Check Out 8 New Restaurants in NYC Opening This Week
Blue Ribbon launches an omakase concept, PLANTA debuts a Brooklyn outpost, and more exciting new restaurants in NYC.
A charming coffee shop comes for the under-caffeinated in the East Village, a nationwide plant-based restaurant empire launches a Williamsburg outpost, and a locally sourced diner expands into Long Island City—these are just a few of this week’s exciting newcomers that have piqued our culinary sensibilities.
On top of snagging Y2K threads at the city’s top thrift stores and getting in some culture at the coolest art exhibits, NYC’s food scene is heating up as we continue to slowly creep toward springtime. Here are the eight new restaurants in NYC opening this week.
DUMBO
With an industrial aesthetic that plays into the history of the area, Gair is a striking new cocktail bar in DUMBO. Situated on the corner of Washington Street and Water Street, the concrete-accented bar overlooks the perpetually popular Manhattan Bridge photo opp spot—although the team hopes the bespoke atmosphere of the watering hole will attract both tourists and locals. The beverage menu offers seasonal libations created with unique spirits and ingredients like the Old Man and The Sea (Japanese whisky, soy, nori), as well as natural wines and locally sourced beers. From chef Gabe McMackin (Troutbeck, Finch) shareable dishes include an artisanal bread offering (accompanied by a variety of toppings like flavored butter and tinned fish), a charcuterie spread, and small plates like the The Deviled You Don’t Know (ramen egg, nori, togarashi).
Greenwich Village
In homage to the late and beloved Blue Ribbon Sushi co-founder, sushi chef Toshi Ueki, comes an intimate namesake omakase concept. Led by the team at Blue Ribbon, Ueki’s guests are treated to an up-close and laidback experience with the restaurant’s sushi chef, while hanging out within the comfortable 12-seat space. Along with courses that include Edomae-style nigiri, temaki, and sushi, the meal is complemented by a selection of sake, wine, beer, and spirits.
How to book: OpenTable
Prospect Heights
Although New Yorkers will die on the hill that NY-style pies reign supreme, we’re not opposed to seeing how other cities shape up. The latest on our radar is the first Big Apple outpost for the Detroit-style Jet’s Pizza brand, which first opened in a Detroit suburb in 1978 and now touts more than 400 locations nationwide. At the new storefront, try out the buttery, crispy, and extra-cheesy square pies that have garnered Jet’s Pizza such a favorable reputation.
Long Island City
At Creamline, you’ll find all of your favorite diner foods made with the highest quality ingredients sourced from New York State farmers and purveyors. In collaboration with the upstate dairy farm Ronnybrook Farm, the comfort classic-stacked menu includes highlights like the Rosenkrans Farm Cheeseburger, Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich, and Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup. Add a little something extra to your order with a Chocolate Fudge Milkshake or a locally brewed beer.
Midtown
Tuscan and Italian cuisine finds a perch above Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral this week. With a name that translates to cathedral, Duomo 51 sits on the seventh floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Midtown hotel and is helmed by chef Vilfredo Hodai (Ramerino Italian Prime). Highlights include Barone Rosso (red pesto, rigatoni), Polpo alla Griglia (grilled octopus, chickpea cream), and Vitello Ai Funghi (veal scaloppine, wild mushrooms). Wines by the bottle are sourced primarily from Tuscany, while by-the-glass wines are composed of varietals across Italy and California.
Union Square
After establishing herself in Toronto with cocktail spots like Reyna on King and Bar Reyna, restaurateur Nicki Laborie continues to grow her U.S. portfolio. Following the November debut of the Mediterranean restaurant Reyna New York in Union Square, Laborie expands the concept further with the launch of a subterranean bar called Le Louis. Within the sultry space, guests can enjoy a selection of house cocktails and small bar bites, while curated soundtracks play overhead.
Williamsburg
Featuring a warm and verdant interior alongside a vegetable-centric food program, PLANTA welcomes its first Brooklyn eatery in the neighborhood of Williamsburg. Joining its popular Manhattan sibling, PLANTA Queen, this debut marks the eleventh North American venture for the restaurant group, which has gained recognition for its innovative approach to plant-forward cuisine. At the 73-seat PLANTA Williamsburg, guests can expect Asian-influenced offerings like Ahi Watermelon Nigiri (ginger, citrus soy), Thai Lettuce Wraps (mushrooms, tofu, lemongrass), and Bang Bang Broccoli (sweet chili, peanut sauce). Another PLANTA locale is slated to open later this year in SoHo.
How to book: Resy
East Village
A new coffee shop ushers in a wave of charm, creativity, and caffeine into the East Village. The trio behind Wild Rabbit Coffee—which includes Jay Liu (CheLi, Mountain House Manhattan), head barista Jason Ying, and chef Junye Chi—draws inspiration from cafes across Hong Kong and prides themselves on intentional attention to detail. In addition to menu items like Chai Lattes, Matcha Lattes, and housemade Calamansi-Ade, the shop’s coffee beans are sourced locally from Sey Coffee in Bushwick for drinks like the Jasmericano (jasmine tea, espresso). To accompany the beverages, Chi is behind a concise menu of bites that includes an array of crustless sandwiches and Black Sesame Egg Waffles (pastry skewers).