It is that time of the year, and guess what? Pete Wells has unleashed his ultimate list of top picks, and I am absolutely buzzing with excitement to delve into it. I eagerly await this moment every year. Akin to a kid on Christmas morning eagerly unwrapping the treasures concealed within. Brace yourself because this time, Pete’s laser focus is on the top new restaurants in NYC. A list that guarantees a whirlwind of culinary delights. Because after all they are not only the top Restaurants they are the Hottest new Restaurants in the Heart of New York City.
Now, granted, I have not conquered all these culinary havens yet [but trust me, they are right at the top of my to-do list]. So get ready for a journey through Pete’s insights on some and my two cents on others. Think of this as your culinary compass, your go-to guide navigating the vibrant streets of the Big Apple to unearth these extraordinary gems.
We are talking about places creating a serious buzz, dishing out delights that will make your taste buds break into a happy dance. This list has everything from intimate hideaways that feel like a secret pact between you and the chef to grand spaces where the ambiance rivals the impressive menu.
So, grab your favorite brew, get snug, and join me on this adventure as we explore the crème de la crème of NYC’s top new Restaurants. Who knows, you might stumble upon your new favorite spot. Let us dive in, shall we?
RECOMMENDED READ
- Love on a Plate: New York City’s Top Christmas Restaurants to Fall For
- Top Christmas Pop-Up Bars in New York City
- Best NYC Restaurants to Have Christmas Dinner
- Places To Dine This Christmas
- Our Pick of the Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC
- The 23 Most Romantic Bars in New York City
12. Hainan Chicken House
Embarking on our gastronomic expedition through Pete Wells’ curated list of the top new restaurants in New York City, let us kick things off with the tantalizing number 12: Hainan Chicken House. Full disclosure. I have yet to have the pleasure of indulging in their culinary wonders. But according to Pete, this place is a clandestine haven discreetly tucked next to a cellphone store on Eighth Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
Imagine this scenario: You’re meandering through the streets of Brooklyn and suddenly there it is—Hainan Chicken House, outshining even celebrated vendors from Singapore. It is easy to miss, but the treasures it holds are extraordinary. This is not just any chicken. It is Hainanese chicken, wrapped in brown wax paper, a precursor to a burst of flavors. Pete notes the chicken might not steal the show compared to the glossy domes of aromatic chicken rice, but it is about the complete package, right?
And what a package it is! A golden chicken broth, like a hug in a cup, and not one, not two, but three super-focused sauces. It is a meal that makes you go, “Wow, that is something!” When you think that is all, the plot thickens. Hainan Chicken House throws a curveball with other Malaysian delights like char kway teow and Penang prawn mee. And guess what? Pete says they are as good as the chicken rice. Now, that is saying something.
Top New Restaurants in NYC Keeps the Food Scene Exciting
Spots like Hainan Chicken House keep New York City’s food scene exciting and unpredictable. Who would have thought one of the best new restaurants would be next to a cellphone store? That is the beauty of it—discovering hidden gems and the stories they tell through food. I can not wait to check this place out. If Pete’s review is anything to go by, it is bound to be fantastic.
In summary, Hainan Chicken House is more than just a restaurant. It is an experience waiting to unfold in the bustling culinary landscape of New York City. With Pete Wells’ endorsement, my anticipation is soaring, and I am ready to dive into this gastronomic gem.
4807 Eighth Avenue [48th Street]—Sunset Park
(347) 365-3864
11. Hav & Mar
Let us keep this culinary tour sizzling with the exciting number 11: Hav & Mar. I had the thrill of experiencing this spot firsthand, and let me tell you, it is every bit as exhilarating as Pete Wells painted it. This is more than just another addition to the lineup of top new restaurants in NYC. It is a whole vibe.
Stepping into Hav & Mar, you are immediately swept away by the pulsating energy. It is like entering a non-stop party where everyone’s invited. And the joy is downright infectious. Marcus Samuelsson, the genius behind the enduring hit Red Rooster Harlem, has outdone himself. He crafted a place that is a perpetual motion machine of good vibes. The crowd? Diverse, just like New York City itself. From early birds to those embracing the newfound late hours in our post-pandemic world.
But let us shine the spotlight on the real star—the food. Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi has concocted a menu that is a delightful fusion of fun, smarts, and freshness. It is as if she embarked on a culinary world tour, bringing back the most captivating bits and pieces and blending them to create something refreshingly new.
The Sheer Joy of Eating
From personal experience, every bite at Hav & Mar feels like an adventure. The dishes are not confined to a single locale. They are a mosaic of flavors from around the globe. It is global cuisine but with a twist that is uniquely theirs.
In a nutshell, Hav & Mar is where you go to indulge not just in food but in the sheer joy of eating. It is a place that demolishes boundaries and unites people, one delectable plate at a time. Add it to your list if you have not made your way there yet. It is a journey worth embarking on.
245 11th Avenue [West 26th Street]— Chelsea
(212) 328-8041
10. Naro
Let us jump into the excitement with number ten on our countdown: Naro. While I have yet to indulge in its culinary wonders personally, Pete Wells weaves quite the tale about this standout among the top new restaurants in NYC. Nestled in the bustling Rockefeller Center concourse, Naro has been finding its rhythm in the city’s pulsating culinary heartbeat.
According to Pete, Naro’s first year has been a bit of a rollercoaster, constantly tweaking its hours and menu formats. Dinner is now a nightly affair, but lunch? That is off the table. But hey, that is New York for you—always on the move, constantly evolving.
Now, let us dive into Naro’s culinary vision. It is all about reinventing traditional Korean dishes, giving them a modern, artful twist that is more understated than in-your-face. The masterminds behind this operation are Junghyun and Jeongeun Park, the same duo behind the spectacular Atomix. While Atomix is all about the drama, jaw-dropping with each dish, Naro takes a different approach. It is about that slow, satisfied smile of recognition—the kind that sneaks up on you as you realize just how cleverly they have played with flavors and textures.
Pete insists that even if you do not catch all the references in the dishes, you will be smiling. Naro is not just serving food. It serves up stories reimagined through a Korean lens, and I can not wait to experience it firsthand. Spots like Naro are what make the city’s food scene so electrifying. There is always something new to discover, always a fresh twist on the familiar. Stay tuned because Naro is definitely at the top of my list.
610 Fifth Avenue [West 49th Street] Rockefeller Center concourse—Midtown
(212) 202-0206
9. Mischa
Let us dial up the excitement with number nine on our epic journey through the top new restaurants in NYC: Mischa. Trust me, this place does not just turn the Midtown dining scene on its head. It gives it a thrilling spin that will have you nodding along with every word of Pete Wells’ spot-on description.
Historically, Midtown has been the haven for those predictable, play-it-safe meals—steak or pasta that would not raise an eyebrow from the most traditional diner. Enter Mischa, the rebellious sibling defying every norm you thought you knew about dining in this part of the city.
Glance at Mischa’s menu, and you might think you recognize something. But when it reaches your table, it is transformed into a whole new culinary adventure. Pastas bid farewell to Italy and embark on uncharted territories. A deviled egg treated like a dessert? Now, that plot twist keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Let us spotlight the real stars: the tater tots and the hot dog. Tater tots, mini submarines [hot dog-sized], and the hot dog? More kielbasa than anything else. And the halibut with asafoetida sauce? It is like discovering a new continent of flavors.
One of the Best Hot Dogs
Pete boldly declares, and I wholeheartedly agree, that the hot dog here is one of the most delicious and original things you can eat in, around, or even miles off Lexington Avenue. Mischa is more than just another addition to the top new restaurants in New York City. It is a rule-breaker, a game-changer—a place daring you to rethink what a meal can truly be.
So, if you find yourself wandering through Midtown and craving something off the beaten path, Mischa is your destination. It is where expectations go to be pleasantly shattered, and every dish is a delightful surprise. Just when you think you have seen it all in New York City’s food scene, Mischa emerges, proving you gloriously wrong.
157 East 53rd Street [Lexington Avenue—Midtown
(212) 466-6381
8. I Sodi
Let us amp up the excitement with number eight on our thrilling expedition through the top new restaurants in NYC: I Sodi. It is a place that has made a bold move and, according to Pete Wells, absolutely nailed it. Although I have yet to indulge there, Pete’s vivid description has me hastily adding it to my must-visit list.
Relocating a beloved restaurant is like walking a tightrope, but Rita Sodi seems to have danced across it with sheer grace. I Sodi has shifted from its cozy nook on Christopher Street to a more expansive spot at the corner of Bleecker and Grove Streets. And guess what? It has retained its charm and soul while expanding into two dining rooms and a back garden.
The new I Sodi is like that person who exudes effortless elegance without flashy accessories. Handsome, yes, but in an understated way that allows the food to take center stage. And speaking of the food, the menu has seamlessly transitioned from the old location to the new without missing a beat. Picture papery fried artichokes, pappardelle that is a symphony of butter and Meyer lemon zest. And a Cornish hen grilled under a brick with a peppery delight. But let us not forget the semifreddo of toasted hazelnuts, which sounds like an absolute dream.
It is a Culinary Adventure
Pete enlightens us that much of the cooking at I Sodi draws from Rita Sodi’s Tuscan upbringing, radiating an air of confidence, as if it knows just how exceptional it is. It is not merely another addition to the roster of new restaurants in New York City— it is a statement. A declaration that sometimes, bigger can indeed be better without sacrificing the essence of what made it great in the first place. Get ready for a culinary adventure that is bound to leave a lasting impression.
314 Bleecker Street [Grove Street]— West Village
(212) 414-5774
7. Masalawala & Sons
Let us dial up the excitement as we hit number seven on our exhilarating tour of the top new restaurants in New York City: Masalawala & Sons—an absolute culinary revelation. Having dined here twice last year, I am eagerly anticipating my return. Pete Wells’s take on this spot perfectly echoes my sentiments. This is not your average addition to the roster of top new restaurants in NYC. It is an immersive journey into the heart of culinary innovation.
Chintan Pandya, the genius behind Masalawala & Sons, has an uncanny ability to spotlight the often-overlooked facets of Indian cuisine—the messy, the rustic, the unrefined. And let me tell you. It is this bold approach that truly sets this place apart.
Diving into Bengali cooking, particularly the rustic dishes from the countryside, the restaurant delivers flavors that are bold and unapologetically authentic. Take the kosha mangsho, for instance. This lamb stew arrives in the very aluminum pot it’s cooked in, appearing almost charred, like a cherished relic on the back of the stove. But the flavors? Far from forgotten—rich, deep, and utterly delightful.
Then there is the keema kaleji. Picture ground lamb and liver cooked with cloves and black cardamom. Spread it on a fluffy piece of pao, and then, boom. The mustard oil hits you, creating a flavor explosion—a culinary firework show in your mouth.
Pete Wells hit the nail on the head, and my taste buds can vouch for it. Masalawala & Sons is where the hidden, less celebrated facets of Indian cuisine take center stage, doing so with flair and confidence. It i spots like these that reignite your love for exploring the food scene in the vibrant landscape of New York City. Get ready for an extraordinary journey into culinary excellence.
RECOMMENDED READ
A Fusion of Flavors: Masalawala & Sons Delighted Authentic Bengali Cuisine
365 Fifth Avenue—Park Slope
6. Foxface Natural
Blasting into the number six spot on our thrilling tour of the top new restaurants in New York City is Foxface Natural. It is a culinary universe, unfazed by the bustling world outside. While I have not stepped into this intriguing spot, Pete Wells’ exhilarating description paints it as an adventure waiting to unfold. It is more than just a new addition to the lineup of top new restaurants in NYC. It is an immersive experience.
Imagine this: Foxface Natural lurks behind a discreet facade on Avenue A as if guarding a delicious secret. No name splashed outside, no grand sign beckoning passersby. It is almost like the place whispers, “If you know, you know.”
Now, let us dive into the menu, a dare in itself. Chef David Santos is not playing it safe, not by a long shot. Critics, including Pete, are buzzing about the kangaroo tartare, infused with a heady African spice blend. It is not just a meal— it is a bold statement, a culinary litmus test. And if kangaroo tartare gets your heart racing, wait until you hear about the camel course.
But here is the twist: exotic meats are not the sole heartbeat of Foxface Natural. Santos works his magic with familiar faces of the sea—fluke, scallops, striped bass—each dish a revelation. Pete likens the sense of freedom and adventure to the early days of Momofuku Ssam Bar, which is highly praised in the food world.
Foxface Natural feels like a place where boundaries blur, where food is as much about exploration as it is about flavor. I am already intrigued. And you can bet it is on my list of must-experience places. Get ready for a culinary journey where every bite is an adventure.
189 Avenue A [East 12th Street]—East Village
5. Foul Witch
Storming in at an electrifying number five on our rundown of top new restaurants in NYC is Foul Witch. It is an establishment as enchanting as its name suggests. Fresh from a recent dining experience, I can confidently harmonize with Pete Wells’ sentiments while infusing my dash of exhilaration. Brace yourself. This is more than just another notation in the list of top new restaurants in NYC.
Conjured into reality by Carlo Mirarchi of Roberta’s fame in Bushwick. Foul Witch transports you into a David Lynch-esque cinematic adventure, with Italian cuisine taking the lead role. It is whimsical, it is weird, and it is utterly wonderful.
Consider the agnolotti, little pockets of joy filled with oozing taleggio cheese and seasoned with phytoplankton—yes, phytoplankton. It is like a bite that encapsulates the essence of the ocean—both familiar and wildly novel. Then there is the spaccatelli, a pasta taking a delectable detour with a sauce of aged squab and duck adorned with chopped red walnuts. Each dish is a journey, starting with the familiar and veering sharply towards the extraordinary.
And let us not overlook the plate of citrus slices seasoned with salt, bread crumbs, and serrano peppers. Is it a salad? A dessert? It is both and neither—a delightful puzzle for your palate. Foul Witch dances with your culinary expectations, playfully teasing and tantalizing them until you are unsure where you stand—but you absolutely love it.
Dining at Foul Witch is akin to traversing a magical, mysterious realm where food transcends its ingredients, weaving a story. It is more than a meal—it is an experience that lingers. And it challenges everything you thought you knew about Italian cuisine. Get ready for a culinary escapade that defies expectations.
15 Avenue A [East Second Street]—East Village
4. Sailor
Embarking on our journey through the crème de la crème of top new restaurants in NYC, we land at an exhilarating number four: Sailor. It is a spot that has lingered tantalizingly on my radar for quite some time now. Attempting to secure a reservation feels like a city-wide race where everyone shares the same fervor.
Guiding the culinary symphony at Sailor is none other than Gabriel Stulman, renowned for transforming snug spaces into lingering havens. According to Pete Wells, Sailor is a small yet mature gem, a hidden treasure in the heart of the city.
Now, let us delve into the culinary realm crafted by April Bloomfield, the maestro in Sailor’s Kitchen. The dishes might sound unassuming on paper—braised radishes, poached celery root—but trust me, they transcend simplicity. These seemingly humble creations ascend to a realm of complexity and nuance that borders on magic. Rustic, unpretentious, and yet bursting with flavors that demand a moment of pause to savor fully.
Since Sailor’s grand opening in September, the buzz has been relentless. Securing a coveted seat here feels akin to discovering a golden ticket—a stroke of luck needed. But oh, the rewards must be exquisite. This is more than a meal. It is an experience. A golden opportunity to indulge in dishes that, though sounding deceptively simple, are meticulously crafted with a rare mastery. As I continue my quest for that elusive reservation, each resounding rave review only heightens the anticipation. The journey to Sailor promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
228 DeKalb Avenue [Clermont Avenue]—Fort Greene
3. Torrisi Bar & Restaurant
Oh, Torrisi Bar & Restaurant—a true standout among the top new restaurants in NYC, a culinary gem that beckons with a unique allure. Envision a place where each dish unfolds like a captivating page from Chef Rich Torrisi’s life story. A page-turner that starts with classic Italian American roots and dives deep into the diverse culinary tapestry of New York City. The result? A symphony of flavors that will set your taste buds on a joyful dance. It is a journey through memories where homely comfort entwines with exotic adventure in every delightful bite.
But wait, let us not overlook the ambiance. Torrisi’s is not merely about tantalizing your palate. It is a complete sensory experience. The lively hum of the crowd, the melodic clinking of glasses, and the sizzling symphony from the kitchen. It is akin to being an eager audience at a thrilling show [minus the popcorn, but with far superior food]. Like one of those rare spots where the confession booth meets the theater stage, and each visit feels like an exclusive backstage pass.
In essence, Torrisi Bar & Restaurant transcends the realms of a mere meal. It is a narrative, a spectacle, and an absolute essential in the dynamic lineup of new restaurants in New York City. Whether you are there for the soulful cooking or to bask in the ambiance. It is a place where every moment is an exquisite morsel to savor.
275 Mulberry Street [Jersey Street— NoLIta
2. Superiority Burger
Superiority Burger is coming into the spectacular number two spot on our exhilarating journey through the top new restaurants in NYC. A vegetarian haven where taste takes center stage. While my taste buds have yet to embark on this culinary adventure, Pete Wells’ raving review positions it as a non-negotiable must-visit in the dynamic array of top new restaurants in NYC.
Nestled on Avenue A, Superiority Burger has blossomed from its humble origins on East Ninth Street. At its core lies the vegetarian burger—a gastronomic masterpiece challenging preconceptions about plant-based alternatives. Crafted from chickpeas, quinoa, and carrots, it is not just good. According to Pete, it is a persuasive argument in its own right.
But hold on, there is more to this place than just burgers. It is an art project masquerading as a vegetarian haven. Picture an extraordinary sandwich adorned with tart collard greens between slices of ethereally light and crisp focaccia—practically worshiped. Then, there is the stuffed cabbage basking in a jubilant tomato-ginger-blackberry gravy—a flavor party waiting to happen.
And let us not overlook the beans. Chef Brooks Headley’s morning ritual of charring aromatics on the flattop before stewing the beans creates a seemingly humble dish that Pete suggests is anything but.
Of course, desserts are not to be missed. Darcy Spence, the maestro here, has Pete declaring that anything she concocts stands as a strong contender for the best thing you will eat all day.
Superiority Burger transcends the realm of a mere restaurant. It is a jubilant celebration of creativity in vegetarian cuisine. And about transforming simple ingredients into the extraordinary. I am already captivated and eagerly await the opportunity to indulge in what Pete eloquently describes as an art project cleverly disguised as a vegetarian eatery. Get ready for a taste revolution.
119 Avenue A [St. Marks Place]—East Village
1. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi
Here we stand at the zenith of Pete Wells’ lineup of top new restaurants in NYC—the coveted number one spot: Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi. Much like many others, I have been diligently attempting, albeit unsuccessfully so far, to secure a reservation at this illustrious establishment. Pete’s effusive review crafts an image not just of a restaurant but of a culinary movement.
Kwame Onwuachi, the visionary behind Tatiana, is not merely preparing food; he is reshaping the culinary panorama of New York. His menu serves as a tribute, a jubilant celebration of the myriad flavors that define the city. West African cuisine, Trinidadian roti, and sidewalk jerk grills. All command the spotlight, demanding a more prominent role in the city’s gastronomic narrative.
Nestled in the esteemed Lincoln Center, Tatiana is more than a dining venue. It is a storyteller, underscoring the importance of the Bronx and the integral role of bodegas in New York’s identity. Let us talk ambiance—it is akin to the finest parties. Picture commencing with rum-infused delights and navigating the menu until you encounter the homage to the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownie, complete with nostalgic multicolored sprinkles.
The Flavors
But here is the showstopper, as Pete keenly observes: the flavors. Onwuachi infuses dishes like oxtails and goat curry with such intensity that they might transport you to uncharted culinary galaxies. It is the kind of cooking that prompts a mid-bite pause, causing you to look around, wondering if everyone else is sharing in the same revelatory experience.
Tatiana is not merely another addition to the roster of new restaurants in New York City. It is a bold proclamation, asserting that the city’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its people. While the cooking is not the sole headliner of Tatiana, according to Pete, it is undeniably “wildly good.” The anticipation to secure a table at Tatiana and embark on this culinary odyssey intensifies with each passing day.
RECOMMENDED READ
8 New Black-Owned Restaurants to Try in NYC
10 Lincoln Center Plaza—Upper East Side
(212) 875-5222
Wrap-Up!
And there you have it—the thrilling lineup of Pete Wells’ top picks for the top new restaurants in NYC. What an exhilarating ride it has been, would you not agree? For the ones I have had the pleasure of experiencing, the memories are a tapestry of rich flavors. As for those still lingering on my to-try list [yes, you elusive reservations], the anticipation alone is a feast for the senses. Whether you are a seasoned New Yorker or just passing through, these new restaurants in New York City are your golden ticket to a culinary escapade. Rest assured, your taste buds are in for a treat they will fondly remember. Cheers to the delectable journey that lies ahead.