing foods while gawking at the spectacular, olympic-esque skaters doing spins in the middle of the rotating hoards of falling tourists. 

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9. Haven Rooftop (132 West 47th Street)

Haven is a great rooftop lounge and restaurant to hit up at any point in the year. In the cold, winter months, it's surrounded by a see-through enclosure to ensure maximum views. 

We're heading on up for the Lobster Roll and the White Pizza that's topped with mozzarella, truffle, chive, parmesan, and goat cheese. 

Be sure to head on over with some friends before the weather turns chilly, and share a pitcher of sangria. Invite us while you're at it. 

Check out 8 Amazing Restaurants That Play Live Music While You Eat.

[Feature Image Courtesy: NewYork.com ]