
The New York Times recently published its ranking of the 14 best restaurants in New York that have recently opened. From classic French cuisine to neighborhood shawarma, discover a list of dining establishments with a variety of price ranges, sizes, and atmospheres for your next getaway to the “city that never sleeps.”
Bungalow

At the Bungalow, chef Vikas Khanna adds a playful touch to regional Indian dishes. The famous Mr. Khanna is anything but a distant chef: he strolls through the elegant dining room every evening to greet guests. A must-try: his balchao shrimp cones with mustard seeds and curry leaves, as well as his lamb chops with a garlic, ginger, and mango powder crust! (524 First Avenue, Second Street)
Carnitas Ramírez

According to the New York Times, the taqueria Carnitas Ramírez has “achieved the holy trinity”: warm, soft, homemade tortillas, fresh and spicy salsas, and tender meats (mainly offal) bathed in their own fat. You will have the opportunity to taste a dozen parts of the pig (even the most surprising!): shank, ribs, cheek, skin, snout, ear, etc. You can eat on-site in a warm and relaxed space, always filled with good music! (210 East Third Street, Avenue B)
Borgo

Borgo is a neighborhood trattoria with a sleek and elegant decor, accented with modern paintings, small tables with white tablecloths, and the warm light of candle holders. It serves seasonal cuisine cooked over a wood fire. A must-try: discover a disk of focaccia topped with cheese, fried slices of delicata squash, Marsala roasted chicken, plump sweetbreads, and a leg of lamb with puntarelle and prunes. (124 East 27th Street, Lexington Avenue)
Eulalie

Eulalie does not take online reservations, only by phone or in person. This approach reflects the retro and courteous service of the owners, Chip Smith and Tina Vaughn. They regularly welcome customers themselves in their restaurant with a simple and elegant decor. A must-try: sweetbreads, butter-poached lobster, poached sole mousse with caviar, and coconut cake. (239 West Broadway, Walker Street)
Café Carmellini

The two-story dining room at Café Carmellini is simply enchanting! Sparkling chandeliers, trees grazing the ceiling, and majestic decorations in shades of blue and gold adorn the space. A must-try: a crab mille-feuille, Cardoz scallops, squab in crust, and seared foie gras in a delicate layer of pastry. (250 Fifth Avenue, West 28th Street)
Four Twenty Five

Flooded with natural light during the day, gently illuminated by soft lighting in the evening, Four Twenty Five is located atop a glass skyscraper on Park Avenue. Its decor evokes the glamour of a 1930s ocean liner! Chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jonathan Benno have crafted a menu that is both classic and innovative, blending Italian, French, and Asian influences. A must-try: dorade tartare drizzled with tahini and chili oil, rosé duck breast served with a Thai salad, golden ossetra caviar served with potato pancakes, and foie gras accompanied by blood orange compote and spiced madeleines. (425 Park Avenue, 56th Street)
The Golden Calf

Founded in 1937, the Golden Calf has reopened under the direction of chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, masters of neo-bistro and founders of Frenchette and Le Rock. With its red leather banquettes, checkered tablecloths, and wooden walls, the decor has a retro charm. As for the menu, it mainly features classics of French cuisine. A must-try: frog legs with butter and lemon, snails with garlic and herbs, duck breast with cherries, and trio of kidney, liver, and sweetbreads saturated with mustard and Cognac sauce. (129 East 60th Street, Lexington Avenue)
Levant

Levant is a culinary gem in the Egyptian neighborhood of New York. The specialty of this colorful restaurant is Feteer, a traditional Egyptian dish. This flaky bread is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can watch the chefs stretch it, mix it, and cook it in front of you! Levant offers several variations of Feteer: stuffed with cheese and homemade sausages sprinkled with crushed spices, topped with cream quishta and flavored with orange blossom syrup, sweetened with Biscoff cookie butter and a sprinkle of nuts, and much more. (25-64 Steinway Street, 28th Avenue)
Penny

Discover one of the best seafood cuisines in New York at Penny! With the exception of desserts, seafood is featured in every dish on the menu. The restaurant, fully equipped with bars and elegant marble counters, surrounded by plush leather seating, offers a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. A must-try: octopus with potato salad and marinated daikon pieces, squid stuffed with Swiss chard and tuna grilled over charcoal, and ruby-red tuna leaves with grated onion curls. (90 East 10th Street, Third Avenue)
Sawa

Sawa reinterprets Lebanese classics with a bold New York twist! Its dining room is sprinkled with Mediterranean blue and features a hipster style. Its spacious terrace is also a lovely space to dine. Must-try dishes: summer tomatoes spread with garlic toum, tender lamb shank with freekeh and fava beans, beef cheek glazed with pomegranate, house-made pitas served with plates of hummus, labneh, and muhammara. (75 Fifth Avenue, Prospect Place)
Hamburger America

In this casual restaurant in the Lower East Side, you will find one of the best fried onion burgers in the area! Additionally, its owner, George Motz, hosts a tribute every month to a particular style of American burger. The fast food decor is simple and charming: 50s-style tiled floor, retro stools, old photos hanging on the walls, etc. A must-try: the smash burger with caramelized onions and jalapeños, their Tex-Mex version of chopped cheese in a tortilla, their tuna salad, and their key lime pie. (51 MacDougal Street, West Houston Street)
Lola's

The chef of Lola’s, Suzanne Cupps, is known for her extensive knowledge of seasonal fruits and vegetables, which is reflected in her menu. This restaurant, both chic and casual, offers comforting and healthy cuisine. A must-try: spicy roasted carrots with garam masala served with warm naan, homemade noodles with Japanese curry enriched with green vegetables, crispy fish tile cubes topped with jalapeño tartar sauce, served in lettuce leaves. (2 West 28th Street, Broadway)
Shaw-naé’s House

Discover the unique takes on soul food classics crafted by Mrs. Shaw-naé Dixon! This small restaurant, consisting of six tables, offers both an intimate and festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to order one of their famous pitchers of sangria or rum punch to complete your culinary experience. A must-try: chicken wings glazed with a spiced cinnamon syrup, macaroni and cheese sprinkled with herbs and pepper, catfish platter with sautéed vegetables, cornbread topped with berries or sweet potato puree, and whole fried snapper. (381 Van Duzer Street, Stapleton)
Spice Brothers

Chefs David Malbequi and Lior Lev Sercarz consider everything they serve – labneh, steak, falafels, harissa, skewers, and fries – as an invitation to experiment with spices. A burst of flavors awaits you at Spice Brothers! Whether the meat is served in a pita, wrapped in laffa bread, or presented on a platter, it will always be sprinkled with cumin and tahini, and accompanied by a nest of shredded red cabbage, arugula, and chopped tomatoes. (110 St. Marks Place, Avenue A)