“Where should I eat?” is one question I get asked a lot by both locals and out of towners. I am always eager to answer this, because I love sending my friends to my favorite places—or ones I recently discovered. But I especially love offering recommendations in the fall when so many new NYC restaurants pop up all over the city.
While you might want to reserve a table at an old standby you frequent when you’re in town, why not satiate your adventurous side and try someplace new? You might discover that one of these new NYC restaurants becomes your favorite.
Here are several brand new NYC restaurants to check out—along with a preview of upcoming openings.
Recently Opened:
L’Amico—849 Avenue of the Americas at 30th St.
L’Amico’s menu features American cuisine with Italian influences. This fall, order pipe rigate with veal shoulder Bolognese, wood over roasted chicken with charred broccoli rabe or my personal favorite: smoked ricotta gnudi with sage brown butter and shaved black truffle. There are also pizzas made in the copper wood-burning oven, cheese and charcuterie, plus homemade gelato for dessert. Come here for cozy, comforting classics expertly executed by celebrated chef Laurent Tourondel.
Black Barn—19 East 26th between 5th and Madison
What could be more autumnal than dining on rustic food in a barn-like setting? Step into Black Barn, where John Doherty, former Executive Chef at the Waldorf Astoria, will open Black Barn, near Madison Square Park in early fall 2015. Doherty has partnered with designer Mark Zeff to develop the space, and chef Matteo Bergamini, formerly of Miramonti L’altro in Italy, Daniel, and SD26 in New York City to offer rustic American fare and a robust beverage program within a modern, barn-like atmosphere.
Avant Garden—130 East 7th Street near Avenue A
Upscale and vegan meet at this new East Village spot where Chef Andrew D”Ambrosi has created a fine dining experience with a completely vegan menu. Be sure to order the charred brussels sprouts with pear, parsnip, lemon and hazelnuts or the farro risotto with butternut squash, baked apple and sage pesto.
Kat & Theo—5 W 21st St at 5th Ave
Come here for seasonal, New American cuisine with global inspiration from Chef Paras Shah, who has worked in several renowned kitchens, including Ferran Adrià’s world-famous El Bulli in Spain and Per Se and Momofuku Noodle Bar. Chef Shah’s dishes include: frisee salad with crispy lamb pancetta, skate with corn chowder and smoked eggplant purée, berkshire pork loin and desserts containing fragrant ingredients like lavender, thyme and basil.
Opening Soon:
Freud— 506 La Guardia Place
Evoking a turn-of-the-centurt brasserie in Vienna, Freud, helmed by acclaimed chef Eduard Frauneder, will feature a contemporary take on Austrian classics. Opening later this fall.
Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano— 890 Second Avenue, between 47th and 48th Street
Actor Chazz Palminteri—along with seasoned restaurateurs—is opening his namesake restaurant, which will feature an extensive wine list and classic Italian dishes. Opening early October.
Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen—115 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
Carla Hall of The Chew is serving traditional hot chicken and a variety of fresh sides. For dessert you’ll be able to Carla’s signature cookies (and I’ve had them; they live up to their reputation) along with Nashville’s famous Crema Coffee. Opening in November.
Momosan Ramen & Sake—432 Lexington Avenue between 39th and 40th
Acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will serve authentic and traditional tonkotsu and chicken ramen at his first ramen restaurant. Choose a sake from the menu to pair with dinner or come in for happy hour 7 days a week for new appetizers.
The Smith at NoMad—1150 Broadway at 27th
Seasonal American comfort food and an extensive cocktail list will be the highlights of The Smith, which opens later this fall. Enjoy house-made, barrel-aged White Negroni, Vesper and Manhattan cocktails, plus on draft: a Moscow Mule, Gin and Tonic and Old Cubano.
