New York’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Mexico City serves as the inspiration for this mezcal bar and restaurant from chef Alfredo Ilanos where you can feast on machete quesadillas, tlayudas, and chilaquiles tortas, among other specialties. Whatever you do, don’t sleep on the chorizo gordita.   

Long before plant-based dining became mainstream, there was Candle — one of New York’s OGs for vegan cuisine stretching as far back as the 80s and 90s. Now, Candle is back, with veteran chefs Jorge Pineda and Angel Ramos at the helm, and they’ve made sure to revive all the beloved classics, including seitan piccata, chimichurri skewers, and those well-loved polenta fries. 

Because this lovely West Village wine bar from Justine Rosenthal features an exceptional wine list, curated by none other than her father, prominent wine importer Neal I. Rosenthal, as well as spotlighting some offerings from his personal cellar. To go with all the wonderful vintages you’ve also got some truly special dishes from chef Jeanne Jordan, who infuses French-inflected classics with Filipino flavors and ingredients.  

Note: Justine’s on Hudson officially opens on April 4.

Because you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Greek isles whenever you dine at this spacious Greenwich Village restaurant. All the standards are there (saganaki, charred octopus, avgolemono) as are modern twists (lobster roll spanakopita, anyone?), and do consider an order of the lamb shank or truffle pasta.  

Because Atoboy and Naro award-winning chef Junghyun “JP” Park has teamed up with Hand Hospitality (the group behind LittleMad and Lysée) once again for another contemporary Korean hit. The result: A Koreatown haunt that reimagines the art and culture salons that held sway all over Europe through the lens of Korea’s glitzy capital. 

From the Resy Tipline: Resys are already out now for the grand opening on Tuesday, March 28! 

Because Accanto is the very well paired (and exquisitely designed) Italian bar next to the hot spot that is Cucina Alba. This is an area for lounging at the bar or an intimately lit booth, where the jazz soundtrack (vinyl only) is amped up by the sound of ice-cold Negronis getting stirred. 

While the city may be getting its share of excellent regional Chinese cuisine, New York’s never forgotten its first love: Chinese American cuisine, which gets its delicious due at this sleek red-paper-lantern- and gold-accented spot where canons of the genre — walnut shrimp, sweet-and-sour pork, kung pao chicken — are executed to the nines. Bonus: Expect to take home leftovers; the portions are something else.  

Because when this cherished wine bar took over the space next door, it not only expand its cellar, but its menu, too. Think more than 30 mezes and mains from veal chops to whole grilled fish, with a wine list leaning on labels from Lebanon, Greece, Spain, and Georgia among others. 

While some of us perfected our sourdough during the pandemic, acclaimed chef Wylie Dufresne (of wd~50 and Alder) decided to tackle pizza and the result is this: a perfectly crunchy and chewy crust, topped with the usual suspects (classic margherita, pepperoni) and the unusual (see the Oddfather, or smoked eggplant with zucchini and tempura crumbs).

Because Mesiba means “party” in Hebrew, and that’s exactly what the Broken Shaker team (known as Bar Lab Hospitality) intends to bring at this stunning space within the Moxy Williamsburg. Think top-notch cocktails of course, but also a menu that reflects the culinary diversity of the melting pot that is Tel Aviv, for best-when-shared plates like chicken musakhan, lamb neck with Yemini pancakes, and a whole fish with carrot zhoug.

Because she’s back and better than ever. Now housed inside the old Root & Bone space and with a new chef — Justin Lee, formerly of Fat Choy — Virginia’s is where you’ll want to go time and again for comforting classics like a chopped Caesar, steak frites, trout roe dip with potato chips. 

Note: Reservations are available starting March 24.

At this family-owned osteria, the rich flavors of Northern Italy shine through. Even better, there’s something to please every palate, including crisp pizzas and an entire menu of dishes (desserts included!) accompanied with truffles, as well as a few vegan options as well. 

Note: Reservations are open beginning March 22. 

This sibling to the Upper West Side’s The Consulate has a little something for everyone, from the expansive raw bar and range of French classics to comforting pastas and expertly grilled entrees — all of which will keep you coming back for more. 

Note: Reservations are open beginning March 24. 

Trends come and go but the steakhouse is forever and this one ups the ante with a crowd-pleasing, wide-ranging menu that’s got something for everyone. 

Could there be any more lovely setting than the Brooklyn Botanical Garden? We think not, and Yellow Magnolia — from the same folks behind Union Square Café, Manhatta, and Gramercy Tavern — is a perfect spot to take it all in. 

Note: Reservations are open for April 4 and beyond, and reservations are limited to Brooklyn Botanic Garden ticket holders.  

This homage to Little Italy, from the same team behind Michelin-starred The Musket Room, has everything you could want, from outstanding pastries courtesy of Camari Mick and incredible entrees from Mary Attea. Don’t sleep on the sfincione (Sicilian-style pizzas), or a chance to try one of the canelés.  

What do you get when the former chef of The Modern (Abram Bissell) and one of the restaurateurs behind Saint Theo’s (Rob Goldman) join forces? You get this seafood-centric stunner in Soho where the raw bar sparkles, pastas sing, and indulgence beckons when it comes to the charcoal roasted turbot and lobster for two.  

Chef Elio Albanese (Antica Ristorante and Allora 47) runs the kitchen at this all-day dining destination at the Le Parker Meridien Fifth Avenue in NoMad where you can dine on panettone French toast, Ligurian corzetti in walnut sauce, and decadent cream-filled buns of maritozzi. Don’t sleep on the maccheroni alla Mugnaia. 

At Decades, two vets from Ops and Roberta’s man the deck oven at this Ridgewood pizzeria where you’ll find a new New York style of pizzas that’s a tad breadier than your classic slice, but not nearly as puffy as your favorite Neapolitan. It’s a (pizza) chef’s kiss if we ever saw one.  

This Union Square bar and lounge hearkens back to the Prohibition era with its lineup of classic cocktails and nostalgic vibes, while the food menu leans into contemporary times with plenty of shareable (and crowd-pleasing) snacks and plates (potato wedges or beef sliders, anyone?). 

A new neighborhood spot with grand ambitions, Lula Mae is a restaurant largely inspired by grandmothers: In this case, partner Mark Roof’s grandma serves as inspiration for the name, while chef-partner Dan San’s (formerly of The Tyger, Chinese Tuxedo, and Nami Nori) own Cambodian grandmother influences the largely Cambodian and Southeast Asian dishes on the menu. Don’t sleep on the duck salat.

Paris has Folderol and now, New York has Caleta from industry vets Javier Zuñiga and Jesse Merchant Zuñiga (Contra, Wildair, and Harts). Don’t call it a wine bar (although they do serve wine). Think of it as more of an ice cream shop by day and bar at night, à la Folderol. The narrow, intimate storefront along Avenue A is home to Bad Habit ice creams, which built a following for its flavors, like maple, olive oil, and miso raspberry. And at night, Caleta serves a lineup of inventive small plates like pork rillettes with kettle chips, charred artichokes with breadcrumbs and mint, and sweets like a hojicha baked Alaska and a creamsicle “cake” slice.

Peranakan cuisine, unique to Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, is exceedingly challenging to find in New York, which is what makes dining at this spot from prolific restaurateur and chef Salil Mehta (Laut, Laut Singapura, Singlish, and Wau) so very special. Uniquely blending ingredients, techniques, and traditions from Malay, Indian, Indonesian, and Chinese cuisines, Peranakan food stands out for its bold, incredible flavors that you simply can’t get enough of. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the kueh pie tee or the slow-braised pork belly.  

When the nostalgia hits and you’re longing for a taste of old New York’s Mad Men era, this is the place to be. Tuck into a beef Wellington for two or a vegan take on tournedos Rossini and save room for cherries jubilee and a baked Alaska for two. Don’t sleep on the cocktails, all of which reinterpret the classics, from martinis and the Manhattan to the Old Fashioned and Singapore Slings. Do know you’re in good hands with an all-star team of industry vets: chef Franklin Becker (Capitale and The Little Beet), pastry chef Sam Mason (wd-50 and OddFellows), and bar director Max Green (Amor y Amargo.). 

Leave it to chef David Lee to reengineer plant-based cuisine for a high-energy, well-heeled crowd. From Coconut Grove to New York City, Planta has unleashed its meatless brilliance. At this Brooklyn location, sushi rolls, pizzas, burgers, and pastas are a craveable delight. Don’t sleep on the cocktails — we like the kyu–kiki. 

What used to be The Smile is now a new see-and-be-seen cocktail lounge from the same team behind Midtown’s Pebble Bar. Expect caprese martinis, as well as small bites from the duo behind Wildair and Contra. 

Should you find yourself on the Upper West Side and in search of an elegant place to take it all in, consider this intimate hotel lounge and piano bar filled with all the classics, from martinis and caviar to truffle potato croquettes and tuna tartare. 

This hidden cocktail bar and lounge from prolific restaurateur John McDonald (Bar Tulix, Lure Fishbar) has all the ingredients for an ideal night out: plush bar seats and lounge chairs, not one but two cozy fireplaces for that perfect glow, and a carefully curated art collection befitting the name. It’s the ideal stop before or after a meal at sibling restaurant, Smyth Tavern (located next door).   

Mexico City native Alfredo Vergara puts forth a contemporary Mexican menu that more than satisfies: think coctel de camarones, wild mushroom quesadillas, whole roasted cauliflower with mole blanco, and a porterhouse for two with pickled nopales. Pro tip: Don’t overlook Caliza next-door, the more casual offshoot next door, which features sweets from none other than Fany Gerson of Fan-Fan Doughnuts.

From the same team that brought you Baby Brasa, this West Village charmer has the same upbeat vibes and energy that you’ve come to know and expect, only now you can feast on delectable pizzas and pastas while you’re at it.