🚕 Two NYC Icons Shut Down

Good Morning NY!

Today, we’re looking at a mix of big changes and fresh momentum across the city’s dining scene.

Two longtime NYC staples have quietly shut their doors, marking the end of an era for neighborhood favorites.

At the same time, a wave of notable new openings is bringing fresh energy, from major hospitality players to buzzy neighborhood spots.

We’ll also break down the latest New York Times reviews, highlighting standout performers and one that missed the mark.

Plus, there’s movement behind the scenes in a prime Upper West Side space that could soon get a high-profile new tenant.

NYT Reviews Highlight Strong New Spots

The New York Times published a restaurant review roundup on April 29, 2026.

Pangat in Park Slope received two stars and a Critic’s Pick designation.

The Indian restaurant draws from Maharashtra and Mumbai street foods.

Standout dishes include Ghati chicken curry, vada pav, chicken koliwada, and semolina-crusted pomfret.

Lucky Charlie in Bushwick also earned two stars and a Critic’s Pick.

The pizza parlor uses one of Brooklyn’s oldest coal ovens built in 1890.

It serves well-rounded New York-style coal-oven pies.

Golden Steer in Greenwich Village received a Fair rating.

It is a Las Vegas-import steakhouse located at 1 Fifth Avenue.

These reviews showcase a mix of strong neighborhood performers and one that fell short of expectations.

Notable New Restaurant Openings in NYC – April 2026

Observer has highlighted the 10 most noteworthy restaurant openings in New York City for April 2026.

550 Madison in Midtown East is a major multi-venue complex from Simon Kim featuring a second Cote location, Sushi Yoshitake omakase, and Bar Chimera.

After Eden on the Lower East Side is an all-day bar and cafe with Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì, and creative cocktails.

Arthur in Greenpoint is a new bistro from chef Kevin Finch serving Northeast-focused dishes.

Bar Ferdinando in Carroll Gardens revives the historic Ferdinando’s space as an all-day bar and cafe.

Bar Hugo on the rooftop of Hotel Hugo in SoHo offers Italian Riviera-inspired cocktails and snacks.

Cleo in the West Village focuses on rotisserie chicken with innovative sides.

Gigi’s in Greenpoint is a rotisserie and wine bar from the Fulgurances team.

Goop Kitchen in Midtown West is Gwyneth Paltrow’s first East Coast outpost with optimized fast-casual dishes.

Marcel on the Upper East Side is a French restaurant inside Sotheby’s opening April 16.

Sadie’s in the Seaport features a large outdoor Garden Bar and American classics.

April is shaping up to be a busy month with a mix of elevated dining, casual concepts, and additional pizza openings.

The Milling Room Abruptly Closes on Upper West Side

The Milling Room, a popular Upper West Side restaurant known for its airy dining room and vaulted glass ceiling, has closed unexpectedly.

The restaurant shut down in December after more than 12 years in operation.

Owner Luis Gonzalez may owe as much as $1.2 million in back rent to the landlord.

Gonzalez suffered a severe accident during a temazcal ceremony in Mexico, falling onto hot volcanic rocks.

He sustained burns over 30% of his body and has undergone 14 surgeries.

He was bedridden for four months following the incident.

Gonzalez cited rising ingredient costs of 20% to 30% since the pandemic as an additional challenge.

The 7,000-square-foot space at 445 Columbus Avenue is now available for lease at $60,000 per month.

A contract is reportedly out with a top restaurateur, and the team behind Olio e Più and Boucherie is in talks to open a new Boucherie location there.

NYC’s Latest Openings

April 2026 continues to deliver a strong lineup of new restaurant and bar openings in New York City.

Soba Ulala in Soho fully opened on March 31 with house-made soba noodles prepared twice daily.

Cafe Fleuri in the Financial District opened in late March featuring Southern French cuisine with North African influences.

Golden Mall quietly opened in the Financial District on March 30 with initial vendors including bubble tea and chicken steak.

Tachi in Hell’s Kitchen opened on March 26 with a 12-seat omakase counter and walk-in sake bar.

Cocktail Omakase on the Lower East Side opened on March 27 with a $55 four-cocktail and four-bite tasting menu.

Jollibee opened its third Manhattan location in Midtown on March 31 serving Filipino fried chicken and burgers.

Philippe Chow debuted its glitzy Fifth Avenue flagship on March 27 with tableside Beijing duck.

Let’s Chama! opened two new bakeries in Chelsea and Bushwick serving khachapuri and mushroom pie.

Pies ‘n’ Thighs launched its second location in Prospect Heights on April 1 with family-friendly options.

Dean’s in Soho opened on March 31 with British coastal pub fare including stargazy pie.

Nostos on the Upper East Side opened in late March focusing on Northern Greek specialties.

These new openings add diverse flavors and creative concepts throughout the city.

(138 words).

Two NYC Icons Shut Down

Japonica, the longtime Greenwich Village sushi restaurant, has permanently closed.

The spot at 90 University Place shut its doors on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Open since 1978, it was known for its maki rolls, long lines, and celebrity regulars.

Caputo Bakery, a family-run Italian bakery in Carroll Gardens, also closed this week.

The five-generation business at 329 Court Street ended operations on Monday, April 27, 2026.

It was beloved for seeded loaves, buns, onion rolls, and chocolate birthday cakes.

The closures come amid rising costs for labor, ingredients, and gas.

Neighbors reacted with sadness upon seeing the closure notices.

These losses mark the end of two beloved establishments with deep roots in their communities.

Japonica and Caputo Bakery represent the challenges many longtime NYC restaurants currently face.

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.