The Resy Hit List: Where In New York You’ll Want to Eat in Nov. 2024
There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
We’ve designed it to be your essential resource for dining in New York City: a monthly updated (and expanded!) guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Five Things In NYC Not to Miss This Month
- The Ultimate Brunch (and Ramen) Collab: On Sunday, Nov. 10, two of our favorite ramen specialists — Ramen by Ra and NR — are joining forces for a brunch you don’t want to miss over at NR. Cozy noodle soups, memorable cocktails, and satisfying starters abound. For more cozy noodle soup ideas, we’ve got you covered here.
- Another Can’t-Miss Collab: When two of the country’s most critically acclaimed Korean chefs come together, you know it’s going to be magical. On Nov. 19, Atomix and Atoboy chef Junghyun “JP” Park is teaming up with chef Kwang Uh of Los Angeles’ Baroo for a special dinner at Naro, benefiting the Food Bank for New York City. And find lots more events to browse here.
- Thanksgiving Via Resy: If you’d prefer to dine out for the upcoming holiday, we’ve got you covered. A few choice picks: an early olive-oil-themed Friendsgiving at The Standard Grill; a classically cozy prix fixe over at Gus’s; a full dine-in spread plus a turkey shawarma sandwich to go at Frena; and an elegant Austrian affair over at Wallsé. Find more ideas here.
- New on Resy: Fill up your calendar by checking out all the latest and greatest new restaurant and bar openings. For seafood, consider Time and Tide, the newest spot from the same team behind Crown Shy and Saga, or Smithereens, a New England-influenced spot from a Claud and Blanca vet. For pre- or post-theater drinks, there’s Dear Irving on Broadway or Monkey Thief. For a tasting menu under $100, Acru fits the bill. We’ve got plenty more recs here.
- Holiday Cheer, Already Here: If you love holiday-themed bar pop-ups, your season has arrived. On Nov. 1, Miracle on Ninth Street returns to the former Mace bar space (now The Cabinet Mezcal Bar) and on Nov. 11, they’re celebrating their 10th birthday with $10 cocktails. Beginning Nov. 13, stop by Miracle on Union over at Thief in Williamsburg where they’re also serving up food from the Falansai team’s Me Tay Co. And from Nov. 19 to Jan. 5, FiDi’s The Dead Rabbit transforms into Jingle Jangle, where figgy pudding comes with Irish whiskey, and espresso martinis get frozen and topped with Irish cream and mint. More drink recs to be found here.
New to the Hit List (November 2024)
Eyval, Kru, Theodora, Borgo, Masalawala & Sons, Chez Ma Tante, Mission Chinese Food, Junoon, Rubirosa, and Phở Gà Vàng
1. Eyval Bushwick
Ali Saboor, together with Nasim Alikhani of Sofreh, has pioneered contemporary Iranian food in New York, and a meal at his solo project, Eyval, is truly worth seeking out. While the menu focuses primarily on street foods, especially kebabs, there’s a distinct elegance to how he grills those kebabs, as he does with everything else on the menu. It’s a studied balance between traditional flavors and techniques and a few subtle, unexpected twists. Pro tip: The eggplant and cured yogurt kashke bademjan is a non-negotiable.
2. Kisa Lower East Side
Dining at Kisa is simply a delight. Allow us to list the reasons why. First, you don’t have to overthink it: You’re limited to just four entree choices — bulgogi, spicy pork, stir-fried squid, and a vegetarian bibimbap — all of which are excellent (although we’re partial to the pork and squid). Second, it’s arguably one of the best deals in town: $32 for a dinner entree, plus endless refills of several seasonally rotating banchan, plus soup and rice. Lunch (walk-ins only for now), served Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is also a steal, priced at $18 for gamjatang (Korean pork bone stew) or $17 for donkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet), plus accompanying banchan. And third, there’s the warmth of a dining room that charms with thoughtful details that nod to the restaurant’s namesake kisa sikdang: Korean taxi-driver restaurants.
3. Kru Williamsburg
There’s never been a better time for Thai cuisine in New York City. You’ve got the OGs out in Queens, like Ayada and Chao Thai, as well as newer, pioneering spots like Bangkok Supper Club, UnTable, Zaab Zaab, and Chalong. And in Williamsburg, there’s Kru, from chef Ohm Suansilphong, the opening head chef of the wildly popular Fish Cheeks, and his wife, Kiki Supap. This is Thai food unlike what you’ve likely had before: Burned fish-sauce labneh adds balance to a creamy crab meat tartlet. Airy, crisp shards of tripe accompany a spiced steak tartare. Honey soy crispy pork belly takes its cues from Italian porchetta. And slowly braised beef tongue, as the base of a Massaman curry, placed atop a bed of jasmine rice, is a sublime way to wrap up your meal.
4. Theodora Fort Greene
The list of New York City restaurants touting the magic of dry-aged fish keeps growing (we see you, Time and Tide), and over at Theodora it’s put on full display, literally. But it’s not just seafood that’s drawing crowds to this bustling spot from chef Tomer Blechman (Miss Ada). It’s also the warm, welcoming service, and the fact that the menu has a little something for everyone. Our ideal order? Anything from the crudo section of the menu, followed by za’atar kubaneh and some hummus topped with monkfish liver and ‘nduja, an order of wood-fired greens, and either one of the whole-roasted fish or the lamb. Don’t sleep on the desserts, either.
P.S. For tips on how to get in, we’ve got you covered here.
5. Borgo Flatiron
More than two decades after restaurateur Andrew Tarlow forever changed the Brooklyn dining scene with Diner, followed by a slew of hits that include Roman’s, Marlow & Sons, and Achilles Heel, he’s now crossed the river into Manhattan and if we’re being honest, it’s a very welcome addition to the neighborhood. The same throughline of detail, care, and attention to craft that you find at each of his Brooklyn venues also finds its way at Borgo, albeit on a slightly grander, more grown-up scale, cozy wood-burning fireplace included. The food aims to comfort, and it succeeds, from the fluffiest focaccia and creamy fava puree to savory beef heart spiedini offset with a Thomcord grape sauce and a showstopping timballo.
6. Corima Chinatown
Whether you drop by for an à la carte spread or a tasting menu (nine courses for $110), you won’t want to leave without an order of fresh, housemade flour tortillas. They’re the perfect vehicle for savoring many of Contra alum Fidel Caballero’s dishes, but you also wouldn’t be at fault for devouring them unadorned with anything but the accompanying richly spiced recado negro butter. Corima’s strengths lie in Caballero’s ability to draw from so many different influences and sources, and meld them beautifully with the cuisine of Northern Mexico, having spent most of his childhood between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez . And it’s wonderful to see the restaurant finally getting its due. Pro tip: If you opt for the tasting, spring for the optional quesadilla just before dessert.
7. Penny East Village
Just as they did with the wine bar Claud, Chase Sinzer and Joshua Pinsky took a simple dining concept — in this case, the raw bar and seafood counter — and updated it into a new classic all its own. While they say they were inspired by the dual restaurant concepts that you’ll find in Paris (as with Bistrot Paul Bert and L’Ecailler du Bistrot) Penny is uniquely New York, and the better for it. Stuffed squid, a creamy potato salad with octopus, and confit oysters served with cream cheese and crackers have become new standards all their own. Of course, the wine list is impeccable, but don’t overlook the Suntory, and whatever you do, don’t skip the ice cream sandwich for dessert.
8. Masalawala & Sons Park Slope
Building a restaurant around the life of a septuagenarian immigrant from Kolkata is a bold move, but it’s not entirely unexpected from restaurateurs Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya (Dhamaka, Adda). What’s so lovely is how Masalawala tells that deeply personal story of Mazumdar’s father Satyen through the flavors that have shaped his life. The restaurant looks forward, too — with the aim of preserving these dishes by sharing them with us lucky diners. You honestly can’t go wrong with whatever you get, but the biyebarir fish fry is a must, and the daab chingri, a dish of flavorful head-on prawns served inside a young coconut, will leave you wanting another order. Pro tip: Stop by on weekends for an incredible thali brunch ($38 per person), with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
9. Chez Ma Tante Greenpoint
There was a period this year when the city was without the golden masterpiece that is the Chez Ma Tante pancakes — glistening in butter and maple syrup with the crispiest of edges. Thankfully, that time is over. After temporarily closing for some structural building repairs, one of the city’s best pancake purveyors is back in business for all your weekend brunch needs. However, don’t just consider stopping by for brunch; dinner is just as delightful. Think expertly fried potato chunks served with a substantially garlicky aioli, a pitch-perfect pig’s head terrine, and succulent pork shoulder topped with salsa verde and lentils.
10. Mission Chinese Food Chinatown
Those of us feeling nostalgic for the Mission Chinese Food classics of the early aughts — kung pao pastrami, Chongqing chicken wings, and thrice cooked bacon included — will be elated to know that Mission Chinese Food is fully back in New York. And for the uninitiated or unfamiliar, do know you’re in for a real treat. After a successful summer pop-up at Cha Kee, Danny Bowien and team now find themselves in a space of their own next door, at least until Christmas Day. All the original Mission Chinese standards are there, as are new dishes like Jacky’s Sprite noodles, savory steamed crab garlic noodles, snow pea leaves in a pumpkin broth, and a Sichuan peppercorn filet mignon. So, what are you waiting for?
11. Dirt Candy Lower East Side
Is there anything chef-owner Amanda Cohen can’t do? She’s a pioneer of vegetable-forward cooking who’s also intent on building a better restaurant industry, and we are the beneficiaries of her talents and efforts. Every season, Dirt Candy debuts a new tasting menu, offered both in a vegetarian and vegan version, priced at $105 per person; each one is as creative as the next, from takes on chopped cheese and soup dumplings to zucchini takoyaki and a spinach millefeuille. And it’s an especially opportune time to pay a visit to this longtime New York destination because Dirt Candy is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday. In fact, we’ve got a look at some of the restaurant’s most iconic dishes from the past few years here.
12. Eel Bar Lower East Side
Should you be in search of some excellent bar fare, bookmark this newcomer from the same folks behind Cervo’s, The Fly, and Hart’s. More Basque-leaning than its sibling restaurants, Eel Bar has all the classic and contemporary-style tapas you’d want, from gildas and fried mussels on the half shell to creamy potato salad with trout roe and marinated peppers and anchovies. Save room for the meatballs and fries and/or the Roquefort-and-anchovy-anointed cheeseburger. And do consider pairing all of it with one of their prepared vermouths, whether you opt for a wet martini or a Sharona with manzanilla sherry. Our favorite pro move? Ordering some Minnow cod liver conservas and pairing them with some sourdough — the perfect pairing, if you ask us.
13. Nepali Bhanchha Ghar Jackson Heights
The restorative powers of a bowl of Nepali Bhanchha Ghar’s jhol momo are not to be underestimated any time of year, but especially when temperatures start to dip. The longtime Jackson Heights establishment and multi-time winner of the annual Momo Crawl (including this year!) makes some of the most exceptionally juicy momos in town, and they’re only enhanced further by the tangy and comforting tomato-based jhol broth. But don’t just come here for the momos — although you could do just that. You should also consider the fried sel roti, crunchy wai wai sadeko, the confit-like beef tongue to start, a warming bowl of thenthuk, and some fluffy eggs bara (pancakes made with lentils), to top it all off.
Walk-ins only.
14. Junoon Flatiron District
Long before there was Bungalow, Semma, or Dhamaka, there was Junoon, and now is a perfect time to recognize this groundbreaking restaurant’s contributions to New York’s dining scene. (In fact, Bungalow chef Vikas Khanna and Dhamaka chef Chintan Pandya both served as executive chefs over the course of its 14-year history.) It pioneered elegant, nuanced Indian fine dining that melds contemporary influences with time-honored traditions, and that legacy continues today. Standout dishes include a Goan coconut-based curry made with a blend of oyster and trumpet mushrooms, smoked masala ribs, and dry-aged duck with a Tellicherry pepper sauce. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s your choice of a variety of prix fixe options.
15. Rubirosa NoLita
That Rubirosa has some of the city’s most outstanding new-school style pizzas (Tie Dye, anyone?), handmade pastas, and other Italian American classics goes without saying. But what really sets this place apart, especially after more than 15 years in business, is the warmth of their hospitality, inherited by their late founder, Angelo “AJ” Pappalardo. This explains why the place is always so packed, and why so many, from locals to tourists, are hoping to get in, even after all these years. If you go, don’t dine without an order of the chopped antipasto salad, some roasted octopus and braised beef braciole, anything with vodka sauce, and, of course, some pizza.