Lola’s Rooftop Brings Riviera Glamour to Midtown Manhattan
The Sanctuary Hotel’s newest dining destination celebrated its official opening with an intimate press preview, signature cocktails, Mediterranean-inspired and contemporary American bites and a guest list of media personalities, models and influencers.
Midtown Manhattan has a new rooftop escape, and it is taking its cues from the Riviera. This month, Lola’s Rooftop welcomed VIP guests for a special preview celebrating its arrival atop the Sanctuary Hotel at 132 West 47th Street. With lush greenery, cheerful lemon accents, yellow-and-white striped tenting and sweeping city views, the year-round destination brings a distinctly Mediterranean sensibility to the heart of Times Square.
Hosted by author and columnist Rob Shuter, the evening brought together a fashionable crowd to toast the restaurant’s opening. Shuter, known for his Naughty But Nice! column, was joined by figures like actor Shaun Melady, model Azlin Nicolette, author Ashley Elrodm influencers Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens of @Theviplist, Yamilesi Villavicencio, known as @imaworld.
The guests mingled over cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while taking in the rooftop’s garden-inspired setting. The evening’s menu offered a first taste of Lola’s approach to Mediterranean-inspired and Contemporary American cuisine.
Small bites included tuna tartare, grilled octopus and sliders, while the cocktail program provided its own moment in the spotlight. The Smoke & Sparks, a spirited blend of tequila, mezcal, pineapple, lime and agave, brought a tropical edge to the evening. Meanwhile, the Lola’s Lemon Spritz combined Grey Goose vodka, lemon, limoncello and prosecco for a bright, citrus-forward pour that felt right at home among the rooftop’s lemon-dotted décor.
Officially opened on October 14th, Lola’s Rooftop brings the vibrant flavors and spirited personality of Lola’s on the Water in South Florida to New York City. Its broader menu moves between fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat and contemporary comfort classics. Standouts include Tuna Crudo Avocado, Korean Short Rib served with Faroe Risotto, and Snapper Marechiara, featuring red snapper and shrimp prepared with white wine, basil, garlic and tomato, accompanied by scalloped potatoes. Grilled Octopus, dressed with pepper sauce and chorizo vinaigrette, further underscores the kitchen’s Mediterranean influences.
The design is equally central to the experience. Rather than leaning into the darker, club-like aesthetic associated with some Midtown rooftops, Lola’s embraces a lighter, garden-inspired atmosphere, with natural textures and a bright palette that evokes a leisurely afternoon on the coast. Open-air seating offers an elevated perspective on Manhattan, while an enclosed, temperature-controlled dining area allows the restaurant to welcome guests throughout the year.
With lunch, brunch and dinner service, Lola’s Rooftop is designed for more than a special-occasion evening. Its location places it within easy reach of Broadway theaters, making it a natural stop for a pre-show meal or a late dinner after the curtain falls. It also offers a setting for celebrations, intimate gatherings and corporate events, with handcrafted cocktails providing an additional reason to linger.
For the Sanctuary Hotel, the opening adds another distinctive dining experience to an already varied portfolio that includes Sushi Lab Rooftop, The Chemistry Room, Omakaseed and Sushi by Bou.
Reservations are available through OpenTable, and additional information can be found at lolasrooftop.com.
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