🚕 Waldorf Astoria Reopens After $3.1 Billion Makeover

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’re stepping inside some of the city’s most exciting openings and culinary revivals.

From a $3.1 billion hotel transformation to new dining destinations in Sutton Place and Union Square, there’s plenty to explore.

We’ll spotlight emerging trends, like the cozy-yet-elegant “rustic luxe” movement in French dining.

Plus, get a taste of Manhattan’s newest Thai hotspots, each offering a fresh take on regional flavors and inventive cocktails.

Stick around for a roundup of the latest bites, sips, and experiences shaping New York City’s food scene this season.

Waldorf Astoria Reopens After $3.1 Billion Makeover

The iconic Waldorf Astoria in Midtown Manhattan has reopened following a $3.1 billion renovation.

Closed since 2017, the historic Art Deco hotel has been restored with both its classic grandeur and modern luxury in mind.

The renovation, led by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, preserved the “Waldorf Bronze” interiors and Art Deco elements while upgrading guest amenities.

Guest suites have been reduced from 1,400 to 375 to allow for more spacious accommodations.

Peacock Alley and the Grand Ballroom have been stylishly restored, enhancing the hotel’s storied elegance.

Dining options have been elevated with new offerings such as Japanese Yoshoku and New American Lex Yard.

Historic features like the Queen Victoria clock, Cole Porter’s original Steinway piano, and grand mosaics highlight the hotel’s rich legacy.

Room rates start at $1,500 per night, cementing the Waldorf as a premier luxury destination in New York City.

Derby Club Set to Revive Iconic Sutton Place Spot

The Derby Club is opening next month in the former location of Neary’s at 358 E. 57th Street in Manhattan.

Scheduled for mid-September 2025, the restaurant is led by the team behind Leonetta and Jack & Charlie’s No. 118, including executive chef Ed Cotton and partners Chris Coco and Craig Hutson.

The space will retain Neary’s classic layout, especially the front bar, and will seat approximately 44 guests, with additional bar seating.

A mural by Bird Studio of Philadelphia, depicting historic Sutton Place and the East River, will adorn the interior.

The building, purchased by the Martignetti brothers for $3.2 million, was initially considered for an Irish-themed concept before they partnered with Cotton’s team.

The Derby Club aims to bring a downtown-style dining experience to the quieter Sutton Place neighborhood.

This opening continues the legacy of a storied Manhattan location while introducing a fresh, contemporary approach to the space.

Time Out Market Expands to Union Square

Time Out Market is bringing its vibrant food hall experience to Union Square this September.

The 10,000-square-foot space will occupy the former Urbanspace location at 124 East 14th Street.

Visitors can enjoy seven diverse food stands, a full bar, communal seating, an outdoor terrace, and a stage for live events.

Kebabwala will serve northern Indian kebabs featuring chicken, lamb, beef, and paneer.

Patty Palace by Chef Kwame Onwuachi will offer Jamaican patties, including curried chicken, beef, and jerk mushroom options.

Lori Jayne’s Burgers brings an “extra fatty custom beef blend” alongside wings, sandwiches, and sides.

Taqueria El Chato, Kam Rai Thai, Paninoteca by Anthony, and Fornino round out the lineup with Mexican, Thai, Italian-American, and pizza options.

The market will also feature sweets from Magnolia Bakery and Sunday Morning, beverages from Coffee Project NY and La Colombe, and live performances.

This expansion follows the success of Time Out Market’s original Dumbo location.

The Rise of Rustic Luxe in NYC’s French Dining Scene

New York City is embracing a new wave of French-inspired restaurants that combine elegance with cozy charm.

Dubbed “rustic luxe,” this trend brings a farmhouse warmth to refined dining, offering an atmosphere that feels both inviting and sophisticated.

Restaurants like Crevette, Le Chêne, Zimmi’s, and Café Kestrel are leading the way, serving comforting yet elevated dishes such as roast chicken, shrimp tartlets, and even mac and cheese.

These spots are designed for lingering, prioritizing warmth and intimacy over flashy, Instagram-first spaces.

At the higher end, Château Royale has made a statement with a stunning two-story carriage house that highlights elevated French classics like lobster thermidor and duck à l’orange.

Together, these restaurants are reshaping what French dining looks like in New York—less about grand gestures and more about everyday luxury served with timeless simplicity.

Double Dose of Thai Flavors Arrives in Manhattan

Two exciting Thai restaurants are opening just minutes apart in Manhattan this week, each bringing its own take on regional cuisine and creative cocktails.

LenLen, opening August 28 in Flatiron, transports diners to 1970s Bangkok with retro-style décor and vibrant dishes like crab durian curry, chile jam clams, and a papaya–strawberry som tum.

The cocktail menu also leans Thai-inspired, featuring standouts like the Tomato Som Tum and Jasmine Martini.

Just six minutes away, Narkara opens August 29 in Union Square with a focus on Northern and Northeastern Thai flavors.

Signature dishes include larb ped with foie gras and a cold red curry terrine, paired with cocktails such as the Makwaen Penicillin infused with Thai herbs and spices.

With rich design details and innovative menus, both restaurants mark an exciting new chapter for Thai dining in New York City.

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.