🚕 NYC’s Hottest New Restaurants to Try Now

Good Morning NY!

From new-hit restaurants and winter openings to closures reshaping neighborhoods, NYC’s dining scene is in constant motion.

This week, we’re looking at what’s hot right now, from buzzy newcomers and viral food explorers to the realities restaurants are facing in January.

We’re also breaking down Winter Restaurant Week’s return, with nearly 600 spots offering prix-fixe menus across the city.

Whether you’re planning your next reservation or just keeping up with the food conversation, there’s a lot happening on NYC’s dining map.

Let’s dig into what’s new, notable, and worth your attention this week.

Delays in NYC's Outdoor Dining Permit Approvals

New York City’s dining scene keeps evolving, and this year has brought an impressive lineup of new restaurants.

The Infatuation highlighted 14 standout openings across Manhattan and Brooklyn, each earning a spot on their Hit List.

In the East Village, Smithereens is making waves with creative seafood dishes.

Ha’s Snack Bar on the Lower East Side offers bold, fish‑sauce–driven small plates that pack flavor.

Chinatown’s Bridges is serving elevated American cuisine in a stylish setting.

Brooklyn’s Bong presents modern Cambodian dishes, while Chrissy’s Pizza in Greenpoint puts a playful twist on classic pies.

Other notable newcomers include Vietnamese spot Bánh Anh Em, Korean wine bar Sunn’s, and inventive sandwich shop Danny & Coop’s.

Italian, Moroccan, and taco concepts also feature, showcasing the city’s global culinary diversity.

Whether you’re a longtime foodie or just exploring, these new restaurants capture the creativity and excitement of NYC dining.

The city’s food scene has never been more dynamic, offering options for every taste and occasion.

NYC Dining Scene Faces January 2026 Closures

Several beloved restaurants and bars across New York City closed in January 2026, highlighting the challenges facing the city’s dining industry.

In Bay Ridge, the popular taco spot Blue Agave shut its doors permanently, leaving fans disappointed.

Bushwick lost Father Knows Best, a café and arts hub known for brunch and community events.

Clinton Hill’s Moo Burger also ended operations at its neighborhood location.

Midtown Manhattan saw the closure of Cafe Un Deux Trois, a French bistro with nearly fifty years of history.

The East Village lost Spice Brothers, once celebrated for its flavorful offerings.

In the Financial District, The Irish Punt, operating for 31 years, closed amid redevelopment plans.

Queens Center Mall’s Burmese Bites shuttered its food-court spot but plans a future sit-down venue.

Other notable closures included Gino’s Pizza in Park Slope and Alewife Brewing in Sunnyside.

These January closures underscore the ongoing volatility and evolving landscape of NYC dining.

NYC Friends Go Viral Exploring the City’s Global Flavors

A group of friends in New York City has captured attention online for their culinary adventures.

They make it a point to visit restaurants representing a wide variety of cultures across the city.

Their shared love of food has become a social media sensation, drawing viewers into their dining experiences.

CBS News New York highlighted how these friends bond over their meals, showcasing the joy of exploring new flavors together.

From hidden gems to well-known eateries, their adventures emphasize the diversity of NYC’s food scene.

Each outing becomes an opportunity to celebrate culture, friendship, and the art of eating well.

Their story reminds New Yorkers that food is more than sustenance—it’s a way to connect with others.

Fans continue to follow their journey, inspired to seek out new culinary experiences of their own.

NYC’s Hottest New Restaurants to Try This Winter

New York City’s dining scene continues to dazzle with a wave of exciting new openings.

Koreatown welcomes Nogari, a neon-lit Korean pocha serving cheesy potato pancakes, spicy boneless chicken feet, tteokbokki, and budae-jjigae.

Fried chicken fans can head to Bojangles in Flatbush, now open 24/7 with its signature chicken and biscuits.

Wine lovers will enjoy Aperitivo By Carta in the West Village, offering a cozy café and bar experience.

Rockefeller Plaza sees the arrival of Miznon, bringing Mediterranean flavors to Midtown diners.

East Village foodies can check out Justin’s Salt Bread, a bakery offering creative pastries and breads.

Other notable spots include Hots Pizza, Burgerhead, and Brooklyn’s Uncle Rogers, each adding unique flavors to the borough.

From casual bites to inventive concepts, these openings highlight NYC’s diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape.

This winter, there’s no shortage of new places to explore and taste.

NYC Winter Restaurant Week Returns With Nearly 600 Spots

New York City’s Winter Restaurant Week is back, offering diners prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 restaurants across all five boroughs.

The event runs from January 20 through February 12, 2026, with reservations now open.

Lunches feature two-course meals while dinners offer three courses, with set prices of $30, $45, and $60.

This semi-annual tradition began in 1992 as a one-time event and has grown into a city-wide culinary highlight.

This year’s edition includes 616 participating restaurants, which can be filtered by cuisine, borough, neighborhood, and other preferences.

Restaurant Week is part of the larger NYC Winter Outing initiative, which also offers deals on Broadway shows, museums, and hotel stays.

The goal is to support local eateries during the slower winter months while giving diners an affordable way to explore NYC’s vibrant food scene.

It’s the perfect chance to try new restaurants or revisit old favorites at a set price.

Thanks

Thanks for reading NYC Bites today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves food and NYC.

Want to advertise in our newsletter? Fill out this form here and we will be in touch shortly!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign-up to get it.

Have a question or need support? Contact us.