🚕 Semma Crowned NYC’s Best Restaurant

Good Morning NY!

There’s no slowing down when it comes to NYC’s dining scene.

One beloved South Indian restaurant just made history—and headlines.

A viral summer food festival is gearing up for a massive return to Brooklyn.

Brooklyn’s got a new crop of restaurants worth bookmarking ASAP.

An iconic soup dumpling spot is expanding beyond the boroughs.

And Midtown’s latest steakhouse is sparking serious buzz.

Let’s dig in.

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Semma Takes the Crown as NYC’s Best Restaurant of 2025

Semma, the South Indian hotspot in Greenwich Village, has just been named the No. 1 restaurant in NYC by The New York Times.

It’s the first time a South Indian restaurant has ever topped the list.

Chef Vijay Kumar’s bold, regional dishes—like his crisp, ghee-soaked dosa—are earning high praise for their authenticity and heat.

Semma is backed by the Unapologetic Foods group and remains NYC’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant.

It jumped from No. 7 last year to the top of the new, more exclusive Top 10 list.

The Times revamped its annual restaurant guide this year, spotlighting only ten standout spots citywide.

Other honorees include Atomix, Le Bernardin, Tatiana, and King.

But Semma stood out for its unapologetic, Tamil Nadu–inspired cooking.

It’s a big moment for Indian cuisine in New York—and a must-visit for 2025.

TikTok’s Favorite Food Festival Returns to Brooklyn This August

Yes, Chef Food Fest is back in Williamsburg this summer, taking over BK Backyard Bar from August 10 to 11.

The two-day event will feature over 20 viral NYC restaurants and food pop-ups.

Confirmed vendors include Mama’s Too!, Arthur & Sons, Soothr, Gotham Burger, and Taqueria Ramirez.

General admission starts at $20 and includes access to free samples and live activations.

Festival highlights include a massive 300-pound tuna cutting ceremony from Sushi by Bou.

OceanBox will serve a 50-pound shrimp cocktail each day, while Oyster XO shucks 900 oysters on Sunday only.

Chip City is baking 1,000 special-edition cookies per day exclusively for the event.

Expect caviar bump stations, giveaways, DJs, and a social media–driven crowd.

VIP ticket holders get open bar access, caviar, a private beach lounge, and fast entry.

The festival is expected to sell out again with 3,000 attendees each day.

This one’s built for food lovers and content creators alike.

June’s Must-Try Brooklyn Openings, According to Eater

Eater’s latest Brooklyn Heatmap highlights the borough’s most buzzed-about restaurant openings this June.

The list focuses on spots that have opened within the last six months.

Fish Cheeks expands from Manhattan with a brand-new location in Brooklyn, bringing its beloved Thai seafood to a new crowd.

Cafe Brume debuts in Brooklyn Heights with a menu inspired by Alpine mountain fare.

Pizza favourite Brooklyn DOP launches a fast-casual spinoff called Fast Life.

Jamaican patty chain Juici Patties opens its first-ever NYC location right in Brooklyn.

These picks join a growing lineup of exciting neighbourhood newcomers drawing serious attention.

The guide is part of Eater’s broader NYC dining coverage, which also includes Manhattan and Queens.

If you’re craving something fresh this month, Brooklyn’s got options.

Now’s the time to beat the crowds—and get a taste before the TikTokers catch on.

NYC’s Beloved Soup Dumpling Spot Expands to Connecticut

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is opening its first Connecticut location this month at Stamford Town Center.

The soft opening is scheduled for June 13, with a grand opening celebration on June 14.

Expect lion dances, a ribbon cutting, and a champagne toast at 1 p.m.

This marks the next step in regional expansion for the Michelin-recognized Shanghainese restaurant.

Founded in Flushing in 2006, Nan Xiang was Michelin-recommended for nine years straight.

Their signature soup dumplings are known for delicate, ultra-thin skins and rich, savoury fillings.

The menu includes nine pork xiao long bao variations, from crab roe to truffle.

Other highlights include scallion pancakes, fried rice cakes, and sponge tofu.

The Stamford opening joins locations in Flushing, Manhattan’s Koreatown and East Village, and Cherry Hill, NJ.

For NYC dumpling fans heading to Connecticut this summer, this is your must-stop.

The Dynamo Room Lights Up Midtown with Modern Steakhouse Vibes

A new dining destination has opened in Midtown’s Penn Station district.

The Dynamo Room is the latest from Sunday Hospitality, known for Café Chelsea and Rule of Thirds.

The restaurant’s name honours Thomas Edison’s original NYC electric generator room.

Inside, it combines industrial roots with sleek, modern design.

The menu centers on dry-aged steaks like 50-day ribeye and veal chops with brown butter.

An elevated raw bar offers an impressive selection of oysters.

Galaxy-inspired cocktails, including the “Infinity and Beyond,” complement the futuristic ambiance.

This spot is perfect for steak lovers craving a fresh, elevated experience.

Located near the city’s transport hub, it’s ideal for locals and travellers.

The Dynamo Room brings a bright new energy to NYC’s dining scene.

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