🚕 January’s Freshest Tables to Book in NYC

Good Morning NY!

Brooklyn and Manhattan are starting the new year with a fresh wave of restaurants, bold concepts, and exciting reopenings.

From cozy cafés to high-energy Greek dining, New York City’s food scene is as inventive and diverse as ever.

We’re highlighting the borough’s top tables, upcoming 2026 openings, and must-book spots for January.

Whether you’re hunting for comfort food, global flavors, or a twist on a beloved classic, there’s something for every palate.

Let’s dive in and see what’s heating up NYC’s kitchens right now.

Brooklyn’s Best Eats: Top 25 Restaurants to Try Now

Brooklyn’s dining scene continues to impress with a wide range of standout restaurants across the borough.

Time Out New York highlights 25 must-visit spots that showcase everything from classic comfort food to inventive global cuisine.

In Fort Greene, Theodora draws attention for its wood-fired cooking and seafood-forward menu.

Red Hook’s Pitt’s serves Southern-inspired comfort food, including unique dishes like pancake soufflé.

Williamsburg’s K’Far offers Israeli café fare in a lush indoor/outdoor setting perfect for casual dining.

Italian favorite Lilia remains a go-to for pasta and simple, elevated Italian classics.

Other notable spots include Masalawala & Sons for Indian cuisine, Francie for European fare, and Hometown Bar-B-Que for smoked meats.

Brooklyn also delivers diverse flavors with Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, and Taiwanese-inspired offerings alongside iconic pizza at Di Fara.

This roundup proves that Brooklyn is a culinary destination where variety, quality, and creativity meet.

Selene by Kyma Is Bringing Big Greek Energy to SoHo

A major new Greek restaurant called Selene by Kyma is set to open in SoHo in spring 2026.

The restaurant will take over a massive 10,000-square-foot space inside the ModernHaus SoHo Hotel on Grand Street.

Selene is led by Kyma co-founder Reno Christou alongside hospitality veteran James Ragonese.

The concept aims to blend Kyma’s high-energy dining style with a more refined, upscale atmosphere.

Design plans include multiple floors, a rooftop dining area, and décor imported directly from Greece.

The menu will highlight Greek seafood and classic dishes like grilled octopus and dry-aged lamb chops.

Interactive elements such as salt-baked fish and tableside preparations are also planned.

Contemporary Mediterranean touches, including seafood pastas and wagyu carpaccio, will expand the offerings.

Music and weekend DJs will help shape a lively, social dining experience.

Selene is positioned as a major addition to SoHo’s dining scene with potential future expansions.

Paulie Gee’s Greenpoint Reinvents Itself, and Fans Are Divided

Paulie Gee’s original Greenpoint pizzeria is set to close temporarily and reopen as a new tavern-style concept.

The beloved wood-fired pizza destination has been a neighborhood staple since opening its doors in 2010.

The space will undergo renovations before reopening with a larger bar, lounge seating, and a more nightlife-driven atmosphere.

New owners plan to keep Paulie Gee’s signature pizzas on the menu despite the shift in concept.

Additional features like a long bar, jukebox, and classic tavern elements are expected to define the updated space.

The transformation has sparked backlash from longtime fans who fear losing the original pizzeria’s charm.

Others are welcoming the change, viewing it as a natural evolution for the iconic Brooklyn spot.

Management has said prices will not increase despite the major redesign.

The rebranded tavern is expected to reopen in early 2026, marking a new chapter for the landmark location.

January’s Freshest Tables to Book in NYC

January dining in New York kicks off with a wave of new restaurants offering comfort, creativity, and variety across multiple neighborhoods.

Kelang in Greenpoint stands out for its cinematic atmosphere and a menu featuring butter roti, chicken curry, char siu, and bak kuh te soup.

Prospect Heights welcomes Gertie’s new sit-down location, serving polished Jewish deli favorites like latkes, babka, and nostalgic classics.

Brooklyn Heights gains a cozy evening destination with L’Apero by L’Appartement 4F, focused on wine and small plates in a candlelit space.

Ziggy’s Roman Cafe opens in Dumbo with approachable Italian dishes such as cacio e pepe and playful brioche-gelato sandwiches.

Park Slope’s Vato brings sourdough tortillas, churros, and café de olla to a casual café setting.

Together, these openings set a warm and inviting tone for NYC’s dining scene at the start of 2026.

NYC’s Hottest New Restaurants to Watch in 2026

New York City’s dining scene is already heating up with several notable openings on the horizon.

Austrian bakery Rye by Martin Auer is making its U.S. debut in SoHo with traditional rye sourdough.

The bakery plans to bake on site and serve open-faced sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.

In the West Village, Dandelion is launching as a cocktail bar from well-known hospitality teams.

Brooklyn favorite Pies ’n’ Thighs is expanding with a second Park Slope location.

Downtown Brooklyn will welcome Kashi, focusing on Northern Indian dishes with modern influences.

Union Square is set to gain Rulin, showcasing bold Sichuan and Cantonese flavors.

Times Square’s Bowtie Bar promises cocktails paired with skyline views.

Together, these openings signal another ambitious year for New York City restaurants.

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