The New York Restaurants We’re Loving Right Now

One of the ultimate goods in the universe…

… is Peter Luger’s steak, done medium-rare. Dry-aged for weeks and plated expertly in front of you by a waiter with decades of experience, served on a plate so hot you can cook each piece to medium (if desired) and drenched in butter and its own jus, it’s a meat masterpiece that’s been perfected more than a century ago and is unchanged to this day. Also, I love that all other dishes are in service to the steak, including the french fries, which are, incredibly, both crispy and substantial.

— Dan Sternfeld, Engineering Director

I’m always on the hunt…

… for a tasty labneh and Laziza’s did not disappoint. The charcoal-grilled basturma chicken and butterflied prawns and the mercimek kofte were all stellar, too and the pita was perfect. The menu is inspired by dishes from Iran, Turkey, and Lebanon and it’s such a welcome addition to the Bed-Stuy culinary landscape. Bonus that there’s often a DJ spinning in the main dining room and that they have a cute backyard, too.

— Ria Mar-Fan, Senior Product Operations Manager

For a great night out with friends…

… head to Bokaguá. This Riverdale spot immediately impresses with its energy and lively crowd. The food was just as exciting, too, blending Dominican roots with Asian flavor profiles in ways that really worked. We started with the coconut cod croquetas, crisp and golden, and served with a smoky yuzu aioli, sour orange pearl onions, and just enough of a kick from the gochugaru. The vegan eggplant dip was also full of surprises: think smooth eggplant and avocado layered with mango, plantain, and yanikeke, resulting in a creative mix of flavors and textures. The fried crispy red snapper was another standout — perfectly fried and paired with a fragrant green curry sauce, papaya chile salad, and coconut rice that tied everything together. Overall, I’d highly recommend Bokaguá for its bold flavors and buzzing atmosphere.

— David Wigder, VP of Marketing

I had an incredible meal…

… from start to finish at Naks. The hospitality was warm, the drinks were strong, and the food was flavorful beyond belief. Every dish felt like a highlight, but we were especially impressed by the ensaladang talong, a cold eggplant dish with salsa, spinach crisps, and shrimp paste that created a perfect blend of textures, sweetness, and spice.

— Charles Zhao, Director of Restaurant Product

On a rainy Thursday…

… a few girlfriends and I gathered to attend a wine event being held at Misipasta, thinking we’d have a few bites, just a casual night at the bar. We were instantly embraced by a festive atmosphere with a charming winemaker stopping by to chat while we enjoyed our meal. Starting with the chicories (which were stunning), we quickly moved on to the mozzarella in carrozza and chickpea farinata (we wouldn’t have ordered this but were encouraged to do so and will never be the same). We ordered the spaghetti to share along with a ricotta ravioli, both of which were fantastic. We weren’t fully done with our ricotta intake for the night, so the cheesecake was a must and I’ll never leave that off my order again.

The atmosphere at Misipasta is a light and refreshing style of service. It’s a dining experience that feels like a neighborhood hang. Folks are popping in to grab items to take home, so while it feels casual, there is nothing casual about the menu. I can’t wait to return on a sunnier day and enjoy the gorgeous backyard.

— Margo Valiante, Enablement Analyst

I was lucky enough…

… to find myself with an unexpected solo night, which turned into an impromptu solo dinner at the bar at Roman’s. The fava purée is a classic for a reason and a must, the crunchy radicchio salad (Pro tip: they’ll do a half portion) hit all the right notes, and the panna cotta with blueberry compote sealed the deal. Add a glass of wine and a good book: solo dining at its finest.

— Hallie Delaney, Senior Strategic Programs Manager

What can I say?

Lei was so nice, we went twice. (Literally, back-to-back in one week). First off, all of the red wines by the glass are chilled, which is a rarity I appreciate. As for the food, the chilled celtuce is a must — just don’t be shy with the crispy shallots, they bring that dish home. The flaky sesame shao bing is for all the bolo bao lovers out there: the bread is toasted so that it’s nutty on the outside and warm enough to slightly melt the slab of butter tucked inside. For the mains, treat yourself to the chile soft shell crab for a nice little kick — it’s also the perfect dish to cut through the rich and decadent sweet-and-sour short rib if you order that, too (and get the potato rice to soak up all the yummy drippings from the sauce).

And please, I beg of you, save room for dessert: On the night I visited, I had the concord grape shaved ice (wow) and the eight treasure rice pudding (double wow, think warm sticky rice topped with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce). Honestly, I’d trust them with anything at this point, so you can’t go wrong. And on top of it all, the service was just lovely. The staff’s energy was just pure joy, you could tell how passionate they were to share their favorites with the table.

— Celine Chan, Social Media Manager

Serving up serious flavor and heart…

… Rosie’s also just might be home to the best margaritas and guacamole in the city. You can truly taste the love in every dish. The corn for their tortillas (hand-pressed to order on the comal, right in the middle of the restaurant) is sourced from Oaxaca co-ops that support local farmers, adding an extra layer of meaning and flavor. We had the guacamole, queso fundido, enchiladas suizas, and an assortment of tacos — all incredible. And for dessert? Their incredible Mexican sundae and tres leches.

— Jessica DeGeorge, Partner Success Manager

What a lovely hidden gem…

… this Tribeca restaurant is. I can see why Houseman is such a neighborhood favorite. The smoked bluefish dip was incredible as was the seared tuna special. Anything seafood is a must here, though I hear the burger rocks, too.

— Daniel Duffy, Senior Business Enablement & Operations Analyst

As a huge fan of The Four Horsemen…

… my dinner at I Cavallini was highly anticipated, and it hit all the beats I was hoping it would. A yin of softness and maturity to Four Horsemen’s yang of timeless cool. This is a neighborhood restaurant, but one that’s been thoughtfully curated, from the synthy disco to the low-lit hum of the (bigger) space, with a menu that is so damn confident for a new opening.

Nick Curtola’s cooking on the opening menu was a masterclass in balance: rustic, but with precision. Every dish was like a trust fall. His team’s steady hand guides an herby chervil gremolata to cut through a luscious bluefin tuna belly; there was a perfect chew on the pesto trofie; the acid from the chive blossom vinegar and punchy onions really balanced out the unctuous nervetti salad; and in the farfallone, the richness of a Calabrian chile butter is offset with hidden nubs of salty pancetta. And whenever that patio opens, oh boy. What an addition I Cav has been to my neighborhood.

— Drew Nordstrom, Strategic Partnerships

Dining solo at the bar…

… at Cecchi’s felt like quintessential New York: warm, lively, and inviting. I started with a zero-proof French 75 (a refreshing twist on a classic), followed by the market salad and the burger (yes, the very same burger from our recent guide to burgers and fries), which fully lived up to the hype. I ended with a banana cream pie that was so comforting. Next time, though, I won’t be solo — I’m definitely bringing friends to enjoy even more.

— Jessica DeGeorge, Partner Success Manager

We had a fantastic experience…

… at Monkey Bar. We started out with some superb cocktails, including two martini variations — their selection is expansive, creative, and full of unique and tasty options. On the food front, we opted for the wagyu cheeseburger (cooked to perfection with a flavorful sauce and a fluffy, golden-brown bun), the vodka rigatoni (rich, creamy, satisfying — a must for pasta lovers), and the chicken parm (perfectly crispy with tender, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a delicious tomato sauce).

The ambiance was spot-on, with dim lighting and an old-school New York décor that gives the venue a timeless and iconic feel — perfect for both a romantic date and a gathering with friends. Service was excellent and attentive, and the team made sure dietary needs and allergies were taken care of. I’d highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a memorable night out.

— Jordan McKosky, Senior Software Engineer

I love dining…

… at Bonnie’s. It’s the place I always come back to because it always delivers on food, service, and vibe. At this point, I have my order perfected: the Black Tea Penicillin to drink, then the chrysanthemum salad with creamy sesame dressing, followed by the fuyu cacio e pepe and the crispy sticky rice that changes each season. Pro tip: Definitely end the meal with their espresso martini made with orange pekoe tea and Variety Coffee-infused vodka.

— Sarah Slaton, Product Designer

I would eat anything on the menu…

… at Parla — it is truly my favorite neighborhood spot. My go-to dish is, quite randomly, their chopped salad? Or maybe not so random: it has calamari in it, and it tastes different, flavorful, and amazing. Also, their thick-crust pizza is to die for. I love it all.

— Julia McAvoy, Senior Resy Restaurant Marketing Manager

My friends have been talking about…

… Pitt’s in Red Hook since they first opened earlier this year, and I finally got the chance to try it with my wife one weekend. We went for an early 5:45pm dinner (ideal), and everything from the vibe to the service to the music to the dishes was exactly what we needed to ward off the Sunday scaries. The elevated diner décor and an early 2000s pop and R&B hits playlist were the perfect backdrop for fresh fig and gin cocktails, marbled cornbread, hangar steak with farmers market corn and tomatoes, and a pancake soufflé. This is my formal petition to see more breakfast items on dessert menus in 2026.

— Emily Greene, Senior Experiential Manager

I absolutely loved the food…

… at The Chatti. It’s one of the few Indian restaurants in New York that’s focused on Kerala cuisine, which is special to me since my parents grew up there. The food was fantastic and so flavorful, and the cocktails were so unique. It’s definitely a restaurant to experience at least once, especially for those who want to try a different kind of South Indian cuisine.

— Maria Joe Ananickal, Software Engineer

For a truly special experience…

… go to Le Crocodile’s Club du Vin, a wine dinner held once each quarter that celebrates a different wine region of the world. Each event features a thoughtfully paired menu to match, making it a journey for both your palate and your glass. Gabriella Borg Costanzi, the restaurant’s incredible wine director, leads the night with such passion and expertise that you could listen to her talk about wine all evening. The dinner is served family style, so you end up sharing great food, beautiful wines, and easy conversation with new friends. It’s warm, inviting, and fun. Good food, great wine, and even better company — what more could you ask for?

— Jessica DeGeorge, Partner Success Manager

I had a fantastic experience…

… at L’Artusi. The service was excellent — attentive and warm without being intrusive. We sampled several appetizers, three pastas, and a wonderful red wine. The standout dish was the crab pasta — rich, tarragon-forward, and layered with deep, satisfying flavors. As a baker, I also appreciated their take on a Napoleon. Overall, a memorable meal with top-notch hospitality and beautifully executed dishes.

— Kenneth Jansson, Director of Product Design

Our meal was full of fun and creative dishes…

… at Soledad in the Upper East Side. The crispy carnitas sushi was really good and unlike anything I’ve tried before. The lobster birria tacos were also pretty unique and super flavorful. The tiradito de atún had yellowfin tuna with a peanut butter sauce that actually worked really well together. And definitely end with the delicious churro sundae for dessert.

— Chelsea Scoli, Senior Digital Product Ops Associate

It’s one of those spots that just hits every time…

… smoky and loud, with food that’s packed with flavor. The Korean barbecue at New Wonjo is absolutely legit, and you’ll leave smelling like grill smoke and be totally happy about it.

— Dan Snitzer, Resy Credit Benefit Management

To celebrate my mom’s birthday…

… we had a celebratory dinner at Osteria Cotta on the Upper West Side. We were seated on the top floor with a homey dining table setup that made us feel right at home — I was so impressed with their rustic, cozy, and welcoming space. The portions were generous, and the wood-fired rosemary wings (perfectly seasoned) were a crowd favorite — we were extremely tempted to order another round. We also loved the special of the day, a beautiful risotto. Service was friendly and attentive throughout, and the pacing of the meal was just right. Overall, Osteria Cotta is perfect if you’re looking for a family-friendly spot that feels like a neighborhood staple. I’m already looking forward to heading back there soon.

— Emman Johari, Director of Business Enablement & Operations

Dinner here was one for the books…

Crevette reminds you why dining out in New York feels so special. We started with the fennel salad with dates and pecorino, and the butter beans with escarole and pistou, followed by the grilled golden chicken and Dover sole with spinach and brown butter. Everything was a hit, but the Dover sole stole the show — it was so tender and incredibly flavorful. We capped the night with the fior di latte soft serve with blueberry compote and the rhum cake — the perfect sweet ending to a standout meal in the most charming setting.

— Jessica DeGeorge, Partner Success Manager

New restaurant alert…

For a high-quality omakase with a great price, head to Zama. I loved the vibe of the restaurant and how passionate the chefs were. The attention to detail was high and they made us feel so welcome and taken care of. Our chef made sure we knew all the ingredients he was using and what made his combination of flavors special. My favorite dish was the chawanmushi with mushroom and crab — it was a perfect dish to take a break from the fish and cleanse the palate.

— TJ Voutier, Senior Product Manager, Consumer

More New York staff picks, right this way.

The views expressed in this article reflect personal experiences of American Express employees at the applicable restaurants — not American Express — and do not constitute professional business advice.