The New York Restaurants We Loved This Month

This is such a confident neighborhood restaurant…

With its sun-soaked and simply decorated room, eclectic playlist, tight service, and calvados tonics, Café Kestrel embodies that confidence, and the starters followed suit.

We began with the (ice-cold) chilled shrimp, which were just begging to be dunked into the accompanying thick mayo and tangy relish — it’s bound to be one of my favorite bites of the year. Then onto a stinky French cheese with fancy water crackers and rose jam, before a yellowfin tuna salad with sumac, red and green onion, Cara Cara oranges, and preserved Meyer lemon. From there, we played the hits with the chicken (with dates, capers, lemon, and carrots) and duck confit, and finished with the sticky apricot cake. I’m already planning our next trip back to Red Hook.

— Drew Nordstrom, Resy Strategic Partnerships

We go here when we need nurturing, friendly faces and the buzz of neighbors…

At Otway, start with the Gold Vesper, a perfectly rounded-out drink that feels like you’re sipping gold. Get the burrata (because everyone likes burrata) and quickly realize that burrata’s never tasted like this before: a grilled asparagus is cooled to room temp and mixed with ginger and pickled raisins to hide the burrata in a sort of nest of greens, leveling up the dish to a luscious near-salad, or a reimagined burrata toast, once you top it on your perfectly warm Otway sourdough.

But the absolute not-to-miss is the charred caraflex cabbage, topped with shrimp XO and cashew cream — otherworldly on its own, but only complete with a sneak glance from the sous chef to make sure you really get it — and you do: it’s crunchy, warm, and packs the tiniest bit of heat, alongside an abundance of saline savoriness. It’s what you wish you could do with a veggie and chile crisp. If you have space, the falling-off-the-bone pork chop absolutely overturned my juvenile understanding of what a pork chop could be, and the ricotta cavatelli settles the score once and for all that arugula can and, indeed, must be used in a hot pasta dish. Unreal.

— Kelly O’Grady, Implementation Specialist

Didn’t think I’d find…

… one of the best renditions of jambon-beurre (Paris’ iconic ham and butter sandwich) in a bar? But there it was, on the righthand side of schmuck.’s menu, and it was stupendous, with its ribbons of ham, bright cornichons, and grainy mustard folded into chunks of butter, all trapped in a perfectly crunchy half baguette. The bathroom was fun, the drinks were great, and the team was really lovely. We’ll absolutely be back.

— Noëmie Carrant, Senior Writer and Editor, Resy Editorial

Nothing has felt more like summer than…

… a 6 p.m. outdoors reservation at Pastis on a sunny evening, where the air is warm, the spritzes are cold, and the fries are piping hot. Pastis is the ultimate adult comfort food: big ole burger with a sesame seed bun, thin and crispy fries that resemble the beloved McDonald’s ones, and escargots with enough garlic to leave you tasting it even after dessert. I admire the consistency of this place: No matter how many times I go, I leave, scrolling Resy, to make another reservation to come back soon.

— Amy Schwartz, Restaurant Marketing Analyst

For creative, spirit-forward cocktails…

… head to Shinji’s in Flatiron. You may have seen their fabled Tropicana drink, which is appropriately served in an orange and sipped from a red-and-white-striped straw. I’m here to confirm: If you’re going to pay $30 for a cocktail, let it be this one. Also great was the Donnie’s Element, which had a bourbon base and hints of hazelnut.

— Harkirat Anand, Technical Product Manager

Though I’ve been many times to…

… the original Nowon in the East Village, I’d never been to the Bushwick location, which has a slightly different menu. I was meeting up with a friend who lives in Brooklyn, so it was the perfect reason to go — though, do you really need a reason to go to Nowon?

To say this meal lives rent free in my head would be the understatement of the century. I dream of the chopped cheese rice cakes. The black sesame Caesar was crisp and ensured we got our greens in; while the corn ribs were flavorful and packed a real punch. This Nowon specifically offers wood-fired pizzas, and the Master P with pepperoni, jalapeño, and hot-honey butter was worth the trek from Manhattan for sure.

— Lindsey Block, Product Designer

It totally nails the aperitivo bar vibe…

Bar Bianchi has an outstanding selection of Italian aperitivos and a beverage menu that goes well beyond. I had the Bicicletta cocktail (Campari, grapefruit soda, and vermouth), which was refreshing and crisp, and a great start to the night. For food, we had the gigante and fava beans, the meatballs pomodoro, a caprese salad, the risotto Milanese, and some zucchini fries — all delicious, but I have to say, the gigante and fava beans dish was the real standout: bright, fresh, and vibrant.

— Jessica DeGeorge, Restaurant Success Manager

The meal was great and the atmosphere was a vibe…

… at Corima in Chinatown. The open kitchen made it feel like we were in an episode of “The Bear” without the stress — definitely go with the $125 chef’s counter tasting menu if you want to feel like you’re part of the action. The highlights were the Spanish mackerel, their take on a taco, and the steak.

— Colton Lemmon, Senior Software Engineer

Seafood isn’t my go-to, so I was admittedly apprehensive when…

… my friend suggested a seafood-focused restaurant for dinner. But man, was I wrong to be, because they picked Smithereens. Don’t skip … anything? The buckwheat pancake was amazing, as were the scallops and grilled swordfish. And make sure to finish things off with their take on an espresso martini, aka the red-eye martini: vodka, coffee, mango, ginger, and fernet.

— Duncan Goodwin, Senior Implementation Specialist

This place really knows how to make you feel special…

Our server at 4 Charles treated us as if we were long-time friends, and performed that very magical trick of switching our martini glasses for freshly chilled ones when we were halfway done with our drinks. My favorite bites of the night were the steak dipped in creamed spinach (elite combo) and the chocolate cream pie (because you must save room for anything with an Oreo crust).

— Alex Johnson, Senior Marketing Manager

Dining here is an experience in and of itself…

Walking into 4 Charles is like taking a step back in time. You immediately feel special as soon you walk through the entryway curtain and are greeted by the friendly staff — this is not about turning over tables or cranking out food as quickly as possible, it’s about elevating the whole experience, to the level where you’ll practically feel like a celebrity.

The food, like the service, was also incredible. As proclaimed by my husband (the burger fanatic), 4 Charles’ burger is the best burger he has ever had. But it wasn’t the only standout: the succulent shrimp scampi, delivered on a hot skillet and filling the small dining room with the aroma of grilled garlic, was heavenly; the honey peppered Ōra King salmon was perfectly cooked and had so much depth of flavor; and the little gem salad with the added baked crab cake was the best I’ve had. For dessert, the chocolate pie and coconut cake were to die for — I would return just for the coconut cake alone. It was an incredible evening that left me feeling grateful for the experience, one that truly lived up the hype.

— Hillary Dheri, Director of Global Dining Strategy

With an impressively extensive menu…

… Little Alley offers both Shanghainese classics as well as more unique dishes. We opted for the sautéed black pepper beef with macadamia nuts and some stir-fried rice cakes with Capsella flowers and pork — these were the highlight for me as they were so uniquely seasoned.

— Anjolika Bhadra Dave, Senior Software Engineer

Loved the neighborhood feel of…

… Fausto in Prospect Heights, with their friendly and attentive waiters. The little gem salad and cauliflower dish with an anchovy caper vinaigrette, currant, and pine nuts were delicious, as were their excellent pastas.

— Daniella Hubert, Senior Global Dining Strategy Manager

On a warm Sunday afternoon in the Upper East Side…

… one of the season’s firsts, I dined out on the patio at Uva Next Door, which will be a fantastic spot for light bites and summer spritzes. We tried a few of their drinks, notably their Aperol sprit, Hugo spritz, and their Amelia Rose gin cocktail — all were so tasty and refreshing on this hot afternoon. For the table, we got their shishito peppers and orange polenta olive oil cake  —a perfect mix of salty, sweet, and spicy.

— Jordan McKosky, Senior Software Engineer

I went out to dinner with several Resy colleagues…

… at NY Kimchi shortly after they opened, and we were all pleased to find that, while it’s quite different from Golden Diner, the food is just as delicious. We loved that all of the plates were shareable, and had so much fun trying a good chunk of the menu. Highlights included the NYK oysters Rockefeller, the scallop crudo, and the ssamjang Caesar salad. The next time I go, I plan on making two consecutive bookings: one for dinner at NY Kimchi, and another for drinks at their sister restaurant Golden Hof upstairs.

— Gina Chun, Senior Technical Product Manager

Everything was so intentionally well done…

… and flavorful at Cafe Mado: the homemade butter, zesty bean dip, and the pork rib were all fantastic. We also got to try some of the pastries from their daytime cafe and those were just as delicious.

— Felicity Lin, Resy Benefit Management Manager

For our anniversary…

… my fiancé and I booked a dinner at Bridges as soon as we realized that the chef of one of our favorite restaurants in Paris — Hanz Gueco of Le Cheval d’Or — would be there, and we’re so glad we did. We loved how they brought a bit of Paris to Chinatown on a rainy night — down to Cheval d’Or’s recognizable silver horse chopstick holders — mixed in with some New York sensibilities, too. For example: The shrimp toast croque madame we so enjoyed in Paris a few years ago was now a shrimp toast everything “bagel,” and Gueco took his much-loved mapo agnolotti and combined it with Bridges’ Comté tart to create a lovely mapo tofu tart. Our favorite dish of the night, though, had to be the duck à l’orange: slices of slightly sweet glazed duck breast stuffed with duck leg, gingerly laid atop crêpes Suzette. It was almost like being back in Paris, if only for the night.

— Deanna Ting, New York & Philadelphia Editor, Resy Editorial

Who says omakase has to break the bank?

The SourAji team has done it again with a sushi concept that gives you such a bang for your buck, you walk away feeling like you owe them money. Instead of an AYCE format like its sister restaurant, Mojo East is a 13-course, $55 omakase experience with a no-tipping policy. They’re generous about substitutions, so if there’s anything you don’t like, no need to worry. The team is ridiculously warm and kind, and the fish is ridiculously high-quality for the price. My favorite was the chu-toro (medium fatty tuna), which, quite literally, melted in your mouth, but the hotate (scallop) was a close second. This place makes omakase casual again … and a weekday 13-course meal with yuzu sake dangerously accessible.

— Amy Schwartz, Restaurant Marketing Analyst

Sometimes brunch food can be boring or repetitive…

… but everything at Raf’s was made to perfection. My favorite dish was the French omelet with trout roe and crème fraîche, and the local (and seasonal) yogurt was great, too.

— Anjolika Bhadra Dave, Senior Software Engineer

We had an amazing celebratory dinner…

… at Lingo in Greenpoint, whose ambience feels effortlessly cool — it’s the perfect spot for a date night, a catch-up with friends, or even a solo dinner at the bar. The welcoming space, with its warm lighting and a laid-back vibe, made us feel right at home. As for the food, the menu struck a great balance between creative and approachable, with seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation.

Everything we tried was fresh and well-executed with zero misses — our favorite was the kamo à l’yuzu (confit duck leg katsu, dry-aged duck breast, and kumquat). The cocktail list had a few unique twists, and the ones we tried (like the Benishoga with Toki whisky and pickled ginger) were well-crafted. Service was friendly and attentive throughout, and the pacing of the meal was just right, we never felt rushed. I’d absolutely return and recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal in Greenpoint.

— Emman Johari, Director of Business Enablement & Operations

I immediately made a Resy after seeing photos of…

… JR & Son’s signature dessert, an Italian rainbow cookie in cake form. The real star of the meal was the spicy chicken parm, which has just enough of a kick to differentiate it from usual red-sauce fare.

— Caryn Ganeles, Restaurant & Industry Content Manager

Much has already been said about…

… the EB BB sandwich at Elbow Bread, Zoë Kanan’s corner bakery on the outskirts of Chinatown that once housed Mel’s. I’m just here to reiterate how absolutely deliciously mind-binding this nutty black bread sandwich is, with its crispy walnut butter, smooth cream cheese, and sticky dates. The nori chocolate chip cookie is pretty killer, too.

— Noëmie Carrant, Senior Writer and Editor, Resy Editorial

If you’re looking to dine with a group…

… I highly recommend Barlume. The restaurant is large and open, and conveniently located in Flatiron, so a perfect meeting ground for many. We started with cocktails, which were creative and fun — our favorites were the yuzu tea highball and the Good Vibrations (Tequila, lime, Thai basil, green juice, and Lillet Blanc). On the food front, we especially loved the whipped ricotta, braised artichokes, mushroom and truffle pinsa, and the calamarata (a thick, ring-shaped pasta) with eggplant and ricotta salata. The real star of the show, though, was the blue crab toast — I’d go back for this dish alone.

— Lindsey Block, Product Designer

My parents liked it so much…

… we went to Le Fanfare twice in a month. Located in Greenpoint, Le Fanfare has a small but mighty menu and a very nice staff. My mother loved the snap pea salad (so much that she ordered it again during our second visit), while my father and I both had the excellent carbonara — we both got the dry-aged burger during round two (him with the rosemary fries, me with the salad), alongside a great seasonal mule, made with passion fruit and ginger.

— Fernando Javier Babilonia, Senior Software Engineer

This omakase came highly recommended to me…

… from other Resy colleagues, and it was worth the hype. Sushi Saikou has a super intimate setting, and the staff is extremely kind, gets you involved, and explains every little detail. The meal was 17 courses in total, with three appetizers, 13 pieces of nigiri, and a dessert — the toro with white truffle and caviar was easily my favorite: it just melted in your mouth.

— Emily Lyons, Senior Experiential Marketing Analyst

Located in the old Periyali space…

… stands a great date night spot, Opto, with its mix of Mediterranean dishes and homemade pastas. We shared the grilled octopus (the garlicky potatoes hiding underneath were incredible, one of our favorite bites of the meal), the gem salad, the lemon fettuccine, and the herb-crusted ribeye. Pro tip: Split everything and save room for the dark chocolate mousse.

— Erika Greengarten, Restaurant Success Manager

If you find yourself near McCarren Park this summer…

… definitely make it a point to stop by Gus and Marty’s. Their menu of updated Greek classics had hit after hit, from a creamy moussaka by way of eggplant parm to a pita stuffed with freshly fried soft-shell crabs. Everything we ordered didn’t disappoint, but we especially loved the fire-roasted branzino with capers, dill, garlic, and lemon.

— Deanna Ting, New York & Philadelphia Editor, Resy Editorial

The listening room vibes were so effortlessly cool…

… at Eavesdrop in Greenpoint, it was both laid back and electric. The cocktails were bright, fresh, and creative, and the food totally delivered. We enjoyed the whipped eggplant, cold sesame noodles, and chicken banh mi. What a gem.

— Jessica DeGeorge, Restaurant Success Manager

Bonus: For his 30^th birthday…

… I surprised my boyfriend and took him to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and it couldn’t have gone better. We spent 3.5 hours eating so many vegetables from the surrounding farm, like radishes with magnolia yogurt, and a variety of pickles from the pickle cart. We had six-year-old grilled oysters, amazing whole wheat bread and butter, and I think five different desserts. The wine pairing was also fun, and included one round of sake and two rounds of beer. I highly recommend for a special occasion.

— Harper Dodd, Senior Software Engineer

More New York staff picks, right this way.

Noëmie Carrant is Resy’s New York-based senior writer and editor. Some of her other favorite meals this month took place at Crevette, where she and her party ordered ¾ of the menu and La Tête d’Or, where she finally got to try that prime rib cart. Follow her on Instagram. Follow Resy, too.