The NYC dining scene is forever changing, and although that means losing some classic favorites, it also means gaining some new must-visit spots. This year has been ripe with brand new restaurants and bars, especially offering some truly incredible menus and atmospheres.

Here are some of the best new restaurants in NYC that have opened within the past few months (with a few that are opening up in the coming months) that really stand out.

1. Tán, Midtown East

tàn interior
Photo: Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Take a trip to Tulum and escape to the Iberian Peninsula at this brand new restaurant in Midtown. The seventh opening from world-renowned Chef Sandoval features a modern, seafood-focused menu, as well as coastal Mexican fare with ingredients sourced straight from Mexico. The coastal interior pairs beautifully with their menu highlights, which include Aguachile tán, a crispy potato-chorizo taco with shrimp and aguachile verde, Red Snapper Tikinxic Style, and a traditional Yucatán Pork Belly. Make your reservation here.

Where: 209 E 49th St

2. JOURNEY, Flatiron

JOURNEY dining experience in NYC
Photo: JOURNEY

This out-of-the-box immersive gastronomy experience is something you have to experience! JOURNEY offers four unique futuristic theatrical dining and cocktail experiences that are very cool. For $175, you can choose between one of their two ticketed experiences, JOURNEY 360 (a communal five-course prix fixe meal with floor-to-ceiling and tabletop 360 projection mapping for up to 20 people) or a smaller experience JOURNEY Odyssey (five-course prix fixe meal at tables accommodating 2-4 people).

Each experience will guide you through a variety of immersions, including under a shipwreck, the side of the Empire State Building, the canals of Venice, and a whole lot more. If you still want to experience a non-ticketed event at a fraction of a cost, you can check out the JOURNEY Salon (a unique bar with tapas offering) or the JOURNEY Epic Cafe (café, bar, and immersive fine dining with a touch of theater). Learn more here.

Where: 27 W 24th St

3. Gab’s, West Village

Interior of Gab's
Photo: Gab’s

Opens on January 11, 2023

Founded by chef Gabby Madden who is the figurehead behind other spots like Lola Taverna and Emmett’s on Grove, comes this new West Village spot, Gab’s. This concept is meant to feel as though you’re stepping into Gab’s personal living room, thanks to the large orange banquette and teak floors, the intimate space where guests can enjoy and upscale menu, and of course a fun atmosphere.

The menu itself places emphasis on micro-seasons, and features highlights that feel like personal touches, including the Finocchiona (Gab’s curated charcuterie plate that will change regularly to highlight small producers of artisan charcuterie across the US) and Gab’s Burger (housemade crackly sweet potato buns, chef’s signature dry-aged burger blend (ground in-house) served with melted gouda, guajillo catsup, black garlic mustard). Full menu here.

Where: 76 Carmine St

4. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, West Village

Pizza from L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Photo: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Iconic Italian restaurant L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele recently opened their newest NYC flagship and we couldn’t be anymore excited. If you’re a pizza aficionado, you need to check out the Neapolitan pizza, three dining bars, and wine room full of Italian-produced wines. Not only is the house-made pizza as authentic as it is in Naples, you can even watch them make it from your seat, since the layout and kitchen view is wide open! Full menu and reservations available here.

Where: 2 Bank St

5. Caleta, East Village

Interior of Caleta NYC
Photo: Caleta/Belle Morizio

An ice cream shop by day and bar by night is what you’ll find at Caleta! In collaboration with Bad Habit, you can grab a flavorful ice cream during the day or some savory bites and drinks at night. Check out their menu here and be sure to stop by if you’re in East Village!

Where: 131 Avenue A

6. Jelas, Union Square

Cocktails at Jelas NYC
Photo: Jelas

Clarified cocktails are the focus at Jelas, a brand new bar that specializes in milk punch cocktails. These concotions are made by combining milk and alcohol, and then clarifying the mixture to remove the solid particles from the milk, either by straining the drink through a cheesecloth or by using a centrifuge. The menu here consists of five rotating milk punch cocktails, including the Vietnamese Coffee (three blends of coffee), the Singapore Sling (clarified milk punch with a fruit forward finish), and the New York Sour (a whiskey sour with red wine foam). Plus, their Southeast Asian decor and small plates are perfect to match.

Where: 17 E 13th St

7. Karen’s Diner, West Village

Karen's Diner
Instagram / @karensdinerofficial

Opens March 1, 2023

Don’t upset Karen! That’s right…arriving in March is a pop-up concept that plays on the idea of what it means to be a stereotypical “Karen.” You’ll not only find hilariously rude waiters with non-existent manners, but also “kick-ass” grub like Karen-themed burgers (see the Karen’s Got Real Beef or the “I Want to See the Manager” Karen) and drinks too. You’re sure to find some laughs here, and you can even get a free drink if YOUR name is Karen!

Where: TBA

8. White Olive, Midtown

Interior of White Olive NYC
Photo: White Olive

This brand new Mediterrean restaurant with a focus on Greek and Turkish roots is inspired by the travels of brothers and co-founders Michael Karim Sopariwalla and Amin Himani. With executive chef Hasan Karci at the helm, you’ll find all sorts of delicious Mediterrean cuisine including Trenette TruffleShrimp GnocchiRed SnapperLavraki, and a whole lot more! Full menu and reservations here.

Where: 39 W 55th St

9. Roscioli, SoHo

Pasta from Roscioli
Photo: @rosciolisalumeria

Opens end of January 2023

One of Rome’s hottest destinations is touching down in SoHo at the end of this month, and taking over the dinner party venue that is currently known as Niche Niche. Roscioli will be entering the space, serving their classics like pizza rossa, pizza bianca, cured meats and cheeses, breads, pasta, and a whole lot more. The multi-floor situation will see a Cucina-style deli, restaurant, and wine bar on the ground level while downstairs will be a blended style of the old Niche Niche and the new Roscioli.

Where: 43 MacDougal St

10. Tsuta, DUMBO

Tsuta Original Truffle Shoyu Soba Kurobuta Pork
Photo: Michael Tulipan MST Creative PR

This mouth-watering ramen restaurant is no longer a secret in NYC anymore, but their newest location in DUMBO might still be unknown to many! This spot is Michelin-starred and offers about 40 seats inside and 15 outside to dine at. Of course they have loads of options to pick from, but we suggest their Brooklyn only special, a vegetable ramen made with okra, leeks, and lotus.

Where: 22 Old Fulton St

11. Shmackwich, Chelsea

Sandwich from Shmackwich NYC
Photo: Shmackwich

Shmackwich in Olly Olly Market is serving an elevated menu of bodega classics, including an unreal Wagyu Chopped Cheese (pictured above) which is to absolutely die for. While they also serve other hearty NYC classics like the Wetty Waffle Chicken Sandwich and Hot Whiskey Wings, the chopped cheese is the talk of the town. Plus, it’s even been given the stamp of approval by celebrities Tom Sachs and Meals By Cugine. Learn more here.

Where: 601 W 26th St

12. Pure Grit, Barclays Center

Sliders from Pure Grit Barclays Center
Photo: Pure Grit

Our love for this vegan BBQ spot is well-known, but did you know it’s now available inside one of NYC’s iconic arenas? That’s right! Now while you’re watching the Brooklyn Nets or attending a concert at The Barclays Center, you can stop by Pure Grit for a bite to eat. Try out the house-smoked Jackfruit Nachos piled high with smoked jackfruit, cashew-queso and pickled jalapeños drizzled with its signature Pure Grit BBQ Sauce, or the exclusive Barclays-Center sliders served on cornbread waffles with smoked jackfruit and smoked Impossible cut “brisket.” Learn more here.

Where: Barclays Center

13. The Polar Lounge, DUMBO

The Polar Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Photo: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Opens January 12, 2023

Get ready to “chill” on Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge this winter! Making it one of our favorite winter rooftop bars, this “glacial landscape” overlooking the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge will feature custom seating and tables alongside unique cocktails served in crystal clear ice glasses. Reservations are highly recommended and VIP tables are an option too. You can do that here.

Where: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, Floor 10

14. K’Far, Williamsburg

Interior of K'Far NYC
Photo: K’Far

This Israeli restaurant, bar & café in the lobby of Williamsburg’s Hoxton Hotel serves all sorts of tasteful goodies including pastries, Jerusalem bagel sandwiches, and other entrees “inspired by the food, energy, and warmth of the kitchens of Tel Aviv and K’Far Saba.” Plus, their interior lined with plants and warm lighting makes this one of the most inviting places to stop in for a bite. Full menu here.

Where: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn

15. Casino, Lower East Side

Interior of Casino NYC
Photo: @casino.ny

Everything at Casino is focused on coastal European culture, from the red and white checkerboard floors to the carefully curated menu. With an emphasis on coastal seafood and a divine wine list, the experience will have you wanting to book a trip to the Italian and French Riviera within no time. Full menu here.

Where: 171 East Broadway

16. Nubeluz, NoMad

bar view
Courtesy of Björn Wallander

Looking for your next place to have sky-high cocktails? Well, look no further. José Andrés just opened a mesmerizing “lightbox in the sky” that sits atop The Ritz-Carlton, Nomad. Sip cocktails at this swanky spot and admire the twinkling city lights from 500 feet above. In addition to the dazzling city views, indulge in rich textures and materials that liven the space’s interior from luxe seating to an onyx bar top. Nubeluz also offers two outdoor terraces for guests to enjoy more of the cityscape.

The food menu combines American and Spanish bites, offering everything from the classiest grilled cheese you’ll ever taste to Jamón Ibérico de Bellota Cinco Jotas. If you’re looking to add a little glamour into your night, we definitely recommend checking Nubeluz out. Reservations are required. Learn more here.

Where: 25 West 28th Street, New York (The Top of The Ritz-Carlton, NoMad)

17. Jōji, Midtown

Credit: Eric Vitale Photography

Tucked beneath Manhattan’s One Vanderbilt, this hidden sushi restaurant below street level is offering an omakase experience unlike anywhere else in NYC. With Chef George Ruan (previous Head Sushi Chef at Masa) running the kitchen and Michelin-Starred Chef Daniel Boulud on operations, we’d expect nothing less than greatness. Jōji sets out to bring authentic Japanese traditions to the heart of Manhattan.

Experiences are available at the 10-person counter or separate private dining room that fits up to 8 people. The omakase menu is $375/person and reservations can be made online through Resy. Learn more here.

Where: 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York

18. 11 Tigers, East Village

Drunken noodles izakaya style
Instagram/ 11tigersnyc

Find the 11Tigers lair located on the second floor of building 225 on Avenue B. Self described as a “speakeasy with a Thai heart and a Japanese soul,” 11Tigers marries Thai sum yadong with Japanese izakaya for an unforgettable dining experience.

Treat yourself to their flavorful 11 Tigers Tom Yum Ramen or Crying Tiger Gyoza, but don’t miss out on their inventive cocktail menu. Experience drinks made with yadong, a traditional Thai liqueur that’s often viewed as a “health tonic.” Tons of varieties exist, one of the most popular being 11 Tigers yadong, hence where the speakeasy draws its name from.

Where: 225 Avenue B 2nd Floor, New York

19. Slutty Vegan, Fort Greene

Facebook/ SluttyVeganATL

Atlanta’s extremely popular vegan burger joint has traveled north to NYC with its first-ever Brooklyn location. The cheeky spot drew a massive crowd at its grand opening with a line that ran down the block. See what all the hype is about and order yourself one of their “slutty burgers” with a side of “slutty fries” with signature slut dust. Read more here.

Where: 690 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

20. Masalawala & Sons, Park Slope

Masalawala Interior
Credit: Adam Friedlander

Age-old techniques meet a colorful new space in Park Slope’s newest Indian restaurant, Masalawala & Sons. The spot comes from the same hospitality group, Unapologetic Foods, behind notorious establishments such as Dhamaka, Adda Indian Canteen and Rowdy Rooster by restaurateur Roni Mazumdar & Chintan Pandya. The menu explores Roni’s favorite family recipes “from the perspective of [Satyen Mazumda, Roni’s father] a 75 year old immigrant.”

Masalawala & Sons even doubles as grocery store. Diners can shop spices, chocolates, and coffee to bring their favorite flavors from the menu home with them. Learn more here.

Where: 365 5th Ave, Brooklyn

21. Highwater Rooftop, FiDi

Highwater Rooftop
Courtesy of Highwater Rooftop

Enjoy sky-high views from 25 stories above at this new bi-level rooftop that recently opened in FiDi. Whether you’re looking for a perfect spot for after work drinks or an intimate space to take someone special, you definitely want to check this spot out. It’s still a bit under-the-radar so head over before it the secret’s out!

Where: 120 Water St, New York

Written by Claire Leaden, Justine Golata, & Corey Fuller

Source: secretnyc.co