🚕 This week in NYC food: Central Perk brings Friends nostalgia to Times Square

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re bringing Friends magic to Times Square with the first permanent Central Perk café in NYC.

The city’s latke scene is getting a creative makeover just in time for Hanukkah, with bold twists from Brooklyn chefs.

Don Angie is proving that some tables are worth the wait, now ranked as one of America’s toughest reservations.

Brooklyn bids farewell to Llama Inn, closing a decade-long chapter in Williamsburg’s Peruvian dining scene.

Greenpoint is reshaping its restaurant landscape with one closure and two highly anticipated openings on the horizon.

Stay tuned as we explore the latest openings, closings, and holiday-inspired culinary creativity across the city.

Central Perk Brings Friends Magic to Times Square

Central Perk, the iconic coffeehouse from Friends, is opening its first permanent New York City location on December 5, 2025.

The café will be located at 20 Times Square, on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 47th Street.

Fans can expect nostalgic touches, including the famous orange couch and artwork by Burton Morris for the perfect photo moment.

The menu features playful, pop-culture-inspired drinks like “The One with NYC Matcha,” an oat-milk matcha latte with strawberry purée and cream-cheese foam.

Another signature drink is the “NY Relaxi Taxi Tall Iced Cooler,” a lemonade-green tea blend brightened with lavender syrup.

Food options are character-themed creations from chef Tom Colicchio, including Joey’s Meatball Sandwich, Rachel’s Green “Side” Salad, and Mama’s Little Bakery Cheesecake.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual visitor, Central Perk offers a nostalgic and immersive experience for coffee lovers in the heart of NYC.

NYC’s Latke Glow-Up Arrives Just in Time for Hanukkah

New York City chefs are giving the classic latke a creative reboot for the holiday season.

Shelsky’s of Brooklyn is serving both traditional potato-onion versions and inventive takes like sweet potato and celeriac.

Each one keeps the signature crispy exterior and creamy interior that defines a great latke.

In Williamsburg, Sungold is offering triangle-cut latke wedges made from russet potatoes and celery root.

These wedges are slow-cooked and fried to achieve a gratin-like texture inside.
Shalom Japan has the most playful twist with a hybrid latke-okonomiyaki topped with wagyu pastrami, crème fraîche, and salmon roe.

Edith’s Sandwich Counter is stacking latkes into breakfast sandwiches for an over-the-top morning option.

At Forgione, latkes are going luxe as a side dish paired with steak.
This year, NYC’s latke scene is turning a holiday staple into a canvas for bold creativity.

Don Angie Is Now One of America’s Toughest Reservations

Don Angie has officially been ranked the third-hardest reservation to book in the entire United States, according to OpenTable’s 2026 Dining Trends Report.

Tables at the West Village hotspot open exactly seven days in advance at 9 a.m. and disappear almost instantly.

The restaurant has been a magnetic force since its 2017 debut, thanks to its modern, deeply satisfying take on Italian-American cooking.

Signature plates like the buffalo-milk caramelle and the shell steak al limone helped Don Angie earn a Michelin star in 2021.

Its soaring demand reflects a wider NYC trend where diners are increasingly willing to wait — sometimes close to an hour — for the city’s most coveted meals.

For New Yorkers chasing the hottest tables, Don Angie remains a near-impossible but irresistible prize.

Llama Inn Bids Farewell After a Decade in Williamsburg

Llama Inn, one of New York’s most influential Peruvian-leaning restaurants, will close its Williamsburg location on December 20, 2025.

The restaurant first opened in 2015 and quickly became a destination for its vibrant flavors and modern approach to Peruvian cooking.

Its closure marks the final NYC shutdown for the Llama Group’s original trio, following the earlier endings of Llama San and Llamita.

Despite the losses in New York, the group continues operating its international outposts in London and Madrid.

A newer concept from the team in Hudson Yards will also remain open and unaffected.

Fans now have a limited window to revisit the beloved dishes and rooftop energy that helped define Llama Inn’s legacy.

The December closing will mark the end of an era for Williamsburg’s Peruvian dining scene.

Greenpoint’s Restaurant Shuffle: One Closing, Two Big Openings Ahead

Fulgurances Laundromat is officially closing on December 31 after five years of hosting chef residencies.

The restaurant became known for giving a platform to rising chefs, with its final residency led by Brock Middleton.

The space won’t stay dark for long, as former resident chef Kevin Finch and his wife Lex will open a new restaurant called Arthur in spring 2026.

Arthur plans to keep the intimate feel of the original space while offering both à-la-carte options and a tasting menu.

Just down the block, the Fulgurances team is launching a completely new concept called Gigi’s in early 2026.

Gigi’s will operate as a European-style wine bar and rotisserie featuring terrines, cheeses, and seasonal vegetable dishes.

The new spot will also embrace the residency spirit with rotating chef pop-ups.
Together, Arthur and Gigi’s signal a fresh new era for Greenpoint dining.

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