Roosevelt Island is weird. There is no other way to put it. For decades, it was the place New York City tucked away its "undesirables"—the smallpox patients, the "insane," and the incarcerated. But if you hop off the F train or the Tram today, you aren't met with Victorian horrors. You’re met with a bizarrely quiet, master-planned residential strip that feels more like a sleepy suburb than a slice of Manhattan. And right there, nestled near the base of the iconic Queensboro Bridge, sits The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island.
It’s an old stone chapel. Specifically, it’s the former Good Shepherd Chapel, a structure that looks like it was plucked out of a rural English village and dropped onto a concrete slab.
Most people walk past it. They assume it's just another historical landmark gathering dust. Honestly? They’re missing out. This place has been gut-renovated into a high-end event space and restaurant that somehow balances "Gatsby-level" opulence with the gritty, industrial reality of being underneath a bridge. It’s a paradox. It shouldn't work, but it does.
What is The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island Exactly?
Let’s get the history straight first because context matters. The building was constructed in 1888 and designed by Frederick Clarke Withers. Back then, it served the inmates and patients of the island. Fast forward over a century, and the space was languishing. It wasn't until recently that Alfonso and Jennifer Zhicay—the same minds behind the popular Casa Enrique in Long Island City—decided to breathe some life into these old stones.
They didn't just paint the walls and call it a day.
They kept the soaring vaulted ceilings. They preserved the stained glass. But they added a massive outdoor patio that stares directly at the Manhattan skyline. If you're sitting there at sunset, watching the East River churn while the lights of the Upper East Side start to flicker on, it’s easy to forget you're basically sitting on a rock in the middle of a tidal strait.
The Vibe and the Food
You've probably been to "Instagrammable" spots that serve mediocre pasta for $40. The Sanctuary is different. The menu leans heavily into Italian-influenced bistro fare. Think wood-fired pizzas with a crust that actually has some chew to it, and seafood that tastes like it hasn't been sitting in a freezer since the Cuomo administration.
The interior is moody. It’s dark woods, candlelight, and that specific type of echo you only get in buildings meant for prayer.
But then you step outside.
The outdoor lounge is expansive. It feels like a massive backyard party for people who own yachts. There are fire pits. There are comfortable couches. It is arguably one of the best "secret" spots in the city for a wedding, mostly because your guests get to arrive via a tram that soars 250 feet above the river. It’s a flex. A subtle one, but a flex nonetheless.
Why Nobody Talks About the Logistics
Getting there is half the battle, and honestly, that’s why it stays relatively quiet.
- The Tram: It’s iconic. You use your OMNY or MetroCard. It’s the best $2.90 view in the city.
- The Ferry: Take the Astoria route. It drops you off on the east side of the island. It’s a short, breezy walk from there.
- The F Train: Reliable-ish. It’s one of the deepest stations in the system. The elevators take forever.
- Driving: Don't. Just don't. Parking on Roosevelt Island is a nightmare designed by someone who hates cars. There is one parking garage (Motorgate), and it’s a hike.
If you're planning a visit to The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island, time it for the late afternoon. You want to see the transition. The way the light hits the red iron of the Queensboro Bridge—which looms directly overhead—is spectacular. The bridge is so close you can hear the hum of the tires above. It’s a reminder that while you’re sipping a Negroni in a 19th-century chapel, the rest of the world is screaming by in traffic.
The Misconceptions About Roosevelt Island Dining
For years, the rap on Roosevelt Island was that the food sucked. You had a deli, a mediocre Chinese spot, and maybe a Starbucks if you were lucky. The opening of The Sanctuary, along with the Graduate Hotel’s rooftop bar (Anything At All), changed the gravity of the island.
People think it’s a "tourist trap" because of the location.
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It isn't.
Because the island is mostly residential and has a high population of UN diplomats and medical professionals, the standards are surprisingly high. The Sanctuary has to cater to locals who will complain if the service is spotty. It’s a neighborhood joint that just happens to look like a movie set.
Real Talk: The Pricing
Look, it’s New York. You aren't getting a $10 dinner here. Expect Manhattan prices. Cocktails are going to run you $16 to $20. Entrees are in the $30 range. Is it "worth it"? If you value the atmosphere and the fact that you can actually hear your partner talk without shouting over a DJ, then yes.
It’s also one of the few places in the city where you don't feel rushed. The staff generally lets you linger. Maybe it’s the island energy. Everything moves about 10% slower once you cross the water.
Planning Your Visit: A Quick Checklist
Don't just wing it. If there is a private event—which happens a lot on Saturdays—you might get turned away at the door.
- Check their Instagram or website before you trek out there. Wedding season is brutal.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The walk from the Tram to the Sanctuary is about 10-15 minutes. It’s a nice walk along the water, but not in 5-inch heels.
- Bring a jacket. Even in the summer, the wind coming off the East River can be biting once the sun goes down.
- Try the pizza. Seriously. The wood-fired oven is the MVP of the kitchen.
The Bridge Factor
There is something deeply "New York" about eating inside a church while a massive steel bridge vibrates nearby. The Queensboro Bridge (or the Ed Koch Bridge, if you’re being formal) is a masterpiece of cantilever design. Standing at the base of it near The Sanctuary, you realize the sheer scale of the city's infrastructure.
Most people see the bridge from a distance. Here, you see the rivets. You see the rust. You see the soul of the city.
It provides a gritty contrast to the polished interior of the venue. It’s that tension between the old, spiritual stone and the raw, industrial steel that makes the location special. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a geographic crossroads.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
To make the most of The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island, follow this specific path. Take the Tram from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. Sit on the north side of the cabin for the best view of the bridge. Once you land, walk north along the West Promenade. You’ll pass the Cornell Tech campus—which looks like a billionaire’s vision of the future—and eventually, you’ll see the stone peaks of the chapel.
If you're looking for a spot for a large group, call ahead and ask for the "Speakeasy" vibe seating. If it's a date, aim for the outdoor tables right by the railing.
After dinner, don't just head back to the subway. Walk south toward the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. It’s at the very tip of the island. It’s a white granite monument that feels incredibly peaceful at night. It’s the perfect way to digest a heavy Italian meal before heading back to the chaos of the city.
Roosevelt Island used to be a place people were sent to be forgotten. Now, with spots like The Sanctuary, it’s a place people go to remember why they moved to New York in the first place. It’s beautiful, it’s slightly inconvenient, and it’s unlike anywhere else on earth.
Make sure your phone is charged. You’re going to take more photos than you think. And honestly? Don't skip the dessert. The panna cotta is legit.