But if you need further narrowing down, we can help. Just like our city that’s so nice they named it twice, how about hitting double-named spots? January brings not one, but two: the nut butter haven Buddy Buddy, as well as Thai dessert shop Chim Chim. Or are all-day cafes your favorite? We have all the details on a new location of Aussie-inspired Isla & Co., as well as Aperitivo by Carta, the sister spot to beloved Carta Wine Bar. 

Of course, you can also just let your imagination run wild. Read on to discover your own personal quest and the eight best new restaurants opening in New York City this January.

Aperitivo by Carta

• 101 W. 10th St, New York, NY 10011
• West Village

The team behind Carta Wine Bar opens a sister spot late this month, one whose concept expands beyond just snacks and tipples and into a proper all-day cafe. In the mornings, Aperitivo by Carta will sling fresh pastries, sandwiches and Paloma Bakery coffee, while after 4 p.m., the space will morph into a romantic, 24-seat wine bar that also serves craft beer, spritzes and a large selection of vermouths. Full-size entrees will be on the menu as well, including hearty winter dishes like a lobster Manchego mac and cheese or braised short ribs.

Buddy Buddy

• 340 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
• NoHo

Chances are, your smoothie and coffee-obsessed pals have already been posting pictures of this European import, which soft-opened on Bowery at the end of last month, and is now churning out nut-butter goods seven days a week. And yes, you can get a plain espresso here made with house-roasted beans, but what’s the fun in that? We recommend, instead, their famed Le Buddy (a peanut butter latte), or our personal favorite, the almond butter chai made with black tea and warming spices. And don’t miss the “cheeks”: pastries that fall somewhere in between cake and cookies and are served warm with your choice of nut butter.

Charlotte Patisserie

• 78 7th Ave., New York, NY 10011
• Chelsea

Greenpoint-favorite bakery Charlotte Patisserie makes the leap across the East River into Chelsea this month, with the opening of a 7th Avenue storefront. Its beloved pączki—jelly and cream-filled Polish-style doughnuts—will also be transferring, but keep an eye out for brand-new experiences like the café gourmand, a set menu of mignardises and espresso. This will also be an excellent shop to pick up celebration cakes; we expect the opera cake (almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup with chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream) to be on many a Chelsea table this winter.

Gusi

• 432 6th Ave., New York, NY 10011
• Greenwich Village

Eastern Europe meets the Mediterranean deliciously this month with the opening of Gusi, a new concept from restaurateurs Boris Artemyev and Elena Melnikova. Named for the Slavic word for geese, the menu is inspired by a similar migratory concept: the melding of different cultures to create new (and tasty) dishes. There may be no better example of this on the menu than the borscht, which is served not only in its classic beet preparation, but also in duck, beef and bean varieties. Cocktails are similarly rooted in a sense of place and feature everything from pine cone and tomato infusions to Cornelian cherry liqueur.

Isla & Co.

• 139 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002
• Lower East Side

Does anyone do all-day cafes better than the Australians? Judging from the crowds at all of them around the city, we don’t think so. Happily, the Lower East Side receives a new entry this month with the opening of Isla & Co. inside the Merchant Hotel. Grab some classic, rib-sticking sausage rolls for lunch, or swing by for dinner to try lamb ragout with rigatoni pasta and miso jus. While we do recommend ordering the tequila-based Margot Robbie cocktail (because how could we not?), the espresso martini flight, featuring three takes on the drink, is also a delight.

Rulin

• 15 E. 13th St., New York, NY 10003
• Greenwich Village

Park Slope’s Noodle Lane gains a sibling just across the river in Union Square this month, with the late-January opening of Rulin. Run by husband-and-wife duo Lane Li and Chris Wang, the menu combines the flavors of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, as seen through an elevated and creative lens. Think a duck canapé made with crispy rice, pickled turnip and a soy garlic vinaigrette, or Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup enriched with braised beef shank and chili oil. And while Rulin is dinner-only for now, look out for lunch to be added to the schedule in the following months.

My first bite upon landing in Bergen, Norway, was airport pizza—most likely frozen before being reheated on one of those squeaky, trundling conveyor belt ovens. It had a preponderance of pepperoni on top, along with a few julienned slices of red pepper, and a hearty blanket of melty mozzarella. Was it the best slice I’ve ever had? No, of course not—I’m a New Yorker. But would it surprise you that eating such a slice was actually on my Norwegian food checklist?

Here’s a fun fact for your next cocktail party: Norwegians eat more frozen pizza than any other country on the planet, at a whopping 25 pounds per capita. Maybe it’s because their winters stretch almost interminably; maybe it’s because frozen pizza, objectively, is pretty delicious.

But it was a ranking I found quite shocking until I spent time this summer exploring the country’s second-largest city. Norwegian cuisine, it turns out, is pleasantly astonishing in many ways. And no place exemplifies the country’s culinary history and innovation quite like Bergen. 

Perched on the west coast of the country, Bergen has been an international trading post since the 11th century. Today, it’s most well known for being the gateway to the fjords: those narrow inlets of sea bracketed by towering cliffs (a striking consequence of glacial erosion from millions of years ago). Especially during the high summer season, visitors flock here to use the area (population: just under 300,000) as a home base, then set out each morning by car or boat to explore famed passages like Nærøyfjord or Hardangerfjord.

And while the quiet majesty of the fjords cannot be overstated, travelers do themselves a great disservice if they ignore Bergen and its surroundings from a culinary perspective. Its maritime location and history as a trading port mean that for centuries, the city has been one of the most vibrant in Europe when it comes to food—at first from an agricultural and fishing perspective, and now with its culture of cafes, restaurants and bars that prize both Scandinavian technique and ingredients as well as those from the world over.

I visited this past August and September, and my timing was intentional: ideal weather for outdoor adventures, of course, and the best time to taste the late-season bounty of many prized Norwegian crops like apples and pears. To sample all that produce, my first stop in the region was actually just outside the city, to a hotel that I’d stumbled upon on Reddit called Solstrand Hotel & Bad (that last word signifying the presence of a spa and not something more nefarious), which is close to the area’s famed apple orchards and cideries in Ulvik.

But first, we explored the hotel itself, which is also known for its culinary program. After a day spent unkinking my travel-weary muscles in the resort’s indoor and outdoor pool circuit, my family and I sat down to eat at the hotel’s grand dining room, where the prix-fixe menu included Nordic-inflected savory options like deer sirloin and herb-baked trout. But we were really here for the dessert buffet, which rivals any in Vegas in terms of size, but certainly trumps those in terms of quality and flavor. I let my nine-year-old choose for us: she came back to the table balancing swirled passion fruit mousses, chocolate cakes stuffed with coffee cream, lemon cakes topped with prized local strawberries, and panna cottas punched up with a jewel-toned array of fruit compotes. Norway may not receive the same acclaim that some of its Scandinavian neighbors do for its food, but sampling my way through desserts that first night assured me it’s not for lack of innovative (and delicious) options.

The next day, rental car keys in hand, we explored the winding roads around Hardangerfjord, known for its striking crystalline waters as much as its orchards. The area has been producing apples and cider since the late 1800s and, as you’ll hear from many a producer as you travel through the Ulvik cider route, Hardanger cider is known as the champagne of the drink. The country is so proud of it, in fact, that the beverage was the first alcoholic product in Norway to be given a protected status. My favorite came from Syse Gard, a small, hillside operation with sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and plenty of cider by the glass or in sample flights.

After loading up the car with bottles to take home and plenty of rhubarb jam, we then drove into Bergen proper. Knowing we had limited time in the city itself between trips out to the fjords, I worked with travel company Scott Dunn to craft a one-day, culinary-focused itinerary. Our morning started with a private food tour, where we hit many of the city’s most buzzing markets and stands: a tasting of award-winning Norwegian cheese at food hall Mathallen (including the oddly sweet and nationally beloved Brunost or brown cheese); extra-long reindeer hot dogs at 3-Kroeneren, topped with crispy shallots, mustard and lingonberry sauce; and meaty crab claws at Dr. Wiesener, a former bathhouse that’s been converted into one of the city’s coolest pubs.

We grabbed a quick snooze at our hotel, the minimalist Skostredet, and then dressed up for a boat ride out to Cornelius, one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Scandinavia (and also the basis for the restaurant in the horror flick The Menu. But only because of its remote location on a private island, not because of anything untoward that happens with its guests). Our tasting menu that night was “meteorological,” as our waitress told us, meaning that the dishes changed every day both according to the weather and what fishermen were able to catch that morning. Our unique meal included everything from trout to fried crab balls to skate, and I’m also pleased to report that every guest made it off the island in one piece.

We celebrated our last night in Bergen with a meal at Lysverket, a Michelin-starred modern Norwegian restaurant located inside the former headquarters of Bergen Lysverker, the power company. Run by chef Christopher Haatuft, the serene, modern space channels minimalist Scandinavian design, but the food is far from simple. Some of the most notable courses were pairings like razor clams with a bracing rhubarb and celery granita, or a pan-seared scallop served atop fresh noodles and a sofrito sauce. And, of course, we finished with plenty of subtly sweet, ruby-red Norwegian strawberries for dessert.

While I didn’t manage to nab another slice of frozen pizza before we left, I am proud of how much of the city I was able to explore through its food, whether that was a street stand hot dog or langoustines at a white tablecloth spot. But there is much left to discover: much cheese to eat, ciders to drink and many more pizzas to microwave. I’m already planning my next trip.

And while you might want to hit all of your holiday restaurant favorites this season, make sure to leave some nights (and days!) free to check out some new contenders. December’s arrivals offer a little bit of everything: for those of us with a sweet tooth, we’ve got one of Los Angeles’ most famed doughnut shops opening up in the Village, plus the first New York location of one of France’s most storied bakeries. Cocktail enthusiasts are also in luck: we have all the details on the new concepts from the teams behind Zero Bond and Junoon, respectively.

As to where you should head first? We’ll leave that up to you. Read on for the 10 best new restaurants and bars to check out this December in New York.

Dandelion

• 115 Christopher St., New York, NY 10014
• West Village

The West Village has no shortage of chic cocktail spots, but the mid-month arrival of Dandelion has been one of the most eagerly anticipated openings of the season. The result of a collaboration between Eytan Sugarman and Will Makris (known for Zero Bond and White Horse Tavern, among others), the space is just as sexy as some of their other ventures, especially the striking green marble bar and low, sultry lighting. And the beverage program, run by veterans of places like Employees Only and The Dead Rabbit, is similarly refined. We’re especially intrigued by the large selection of drinks featuring French spirits, including Chartreuse and absinthe. Don’t miss the food, either: with a menu created by chef Franco Sampogna of Michelin-starred Frevo, you can expect a rotating selection of small plates that will be as creative as they are tasty, like wagyu hot dogs and bluefin tuna and uni toast.

Fauchon

• 2 Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018
• Bryant Park

If a trip to Paris over the holidays isn’t in the cards, we may have found the next best thing: celebrated French bakery Fauchon opens this month, right in the heart of Bryant Park. Nestled inside the store’s trademark pink interior will be the storied brand’s signature treats—handmade pastries like croissants and macarons, plus chocolate bonbons—as well as breakfast, lunch and brunch menus crafted exclusively for this U.S. location. Also unique to this shop will be New York-specific creations, such as the NY Bisou Bisou: a fudge brownie with chocolate mousse, caramel and crunchy pretzel. Pro tip: Their packaged teas and jams make for excellent holiday gifts.

Gertie

• 602 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238
• Prospect Heights

Deli fans the city over rejoiced when Brooklyn favorite Gertie reopened this month on Vanderbilt Avenue. And Gertie 2.0 is an upgrade that’s still kept all of its original charm: come for the bagel sandwiches (like the egg and cheese with hot sauce); stay for the latke bar, where you can pick from half a dozen different creations, including the classic-ish apple butter and sour cream, or innovative takes on a tuna melt. Wash everything down with one of the housemade sodas in deli-approved flavors, like cel-ray or black cherry, or coffee creations such as a chocolate egg cream latte.

Godunk

• 332 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
• NoHo

New York City is home to a wide variety of Thai restaurants, but one segment that’s been lacking is places specializing in the country’s venerated street food cuisine. Luckily, Godunk, which opened on Bowery earlier this month, is helping to fill that hole. The restaurant, run by chef Nate Limwong (Chalong, Unglo), is also unique in that the menu doesn’t focus on one region, but on street food dishes found throughout Thailand, from Isaan to Bangkok to Surat Thani. Plates here are meant for sharing, but we recommend ordering a double of the fried rice—with sweet Chinese sausage, salted egg yolk and sliced shiitakes, it seems to be the crowd favorite on every table. Movie-themed cocktails round out this playful menu: try the Before Sunset made with pandan-infused mezcal, kaffir lime cordial, coconut water, pineapple and a dried spicy mango garnish.

Kashi

• 266 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Downtown Brooklyn

Rejoice, Downtown Brooklyn concertgoers: your pre-show meal options just got a little more exciting. Opening on the 17th, Kashi is an Indian restaurant focusing on the cuisine of the north of the country, led by chef Hakikat Dhawan (formerly of the five-star Taj Palace in New Delhi and GupShup here in NYC). Menu highlights include paratwala paneer tikka (paneer layered with mint-cilantro pesto, mango and chilies) and the Varanasi specialty of malaiyo, a saffron milk foam that’s rarely found in New York. And don’t miss grabbing a light and fizzy cocktail like the Chatpata Fizzy Shikanji: tequila, hibiscus syrup, chaat masala, lemonade and seltzer.

Moonrise Bagels

• 58 W. 8th St., New York, NY 10011
• Greenwich Village

It’s not often that New Yorkers embrace bagel shops from outside of the five boroughs, but then again, Moonrise Bagels is not your average purveyor. The upstate-based mini-chain opened its first store in the city this month and, judging from the lines, the stuffed bagels have won over the purists. Handmade fresh every morning, the flavors include breakfast options like a bacon, egg and cheese, in addition to more midday-appropriate flavors like a cheese pizza (our favorite) or eggplant parm. Dipping sauces, available for a dollar each, add to the fun and come in flavors like ranch or Calabrian chili aioli. And the early bird gets the worm here: the bagels have been selling out most days before noon.

Randy’s Donuts

• 185 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012
• Greenwich Village

If one new, circular carb isn’t enough for you, you’re in luck: Randy’s Donuts—maybe you know it from their famed, giant doughnut sign in Los Angeles?—has also touched down in New York, just a few blocks from Moonrise on Bleecker. The menu here leans towards the classics, both in cake and yeast doughnut form. While we think the standout is the “glazed raised” due to its cloudlike texture and just-sweet-enough icing, the “Long Johns” (similar to eclairs) are also worth scooping up.

Room 207

• 207 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003
• East Village

The team behind Indian favorites Junoon and Jazba opens their first standalone bar this month, with a cocktail list as flavor-forward as its sibling restaurants. Room 207 is a speakeasy-style spot (with a hidden entrance on 13th Street) that seats only 26 guests. Mixologist Hemant Pathak’s menu is grounded in classic recipes, but enlivened by seasonal ingredients and modern techniques, like the highball made with Cardenxe Sotol de Desierto, guava, hibiscus, cilantro and lime. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt for the Enigma program, in which guests choose a base spirit, and the bartender presents a “blind” omakase-style menu of three drinks. Round out the night with a selection of small bites, including oysters on the half shell, lamb skewers or brownie sundaes.

Seirēn

• 94 7th Ave., New York, NY 10011
• Chelsea

The salty, briny, fresh cuisine of Iberia lands in New York this month with the arrival of Seirēn, a new conservas bar in Chelsea. One of the only of its kind in the city, the concept draws influence from establishments in Spain and Portugal, where diners break bread over various tins of seafood. Here, offerings include everything from tuna belly in walnut pesto to Galician mussels in escabeche, plus a variety of tapas like the classic pan con tomate or the hearty crab-stuffed piquillo peppers. Cocktails are similarly Mediterranean-inspired: try the Shore Critters made with cachaca, lime, coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar and MSG.

Stars

• 139 E. 12th St., New York, NY 10003
• East Village

We may have had to wait until the end of the year for it, but one of our most anticipated bars of the fall and winter is finally opening on 12th Street this month. Stars, from the team behind the perennially packed Claud and Penny, is a petite, 12-seat wine bar with a not-so-petite wine list. With over a thousand bottles on offer from around the world, guests can find their new favorite tipple easily thanks to a custom reference book. Plus, with more than 20 options under $20, this doesn’t have to be a special occasion spot. While the food selection won’t be as robust as its sister restaurants, you can look out for snacks like deviled eggs and cured chorizo served with marinated vegetables.

Luckily, the restaurants opening up this month understood their assignment. We’ve got Chesa, a Swiss après-ski concept opening up on the rooftop of the Peninsula New York complete with private “chalets.” We’ve also got Willet’s Corner, a cozy American spot coming to the Upper West Side that seems primed to be a late-fall hideaway. And we’ve got plenty of meat, from star chef José Andrés’ Bazaar Steak to a decadent Wagyu tasting menu featuring beef from one of the most celebrated farms in Japan. So regardless of how you’d like to warm up while dining out this month, we promise we’ve got something on this list you’ll love.

And below our November openings, find some of our favorite spots that started serving guests at the end of October (and missed being included in last month’s edition). From rentable, private movie screening rooms with multi-course menus to the latest iteration of the ABC empire, we promise you won’t want to miss any of these restaurants, either.

Chesa

• 700 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019
• Midtown West

Opening on the 19th of this month and running through March 21 is a long-term pop-up on the rooftop of The Peninsula New York hotel, inspired by Swiss après-ski meals. Chesa is comprised of private, heated chalets—all kitted out with cozy sofas, blankets and chandeliers—that surround a central fire pit ringed with Adirondack chairs. Menu-wise, we’re talking rib-sticking comfort food like three types of cheese fondue (with an optional add-on of Petrossian caviar), plus a chocolate version for dessert served with strawberries, chocolate chip cookies and other goodies. Cocktails include the signature Chocotini (Nutella-infused Rémy Martin Cognac 1738, Baileys chocolate liqueur and cream) as well as an alpine spin on the Negroni. And don’t forget to grab a photo: the views of Midtown are unparalleled here.

Elcielo New York

• 1227 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
• Nomad

Starting service in early November inside the Virgin Hotels New York City is this Colombian restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Juan Manuel “Juanma” Barrientos and creative partner, the musician J Balvin. Guests can choose from one of two tasting menus, both of which focus on local ingredients as well as those important to Colombian cuisine. Look out for classics like corn arepas with butter, as well as larger, more inventive composed plates, such as venison served with morels and fermented yucca. And for something a little more casual, you can also check out El Bistró Tropical at Elcielo, a French-Colombian spot also inside the hotel, which serves an à la carte menu.

Seed Library

• 51 E. 30th St., New York, NY 10016
• Midtown South

The world’s most awarded bartender, Ryan Chetiyawardana (more commonly known as Mr Lyan), finally opens his first permanent outpost in New York this month with Seed Library, located inside the Hotel Park Ave. The cocktail menu consists of 17 original creations, although most have their roots in classic preparations. Look out for the C.R.E.A.M. Margarita (Lalo tequila, mezcal, passionfruit, cream ATOM, pickled chili and lime) for something smoky and bright, or for a more herbal flavor, grab a Coriander Seed Gimlet made with Beefeater Gin, coriander seed cordial and white grape. Seed Library’s elevated bar snacks are enough for dinner, especially the Lyan burger served with English cheddar and bacon, or the loaded tots topped with spicy herb aioli, pancetta and pecorino sardo.

Willet’s Corner

• 420 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10024
• Upper West Side

Ken Halberg and the Harding’s team move uptown with the opening of sister spot Willet’s Corner this month. And the menu seems primed to make it just as much a neighborhood staple as its sibling. Share plates make up the bulk of the dishes here, like fig toast with whipped ricotta and rosemary honey, or grilled tuna tacos sweetened with coconut milk and charred pineapple salsa. Cocktails lean toward the classic, though with fun twists: we predict the Dirty Chai Espresso Martini (vodka, chai, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso and chocolate bitters) will be a bestseller.

ABC Kitchens

• 55 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Dumbo

One of Union Square’s most beloved concepts has finally crossed the East River; abc kitchens opened on Dumbo’s historic waterfront on October 25. Drawing inspiration from the existing ABC restaurants (ABC Kitchen, AbcV and ABC Cocina), the newest outpost has a menu that synthesizes all three, and with many of their most famed dishes included. We’re happy to see the beloved crab toast with dill and lemon aioli made the cut, as well as the unparalleled caramel popcorn sundae, composed of salted caramel ice cream, candied peanuts, popcorn whipped cream and hot fudge. And as should be no surprise with such a green market-driven menu, cocktails here run toward the vegetal or fruity: look out for the crisp Cucumber Martini made with Hendrick’s gin, cucumber and mint.

Arvine

• 19 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY 10014
• West Village

Starting service on the 24th of last month was Arvine, a modern American spot on the always-buzzing Greenwich Avenue. A partnership between Adrien Falcon (formerly of Keith McNally’s restaurants) and Joe Anthony (Gabriel Kreuther, Daniel, Union Square Café), the seasonally driven menu here also incorporates the flavors of Korean and Italian cuisine, among others. We’re especially fond of innovative spice pairings like the bison tartare made with Calabrian chile gochujang, and served with einkorn focaccia, or the diver scallops baked in kombu, which are then drizzled with a champagne sauce. And don’t miss the wine list: it’s stocked with many hard-to-find European bottles or makers not seen widely elsewhere.

Bazaar Meat

• 35 W. 28th St. Second Floor, New York, NY 10001
• Nomad

Chef José Andrés must have more hours in the day than we do, because otherwise, we don’t understand how he gets it all done. His latest project, which opened on October 21, is Bazaar Meat, located inside The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. As you might be able to tell from the name, the restaurant’s menu is focused on beef, especially prized and large-cut portions—there is plenty of American Wagyu, Japanese Wagyu and Kobe on offer here. The best way to sample the signature dishes of the restaurant, however, is to order José’s Ultimate Tasting Menu, a five-course experience that includes everything from his famed liquid olives to cotton candy foie gras.

Metro Cinema

• 131 8th Ave., New York, NY 10011
• Chelsea

Movie theaters in New York have leveled up significantly in the last decade or so, but it’s hard to put Metro Cinema into even the same category. The latest concept from the founder of Alamo Drafthouse, this Chelsea theater that opened on October 29 allows guests to book an entire room for their film-watching experience, not just their seat. And yes, we know what you’re thinking: isn’t this article a guide to restaurants? Well, yes, and any reservation for a movie booking here also includes a multi-course, family-style meal, as well as time after in the space to enjoy cocktails or simply chat about the film. We love that many current movies even have their own themed menu—Wicked’s includes emerald-green prawns and pink-hued beet hummus.

Togyushi

• 37 W. 37th St., New York, NY 10018
• Midtown South

New Yorkers are well familiar with the concept of omakase, but a new restaurant’s version isn’t serving nigiri and hand rolls. Rather, Togyushi, which opened on October 25, specializes in Japanese Wagyu, specifically that of the country’s award-winning Zao Wagyu farm. And, in fact, the restaurant is the only location outside of Japan that’s serving the revered beef, all under the guidance of Wagyu master chef Ken Yamasaki (who is one of only 11 in the world). The current tasting menu includes many iterations of the protein, including raw in a sashimi roll, inside a soup, and served over rice. But diners can also opt for cocktails and smaller bites at Wagyu Bistro Bar, the restaurant’s lounge space, which spins an excellent mix of Japanese vinyl, too.

As the wealthiest city in the United States, it’s little surprise that New York City’s philanthropic scene is one of the most robust in the nation. On any given weekday night, you can find fundraisers for everything from the ballet to the homelessness crisis, on scales both intimate and gala-large. But the sheer number of charity events poses problems for both those trying to raise money and those with the money to spend. For the former, how do you make your evening unique in a sea of so-called rubber chicken dinners? And for the latter, how do you choose which event feels like the best investment of your time and funds?

But New York’s largest hunger relief organization, Food Bank For New York City, seems to have cracked the code on both fronts. Its newest dinner series, Eat For Good, is not only raising significant funds to help feed some of the estimated 1.4 million hungry New Yorkers, but attracting a crowd that doesn’t typically hit the charity circuit, as well. So what sets these events apart from others within the category? Aside from a level of intimacy and community not found in other fundraising dinners, it’s damn good food, as well.

Eat For Good, which launched just last year, pairs a high-profile New York-based chef with an equally renowned pal from somewhere else in the nation. The inaugural year included Hillary Sterling (Ci Siamo) with pasta legend Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group, among other duos, and all-in raised enough funds to cover over 1.2 million meals for food-insecure New Yorkers. 2025’s season kicked off with two more pasta masters—Evan Funke (Felix in L.A.) and Missy Robbins (Lilia, Misi)—as well as Miami’s Nando Chang of Itamae AO cooking alongside Stefano Secchi of Massara and Rezdôra. The year will close out with one last dinner on November 5, which is perhaps the most anticipated of the entire year: Savannah’s James Beard Award-winner Mashama Bailey (The Grey) and Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana, a Beard-winner himself.

And while the incredible star power in the kitchen may be the biggest draw to the Eat For Good events, there are, of course, other chef-driven charity dinners in New York. What’s made this series so successful, even in its first two years, are a few tweaks to the typical model. First is the size: these dinners aren’t held in cavernous hotel ballrooms, but in the more intimate surrounds of restaurants. Here, diners have the opportunity to not only meet the chefs, but make friends with other guests. “It sounds so corny to say it this way, but we wanted to set a table where people could actually have a conversation,” Matt Honeycutt, chief development officer of Food Bank For New York City, tells Observer. “If you’re in a room of 500 people for a big gala event, you’re not talking to anybody. You’re not learning anything. You don’t remember anything. But if you can put them at a smaller table and they can make connections, maybe it leads to something later.”

Earlier this fall, I was lucky enough to attend the Chang-Secchi dinner, held at Massara, and one of my favorite parts of the evening was the cocktail hour, where strangers became friends over specialty Negronis and passed canapés that included memorable bites like savory cannoli made with brown butter, corn and black truffle.

And that, of course, leads us to a discussion of the food: these collaborative, multi-course meals are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience because these chefs are almost never in the same kitchen. At my dinner, highlights included a crudo plate with five different preparations, as well as a unique pasta fredda with Peruvian lobster sauce and uni—a dish that combined the expertise of both chefs beautifully and very deliciously. And diners can expect a similarly explosive melding of talents next month when chefs Bailey and Onwuachi combine forces. “Chef Mashama is a friend,” says Onwuachi. “And this will be the first time we are truly collaborating on a menu. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s gonna be fire.” And for Bailey, both cooking with Onwuachi and volunteering with the Food Bank has been a long time coming. “I began my cooking career in NYC, and I remember seeing the Food Bank trucks around the city,” she tells Observer. “Even back then, I wanted to know what they did and how restaurants could get involved and support their efforts.”

While a night out at an Eat For Good dinner is certainly a glamorous evening, the reason for the event is because so many New Yorkers can’t even afford a dinner at home. And for the chefs involved, helping to alleviate this hunger is just as important as the chance to cook with revered colleagues. “Food insecurity is something that I dealt with as a kid, so I am happy to give my time for something I know a lot of people suffer with in silence,” says Onwuachi. “It’s not always obvious: people don’t want you to know they can’t afford to eat, so they may not be asking for the help they need. Supporting organizations like Food Bank for NYC is key to the issue because they bring awareness and feed the hungry.”

The November dinner may be the last on the calendar for 2025, but Honeycutt and the Food Bank have big plans for next year already. “We joked the other day it was time to get a bigger boat,” he says with a laugh. “But we’re looking to add a little bit of a larger event in the fall of next year, so we can broaden the number of folks that can come in. That means probably having more than two chefs for that one.” And there are a myriad of ways volunteers can support the Food Bank even apart from the dinners, from volunteering at their Bronx warehouse to helping out at pop-up pantries across all five boroughs.

All of these efforts also help to form community because, as Bailey told me, food is a connector. “Any event that combines breaking bread together at a table is important because you can share ideas and grow as individuals,” she says. “An event like Eat For Good where people can come, donate, share and grow is how change happens. This event can demonstrate change.”

Luckily, the new restaurants opening up right now understood the assignment, which means you’ve got a little bit of everything to choose from. We’ve got the lowdown on all of them, of course, from a laidback, all-day cafe in perennially hip Nolita to an 18-course (yes, 18) Japanese tasting menu from the first New York location of a famed sushi counter. This month also appears to be one for reinvention, judging from the long-anticipated reopening of Babbo to a brand-new menu concept at Yoshoku inside the also recently reopened Waldorf Astoria New York.

As always, we’ve already done the hard work of researching and eating at as many of the hottest openings as we can. And now, we pass the knowledge onto you. Below, find the 11 best new restaurants opening in New York this October.

Babbo

• 110 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10011
• Greenwich Village

Formerly one of New York’s most revered temples to pasta, Babbo fell into some (pun intended) hot water due to the activities of its former owner, who shall remain nameless. But the Greenwich Village institution makes a delicious comeback this month, now with acclaimed pasta whisperer Mark Ladner behind the burners. Look out for a menu featuring reinvented classics from the former iteration, like goat cheese tortelloni or beef cheek ravioli, as well as a minestrone that bubbles on the stove for weeks before being served.

Cove

• ​285 W. Houston St., New York, NY 10014
• Hudson Square

While chef Flynn McGarry may not count as a total wunderkind any longer—he opened his first restaurant, Gem, at only 19—at 26, his career is still wildly impressive. The latest project for the young chef is Cove, a California-inflected fine dining spot on West Houston. The seasonal menu will have deep roots in sustainability: McGarry even constructed a garden on Long Island to service the restaurant with vegetables, herbs and flowers. On the inaugural fall iteration, look out for entrees like lobster served with chanterelles, new potatoes and chamomile, or grilled eggplant topped with truffle, wild rice and dashi.

Cuna

• 25 Cooper Sq., New York, NY 10003
• East Village

The Standard, East Village gets a restaurant glow-up this month with the opening of Cuna, a Mérida and Mexico City-inspired spot from chef Maycoll Calderón (Acre in Cabo, Huset in Mexico City). And while the cuisine here is rooted in traditional Mexican recipes, New York—and its green markets—certainly play a supporting role. The grilled catch of the day, for instance, pairs local seafood with ginger-coconut rice, mango, serrano chili and a seasonally-shifting herb oil. And for something a little more casual, swing by Cuna Bar next door, which boasts its own late-night snack menu with nibbles like short rib nachos and mini elote skewers.

Danny’s

• 46 W 22nd St., New York, NY 10010
• Flatiron

Old-school is cool again with the opening of Danny’s, an American bistro from notable TV host and author Dan Abrams. Inspired by the late 19th and early 20th century restaurants of New York, the menu here leans towards refined classics, but as imagined by chef Ed Tinoco (formerly of The Alinea Group). We recommend starting with the ham and cheese hot pockets, which are cheffed-up with 16-month aged ham and a four cheese blend, followed by the poultry one-two punch of dry-aged Peking duck and the rosemary-buttermilk fried chicken served alongside maple butter biscuits. The wine list here is also of note, featuring an entirely all-American lineup with over 110 standard selections and 50 reserve bottles.

Fasano Bar

• 60 E. 49th St., New York, NY 10017
• Midtown East

It’s a common text message refrain: “Anywhere actually good to grab a drink in Midtown?” Well, friends, now we have an answer for you: Fasano Bar has just debuted on East 49th Street. Perfect for both after-work drinks or pre-theater cocktails, the menu here also offers plenty of snacking options, from late-afternoon stuzzichini plates like mozzarella in carrozza, to larger Milanese dishes like risotto with lobster and saffron. As for what to drink: we’re big fans of both of the bar’s signature Negronis, or for a splurge, one of their reserve cocktails, like the Vesper Fasano made with Belvedere 10 vodka, rye, Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret and Lillet Rosé.

Hwaro

• 776 8th Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036
• Theater District

Korean food has been experiencing an incredible amount of growth in New York over the last few years, and luckily, shows no sign of stopping. One of the most anticipated openings this month is Hwaro, which is set to start serving meals mid-month inside the Theater District’s modern American steakhouse, Gui. The 13-course tasting menu from chef Sungchul Shim (Kochi, Mari) highlights many traditional Korean cooking styles, like charcoal grilling and fermentation, but the flavors range from countries all over East Asia. Standout entrees on the fall menu include foie gras and duck pastrami, served with fermented black rice and a mushroom tart drizzled with a rich porcini mornay sauce.

Shifka

• 116 W. Houston St., New York, NY 10012
• Noho

An unspoken rule of New York City eating: we can never have enough handheld food options. And so we are delighted that the team behind Sami & Susu is opening Shifka, which specializes in fluffy pita sandwiches (along with a deep bench of dips, bowls and soft serve). All the classic combos will be on offer here, from a lamb kebab to a sabich served with eggplant and a soft-cooked egg, as well as more innovative takes like a cauliflower shawarma. Leave room for the soft serve, of course, which comes in the intriguing flavors of tahini-vanilla and amba-white chocolate.

Sushi Aozora

• 15 E. 15th St., New York, NY 10003
• Union Square

Sushi snobs, take note: Union Square’s newest omakase comes with one hell of a pedigree. Sushi Aozora is the latest project from the team behind lauded Fifteen East, and is led by chef Ben Chan, formerly of other sushi temples Sushi Ishikawa and Sushi Seki. The seasonally changing menu will feature ingredients sourced from all over the globe—from Japan’s Toyosu Market to the Greenmarket a stone’s throw away—and include dishes like Hokkaido hairy crab topped with uni and shiso blossoms or grilled Spanish mackerel with green soy sauce. The beverage program is also worth exploring for its curated selection of rare and small-batch labels of sake, Japanese beer and wine.

Sushidokoro Mekumi

• 70 Charlton St., New York, NY 10014
• Hudson Square

One of the most intimate restaurants to open all season is surely Sushidokoro Mekumi: an eight-seat downtown omakase counter from chef Hajime Kumabe. The space is an offshoot of Mekumi’s original location in Japan, which specializes in the fish of the Ishikawa region and is led by Takayoshi Yamaguchi. In New York, this menu will take the form of a whopping 18-course meal which includes appetizers, nigiri and plenty of seasonal surprises. And play close attention to the utensils and tableware: they’re handmade by Ishikawa artisans and chosen specifically for their harmony with each course.

Txula Steak

• 515 W. 30th St., New York, NY 10001
• Hudson Yards

If we say there’s a new José Andrés restaurant opening up, we can probably leave it at that and you’ll make a reservation, regardless. But Txula Steak, a Basque-style steakhouse that replaces Leña inside Mercado Little Spain, would be worth checking out even without the famed chef’s name attached. Inspired by traditional northern Spanish asadores, the menu here celebrates protein in all its forms, from Ibérico pork to Spanish lamb (the first time the meat will be available in the U.S.), as well as the hearty Txuleburger made with dry-aged ribeye. But please save room for the cheesecake cart, where, naturally, the Basque version is available, as well as plenty of cheeses and Spanish honey.

Yoshoku

• 301 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022
• Midtown East

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York was probably the biggest hotel news the city has had in the last decade. But the unveilings didn’t end once it flung open its doors: officially opening at the end of this month after a soft launch is Yoshoku. Executive chef Ry Nitzkowski’s new kaiseki-inspired menu is all about seasonality and precision: think uni toast with caviar and yuzu on shokupan bread or grilled madai served with corn, ginger and charred scallion relish.

So what’s the hardest part about dining out in September? Choosing where to eat. The city practically explodes with openings after the holiday weekend, and it can often be tricky to figure out what’s good and what merely looks good on Instagram or TikTok. Luckily, we’ve been hitting up friends and family meals and soft openings to bring you the much-needed intel. Whether you’re looking for innovative new Thai (we’ve got two to recommend!) or sister restaurants to some of New York’s most in-demand downtown spots, we’ve got a table on this list for nearly every type of diner—even the ones who can’t eat gluten, dairy and nuts. Read on for the 13 best restaurants opening in New York this September.

Barbuto Brooklyn

• 60 Furman St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Dumbo

The West Village’s favorite Italian hangout has hopped the East River this month with the arrival of sister spot Barbuto Brooklyn inside 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Featuring the same California-Italian mashup cuisine as the original (yes, the JW chicken with salsa verde is still on the menu), chef Jonathan Waxman will also add a number of new seasonal dishes to this location when it opens on September 17. Make sure to check out Barbuto Garden while the weather is still nice: a romantic outdoor space with light bites and 16 rotating beers on tap.

Bub’s Bakery

• 325 Lafayette St., New York, New York 10012
• Noho

The elevator pitch for this new downtown bakery might not sound super appealing: all the goods are free from the top nine allergens, including dairy, gluten and eggs. But Bub’s Bakery also has a powerhouse team behind it: 55 Hospitality’s Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong (Fish Cheeks, Bangkok Supper Club), and James Beard-nominated baker Melissa Weller (Per Se, Sadelle’s). And if anyone can make an “egg and cheese” biscuit without using either actual ingredient, it’s this team. When it opens in late September, look out for a wide selection of sweet and savory pastries (we’re especially excited about the kouign amanns), as well as a coffee program.

Koju

• 252 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Boerum Hill

LDV Hospitality (Scarpetta, American Cut) branches out into Japanese cuisine with the opening of Koju, a modern sushi concept inside Ace Hotel Brooklyn. The menu, presided over by executive chef Kevin Garrison (Sushi Zo Hanare), is a 13-course prix-fixe, including nigiri, hand rolls and seasonal dishes. This fall, you can expect delicacies like Hokkaido scallops and hagatsuo (striped bonito), as well as add-ons like a triple-toro roll featuring akami, chutoro and otoro. Cocktail-wise, you’re looking at a tight, five-drink menu, all of which blend Japanese ingredients with Western recipes, like a Japanese Yuzu highball. There’s also plenty of sake on offer, including many local Brooklyn makers.

Limusina

• 441 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10001
• Penn District

If there’s one attribute that all Quality Branded restaurants share (Don Angie, Twin Tails, Zou Zou’s), it’s that they’re a lot of fun. Which is why the arrival of their first Mexican concept, Limusina, has been one of our most anticipated openings of the month. Housed in a former parking garage on the west side, the 215-seat, tri-level spot features the same sort of playful dishes for which its sister properties have become known: think lobster al pastor with achiote-chili butter and avocado crema, or solteros, individually topped nachos with ingredients like steak barbacoa. And of course, there is a deep bench of margaritas here, including the smoky Mezcalero and the Flaca (their version of a skinny marg).

Motek

• 928 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
• Nomad

One of Miami’s most beloved Mediterranean concepts is now here to bring a little sunshine up north. Motek has a cult following already, thanks to its fluffy fresh-baked pitas, four varieties of housemade hummus and mezze dishes. The New York menu also features larger plates like a wagyu burger with pomegranate-mint aioli, hanger steak with peppercorn sauce and a whole branzino. The all-day restaurant is also launching with brunch: don’t miss the malawach Yemenite pancake served with lemon tahini, grated tomato and eggs.

Muku

• 412 Greenwich St., New York, NY, 10013
• Tribeca

Kuma Hospitality Group, which is known for elegant spots like L’abeille and L’abeille à Côté, launches an equally refined concept this month with the opening of Muku, a kaiseki spot. The 10-12 course menu, created by chef Manabu Asanuma, is centered around goho, or the five classical techniques of Japanese cooking: raw, grilled, simmered, steamed and fried. While the menu will change seasonally, look out for dishes this fall to include foie gras chawanmushi, wagyu shabu shabu and grilled eel with maitake rice.

Narkara

• 5 E 17th St., New York, NY 10003
• Union Square

While we’re not lacking for Thai spots in the city, Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine is a little tougher to seek out. Our search has been made easier with the opening of Narkara, the newest addition to the Kinnaree Hospitality group (Thep Thai, Aqua Boil). Featuring the food of the Mekong Delta region, dishes include small plates like tuna ceviche cured in lime and fish sauce, and entrees like grilled pork belly in banana leaf and New York strip served with grilled sticky rice waffles, cured egg and nam jim jaew, a tamarind chili dip. We recommend washing it all down with a Salted Plum Sour, a vodka and rum-based drink with umeshu, guava juice, plum syrup and egg white.

Palladino’s Steak and Seafood

• 89 E 42nd St., New York, NY 10017
• Midtown East

Even the most jaded of New Yorkers will probably admit that the Main Concourse in Grand Central Station is still pretty cool. And now, you can gawk at the ceiling murals without being too obvious, thanks to the opening of Palladino’s Steak and Seafood inside the terminal. The space, designed by Rockwell Group, also boasts an all-season outdoor patio, making this steakhouse perhaps the best new spot for people watching in all of Manhattan. As for the food: under the direction of chef Sam Hazen and restaurateur Joseph Palladino, you can expect classics like a bone-in 26-ounce chateaubriand, herb-crusted prime rib, as well as a robust Japanese section that includes cuts of wagyu and a selection of sushi.

Unglo

• 35 W 64th St., New York, NY 10023
• Lincoln Square

Another unique Thai concept arrives in New York this month with the opening of Unglo, Manhattan’s first restaurant focused on Thai barbecue. Brought to you by the team behind popular spots Chalong and Soothr, the interactive meal here includes cuts of dry-aged beef, wagyu and abalone that guests can cook over a grilltop or boil in shabu broth. Unglo is also notable for its cheeky cocktail program, which is named The Butcher’s Collection. We’re fans of the Bloody Blade, made with tequila, vermouth, watermelon, basil, lime, balsamic jalapeño and a fish powder rim.

Saga

• 70 Pine St., 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
• Financial District

After the tragic passing of chef James Kent in 2024, his sky-high and critically acclaimed restaurant Saga was left with an uncertain future. But luckily, the chef leading the kitchen into its next chapter is an extremely qualified one. Charlie Mitchell, the first Black chef to earn a Michelin star in New York City and a 2024 James Beard Award winner, took over the burners on September 1. While Saga’s multi-course menu will remain modern, Mitchell will interpret it through his own lens with dishes like a seared Hokkaido scallop in consommé with sweet potato. And, in a nod to the previous chef’s mentorship, the meal will finish with Moroccan tea service and a maamoul cookie, a carryover from Kent’s own menu.

SliceHaus

• 30 Carmine St., New York, NY 10014
• West Village

We New Yorkers are spoiled for choice when it comes to slice shops, which means it takes a special opening to pique our interest. But SliceHaus has the pedigree that pizza-hounds seek out: the pies are crafted by pizzaiolo Agostino Cangiano (formerly of the perennially packed L’Industrie). The slices and Italian sandwiches here are light and crispy, partially thanks to a dough that’s enlivened by olive oil flown in weekly from Italy. Start with the classics like a Margherita or four cheese, but save room for the square slices, whose toppings are a little more unusual: a potato and bacon, or a ham and corn.

Time Out Market New York Union Square

• 124 E. 14th St., New York, NY 10003
• Union Square

There are food halls, and then there is Time Out Market. New York’s second location opens across the river from its sister in Dumbo, right in the heart of Union Square on 14th Street. This new iteration has a smaller footprint than the original, but the tightly curated list of concepts is just as tasty. We’re most excited for chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Patty Palace, which will serve the beloved Jamaican snack; Unapologetic Food’s (Adda, Semma, Dhamaka) kebab stand Kebabwala and the Michelin-approved tacos from Taqueria El Chato. There will also be plenty here to satisfy your sweet tooth, including Sunday Morning’s cinnamon rolls and shortbread from cult-favorite Shortbread Society.

But you know all this. Now what you need is the lowdown on where to eat in between all the festivals, meetings and general chaos of the fall season. Luckily for you, we’ve been tracking the progress of the city’s hottest fall openings since the beginning of the summer. From the arrival of the sister restaurant of the impossible-to-book Corner Store, to the long-anticipated landing of one of London’s most beloved Indian restaurant groups, to the flashy entrance of a legendary Las Vegas steakhouse, we’ve got all the intel on the 10 biggest openings in New York this fall. Start planning your reservation tactics now.

Ambassadors Clubhouse

• 1245 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
• Nomad
• Anticipated opening: October

Chances are, if you have a food-obsessed friend who’s making a trip to London, they have at least one JKS Restaurants spot on their must-see list. But come October, you won’t need to cross the pond to try the group’s legendary cuisine: Ambassadors Clubhouse is opening in Nomad. With a menu inspired by the Punjab region (an area that spans both India and Pakistan), you can expect many of the original location’s dishes to appear in New York, like a chili-cheese pakode served with tamatar chutney, and barbecue-butter chicken chops.

Barbuto Brooklyn

• 60 Furman St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Dumbo
• Anticipated opening: September

Honestly, you could open a Barbuto in every neighborhood of New York and each one would still probably be packed every night. But for now, we’ll celebrate the arrival of Barbuto Brooklyn, which arrives this month inside 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Chef Jonathan Waxman’s Italian-inflected, farm-to-table menu will feature many of the original West Village location’s greatest hits, plus new dishes inspired by the Dumbo neighborhood. And before the weather turns, make sure to swing by Barbuto Garden, the hotel’s outdoor experience with small bites, 16 beers on tap and more than 40 bottled and canned suds.

Babbo

• 110 Waverly Pl., New York, NY 10011
• Greenwich Village
• Anticipated opening: October

One of New York’s most revered temples to pasta is returning, but this time, thankfully, with new ownership (if you don’t know, consider yourself lucky). Babbo 2.0 will keep what worked last time—meticulously constructed pastas like goat cheese tortelloni and beef cheek ravioli—while bringing in a new team poised to usher the Italian spot into a new chapter. And technically, it’s a return for chef Mark Ladner, who opened Babbo and sister restaurant Lupa before leading the kitchen at the venerated Del Posto, which shuttered in 2021.

The Golden Steer

• 1 5th Ave., New York, NY 10003
• Greenwich Village
• Anticipated opening: November

It’s not uncommon for New York restaurants to wind up on the Strip, but it’s a little less likely for Las Vegas concepts to travel eastward. But coming late this fall is one of Sin City’s most famous steakhouses—one that gained a following back in the day by serving the Rat Pack and Elvis. The Golden Steer’s new location may be less flashy than its digs out West (it’s moving into 1 Fifth Avenue in the Village), but you can expect the same honed tableside service and prime steaks as the original.

Saga

• 70 Pine St., 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
• Financial District
• Anticipated opening: September

After the sudden death of chef James Kent in the summer of 2024, the fate of his restaurant, the Michelin-starred Saga, was unclear. But as of this month, the sky-high spot inside 70 Pine has found a worthy successor with chef Charlie Mitchell. The first Black chef to earn a Michelin star in New York City and the 2024 James Beard winner for Best Chef: New York, Mitchell’s new menu maintains the emphasis on modern fine dining, while injecting plenty of his own personality and expertise. Look out for dishes like a seared Hokkaido scallop served in consommé and with sweet potato, or the caviar and brown butter crémeux served with brioche.

And where might all of these places be? That’s why we’re here, of course. We’ve been crisscrossing the boroughs to sample the best new restaurants that have opened this month and have included our favorite eight in the list below. We’ve got ultra-hot concepts from the teams behind buzzy Ernesto’s and Thai Diner, two pop-ups that are worth scheduling in your calendar before they close and—we promise—the best damn chicken fingers in all of New York City. Read on to discover the eight best new restaurants to try in NYC this August.

Bartolo

• 310-312 W. 4th St., New York, NY 10014
• West Village

The Lower East Side’s beloved Ernesto’s gains a sibling this month with the opening of Bartolo, a new Spanish spot influenced by Madrid’s robust culinary scene. Chef and owner Ryan Bartlow is behind the menu, which features both traditional tapas as well as seasonal dishes: we recommend the creamy, cooling salmorejo soup or anchovies with butter for these humid summer nights. You can also find relief from this month’s heat with the cocktail, wine and spirits list, which is similarly Spanish with a twist. Don’t miss the large selection of sherry and vino de pasto; the restaurant has one of the more comprehensive lists in the city.

The Backyard at Greywind

• 451 10th Ave., New York, NY 10018
• Hudson Yards

Summer pop-up season isn’t over yet, as evidenced by this late-season addition in Hudson Yards. Chef Dan Kluger’s innovative American spot has turned its patio into an adult playground of sorts, thanks to a partnership with Belvedere vodka dubbed The Backyard at Greywind. Tipples include large-format cocktails like Hugo’s Sangria, made with vodka, plus elderflower, seasonal fruit, Riesling and Prosecco; and cheffed-up takes on cookout snacks, like pigs in a blanket stuffed with cheddar and jalapeno. You have a little time to check it out, but don’t dawdle too long: it closes in October.

Chateau Royale

• 205 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012
• Greenwich Village

Late summer isn’t typically high season for buzzy openings, which made the recent news of Chateau Royale that much more exciting. The latest venture from the team behind the West Village’s perennially popular Libertine, this Thompson Street stunner is a two-story love letter to classic French cuisine. Inside the restored carriage house, diners can opt for the more formal dining room experience (think escargots bourguignon, duck à l’orange and cocktails served tableside) or the bar room, which has a tight list of drinks (we love the classic Kir Royale made with a blend of crèmes de cassis, raspberry eau-de-vie, mistelle and champagne) and elegant bar bites, like a wagyu burger.

Hudson Local

• 653 11th Ave., New York, NY 10036
• Hell’s Kitchen

For as densely packed as Hell’s Kitchen is with restaurants, not many qualify as date-night spots. That changed this month with the opening of Hudson Local, a modern American restaurant from chef Samuel-Drake Jones. Jones, who grew up between Paris, London and the U.S., has synthesized all these flavors into dishes as wide-ranging as Tumbleweed Cheddar skillet cornbread served with jalapeño and maple butter, and a unique fettuccine enlivened with nutritional and traditional yeasts. Order the cherry lemonade Eton mess for dessert: a lively take on the British classic, which features pink lemonade granita and vanilla-tonka bean meringue.

Le Café Lacoste Afternoon Tea at The Plaza

• 768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019
• Central Park South

Few things are more classic New York than tea at the storied Plaza Hotel, and just in time for U.S. Open season, there’s a sporty new option. Inside the hotel’s famed Palm Court—from now until September 10—is Le Café Lacoste, a pop-up collaboration with the classic French clothing line. The tea service includes favorites like scones with clotted cream, but also French takes on the traditional pastries, including the adorable Le Crocodile, an entremets stuffed with pistachio caramel, kadayif croquant and sponge, and pistachio mousse. Make sure to snag a pic with the artful display of vintage rackets in the lobby on your way out.

Mommy Pai’s

• 203 Mott St., New York, NY 10012
• Nolita

You probably didn’t think destination-worthy chicken fingers were a thing, but Mommy Pai’s has proven us all wrong. Then again, these are no ordinary specimens: The restaurant is the newest concept from the team behind the wildly popular Thai Diner. The move here is to grab a set: you choose grilled or fried fingers in flavors like lemongrass or coconut, plus sides like the salty-sweet (and addictive) mommy cakes, a type of coconut-scallion pancake. Wash it all down with one of the tropical fruit drinks, like the pineapple-basil, and definitely add on a swirl of the Thai tea and condensed milk soft serve.

Piccola Cucina Osteria

• 196 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
• Soho

One of Soho’s favorite Italian spots received a glow-up this year, with the reopening of chef Philip Guardione’s Piccola Cucina Osteria. The menu now focuses on the food of Guardione’s childhood: Catanese, the region of Sicily near Mount Etna. Come here to try rarer imports, like pane cunzato, a toasted bread topped with anchovies, cherry tomato puree and primo sale cheese. This is also one of the only restaurants to try granita di mandorla, a shaved ice made with almonds from the island’s Noto region. Later this year will also bring the opening of Piccola Cucina Enoteca Tapas, a dedicated wine bar located at the osteria’s original location.

So what’s on tap for this month? July’s select offerings run the gamut from the opening of gigantic spaces like the indoor-outdoor Yacht Club in Chelsea to charming neighborhood all-day cafes, such as Cafe O’te inside the hip 50 Norman complex in Greenpoint. We’ve also got casual spots like Dolores, a Mexico City-inspired cantina in Bed-Stuy, as well as the maximalist wonder of Sirrah in—where else?—Meatpacking, with decor including a light-up catwalk. And, if none of these quite scratch the itch, there’s always good ol’ reliable pizza: we’ve got the details on a second location of beloved sourdough-crusted Ops, plus a new joint, Lucky Charlie’s, from a protégé of Dom DeMarco (of Di Fara fame) himself.

Read on for the 10 best new restaurants to check out in New York City this July.

Cafe O’te

• 38 Norman Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Greenpoint

All-day cafes are particularly delightful during the summer, when large stretches of sunlight elongate all your mealtimes. And, one of the best new entries to the category opened this month inside the uber-cool 50 Norman complex. Cafe O’te is a departure from your typical avo toast menu: the restaurant specializes in hamabagu, or Japanese Hamburg steak. Made with a blend of Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu brisket, the dish is served with yuzu-kosho, your choice of sauce (try the oroshi ponzu), and classic sides like potato salad or pickles. Grab a homemade ginger ale to wash it all down.

Dolores

• 397 Tompkins Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
• Bed-Stuy

Midsummer is an excellent time to brush up on your Mexican cocktail knowledge; there are few things more satisfying on a steamy day than an ice-cold margarita or Paloma. For hands-on research, head to Dolores, a new Mexico City-inspired watering hole and cantina from the team behind Winona’s. Along with classic tipples, beverage director Leanne Favre (Clover Club, Leyenda) has also created twists on current trends, like a Mexican Espresso Martini made with coffee rum and amaro. And the food, inspired by co-founder Emir Dupeyron’s childhood in Mexico, is worth exploring as well: grab botanas (shared snacks) like the papadilla, a potato-stuffed quesadilla, or the chicharones fritos—fried pork belly served with guacamole.

Markette

• 326 7th Ave., New York, NY 10001
• Chelsea

It’s not often that an English restaurant is one of the buzzier openings of the season, but then again, Markette isn’t exactly serving Sunday roast. Helmed by India Doris (former executive sous chef at Michelin-starred Saga), the menu is inspired both by Doris’ childhood in London, and how classic English dishes were reimagined through a Caribbean lens in her home. The fried items are the must-orders, including duck fat frites topped with Royal Sturgeon caviar, sour cream and chives; and the salt cod fritters served with a creamy habanero aioli. However, save room for the mango, coconut and lime pudding, which might be a frontrunner for dessert of the summer.

Hello Hello

• 151 W. 26th St. New York, NY 10001
• Chelsea

Chelsea gains a lively neighborhood bar and cafe this month with the opening of Hello Hello, a new spot from Bathtub Gin and Seamstress alums. Though the space is inspired by the retro-cool design of 1970s bars, the drinks here are quite modern (and pretty cheeky, too). Grab a vodka-Red Bull on draft if you’re feeling frisky, or a Pornstar Daiquiri made with Palo Santo rum and soursop if you’re feeling even friskier. During the day, the space focuses on coffee (try the unique guava and olive oil latte), served alongside plenty of pastries from favorite Colson Patisserie. But if it’s one of those days, note that Hello Hello’s house-made coffee liqueur is available all day, including in their superb espresso martini.

Lucky Charlie

• 254 Irving Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
• Bushwick

New Yorkers celebrate the opening of any new pizza spot, but when the chef apprenticed with the legendary Dom DeMarco of Di Fara, it’s an especially great day. Lucky Charlie is run by Nino Coniglio, and aside from training under Dom, he’s also won Pizza Maker of the Year at the International Pizza Expo. The Bushwick spot is his first foray into using a coal oven, and the pizzas here reflect an homage to the old-school technique. Try the Classic made with fiori di latte, DOP San Marzano tomatoes and drizzled with Sicilian extra virgin olive oil; or for something cheesier, the White: stracciatella, caciocavallo, whipped sheep’s milk ricotta and imported pecorino sardo. 

Massara on Park

• 48 E. 26th St., New York, NY 10010
• NoMad

Massara, sister restaurant to chef Stefano Secchi’s Rezdôra, was sidelined by a fire earlier this summer. It was a blow to pasta lovers across the city—happily, however, the team is in new digs while they rebuild, thanks to their friends at Kent Hospitality Group. Massara on Park is the new long-term pop-up, with a menu focusing on the coastal Campania region of Italy. As such, new dishes will be seafood-centric, like Tonno Tonnato (a play on vitello tonnato) and striped bass brought in fresh from Montauk. Desserts are similarly light, like the vanilla sponge cake served with fresh strawberries and basil cream.

Musaek

• 6 E. 32nd St., Lower Level, New York, NY 10016
• Koreatown

It’s no secret that many of us gravitate toward seafood dishes amid July’s oppressive heat, but if you’re looking to expand your repertoire beyond lobster rolls and crudo, swing by Musaek, a new K-town spot specializing in South Korean coastal cuisine. The playful menu includes a Korean take on fish and chips—with fried shishamo (smelt) and white kimchi slaw—and mussels steamed in dashi with a bright yuzu-seaweed sauce. Also of note is the cocktail menu, which is one of the only programs in the city serving all clarified cocktails, and highlights sometimes hard-to-find Korean flavors. We love the Banana and Perilla made with whiskey, corn cordial, black cardamom, lemon and soda.

Ops

• 176 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003
• East Village

Manhattanites, rejoice: Ops has opened this side of the East River. The Bushwick (and Beard-nommed) favorite, known for its naturally fermented sourdough pies, widens its menu in this new location. Look out for Midwestern-style tavern pies (including the always-divisive Hawaiian) from St. Louis native chef Michael Fadem, plus red-sauce-style baked pastas, like a classic lasagna. The wine list here is also noteworthy: it’s enormous and focuses on natural producers. Finally, make sure to save room for the soft-serve sundae, a classic and delicious end to the meal.

Sirrah

• 1 Little W. 12th St., New York, NY 10014
• Meatpacking District

If you’ve missed the joyous excess of 2010s restaurants (or maybe, just the joyous excess of the 2010s), let us introduce you to Sirrah, a new spot that bills itself as maximalist both in food and design. The debut project from September Hospitality, the restaurant is French by way of New York: the $75 four-course prix-fixe menu features playful dishes like a French onion soup shot, pomme frites wheeled out on a special cart, and finishes with desserts like berries and cream. The interior design, done by Fettle, matches the intensity of the food: there’s even a light-up catwalk.

The Yacht Club

• 212 12th Ave., New York, NY 10001
• Chelsea

Perhaps no restaurant group has cracked the code for outdoor dining the way that the Crew hospitality group has. Famed for spots like Grand Banks and Island Oyster, the team opens their tenth spot mid-month, a 20,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space in the Starrett-Lehigh building. The Yacht Club will serve as the group’s flagship property and encompass a patio with bi-level bars, rentable cabanas and a 125-seat indoor dining room. The menu, similar to its sister concepts, will focus on seafood; we’re especially excited for the oyster sommelier, who can suggest a wide variety of raw and prepared bivalves. And don’t leave without sampling a cocktail from the frozen section of the menu: Permanent Vacation, made with three types of rum, Curaçao, coconut, pineapple and cherry, might be worth a work-from-home day.

And once you’ve eaten your way through New York City’s June restaurant additions, make sure to swing by a few new late-May openings: Santo Taco, the first solo venture from Cosme’s Santiago Perez;  Le Chêne, the debut restaurant from chef Alexia Duchêne (Frenchie in London, Taillevent in Paris); and Lele’s Roman, an Italian all-day spot from LDV Hospitality, the team behind Scarpetta and American Cut. Read on for the eight best new restaurants to check out in New York City this June. 

Cuerno New York

• 271 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
• Rockefeller Center

Mexico’s celebrated Costeño Group heads north with the opening of their first U.S. concept, a modern Mexican steakhouse. With a focus on the cuisine from the northern regions of the country and an emphasis on direct-fire grilling, executive chef Oriol Mendivil’s menu is meant for sharing. Guests are encouraged to sample dishes from four main sections: steaks, tacos, seafood and vegetables. Standouts include the Taco Richi made with ribeye and a cheese crust on a homemade flour tortilla, and the hamachi crudo served with chile chiltepin and salsa rasurada. The accompanying tipples here are perfect for the early days of summer: try a seasonal agua fresca or opt for a guided tasting flight of agave spirits.

Dell’anima

• 18 Cornelia St., New York, NY 10014
• West Village

Long before the West Village Girl became a meme, the neighborhood used to be known for something else entirely: really good pasta. Now, one of the original innovative spots is back, in a new location on charming Cornelia Street (and, after a stint as a more casual concept in Gotham West Market). The seasonal pastas here, of course, are what you should be ordering, especially the garganelli with peekytoe crab, roasted summer squash, lemon and breadcrumbs; and the unusual orecchiette, sweetened with beet, English peas, mint and pecorino. Cocktail-wise, the menu leans toward Italian spirits and classic preparations with a twist. We recommend the Roasted Orange Negroni Spagliato made with Campari, Carpano Antica and sparkling wine, then topped with charred oranges marinated in sweet vermouth.

Gazebo at The Flower Shop

• 107 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002
• Lower East Side

Chef Eddie Huang may now be most well-known for his bestselling memoir (and, later, TV series) Fresh off the Boat, but food-obsessed New Yorkers still fondly remember his beloved Taiwanese spot, Baohaus. Happily, Huang returns to the burners this month with a long-term pop-up at The Flower Shop, which is, coincidentally, only a few blocks from his former restaurant. Gazebo will serve a menu of traditional Chinese dishes, with a Mediterranean twist: plenty of olive oil. Look out for small plates like Beijing lamb skewers and scallop ceviche with Marcona almonds, as well as entrees like lion’s head meatballs, chopped chili fluke, and whole-tail lobster toast.

Lei

• 15-17 Doyers St., New York, NY 10013
• Chinatown

One of this season’s most anticipated wine bars opens this month, on a lively stretch of Doyers Street in Chinatown. Lei comes from Annie Shi (King, Jupiter), and is an ode not only to her Chinese-American heritage, but her passion for grapes. The menu boasts 350 different wines, with newer producers from Spain, Greece and China available, as well as plenty of representation from classic regions like Burgundy and Champagne. And come hungry: the menu here was designed to pair well with reds, whites and everything in between. Standout dishes include fried goat cheese with toasted five spice, and sweet and sour beef short rib.

Lobel’s Original

• 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Rink Level, New York, NY 10112

By now, we all know that Rockefeller Center has seriously upped its food and beverage game, but it appears they’re not done yet. The latest destination spot is found at Rink Level: Lobel’s Original from storied family butcher, Lobel’s of New York. Sandwiches are the star order here—from the thin-sliced prime steak to the broccoli rabe—and all should be dunked in the addictive, accompanying jus. And a tip from us: do not skip dessert. Both the banana pudding and the brown-butter chocolate chip cookie are some of the best versions we’d tried in recent memory.

Mama Mezze

• 1123 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
• Nomad

A new restaurant with a massive, 100-seat outdoor patio is always something to celebrate, but when it also comes from the teams behind La Pecora Bianca and Balaboosta, we’re almost inclined to throw it a party. Mama Mezze is a new all-day, wood-fired eastern Mediterranean spot created by Mark Barak and Einat Admony that celebrates the food from all around the eponymous sea. Think house-made za’atar bread dipped in baharat-spiced beef hummus, or crispy cauliflower drizzled with red pepper tahini and garlic-fresno gremolata. Cocktails are similarly spiced, like the nutty Espresso Tahini made with vodka, Mr. Black, Foro Amaro and tahini; or the kicky Harissa Margarita: mezcal, aperol, harissa, Ancho Reyes and lemon.

Meili Rooftop

• 160 N 12th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Williamsburg

Williamsburg gains a new sky-high hangout this month, with the opening of Meili Rooftop at the Coda Hotel. A sister spot to Meili downstairs, the new addition has a wonderfully large patio plus a retractable roof for sneaky summer storms. The menu here, with a focus on Sichuan-influenced small plates, is great for groups: spicy dan dan noodles with mustard greens, and pan-fried veggie dumplings are must-orders. Cocktails also take inspiration from China: we’re particularly fond of the Yellow River, made with vodka, baijiu, pineapple and cinnamon. Wines, however, span the globe, from Spanish orange to French sparkling.

Westmoreland

• 1 E 70th St., New York, NY 10021
• Upper East Side

The long-awaited reopening of The Frick Collection has us all running to the Upper East Side, but the announcement of the museum’s first-ever cafe means we’re coming back for (figurative and literal) seconds. Westmoreland is named for the Frick family’s private Pullman train car, which they used to travel between their many homes in the early 1900s, but the menu here is far from stuffy. Think farm-to-table soups, salads and pastries; a full menu of American and European wines, plus cocktails. Don’t miss the bespoke mural by Darren Waterston on your way out: it was inspired by works within the museum’s collection.

Call it intuition or call it a glitch in the matrix, but we all have those destinations where we know we’ll feel at home even if we’ve never visited before. But truth be told? The High Atlas Mountains have never been one of mine. 

Marrakech, however, always has. And when I began planning a March trip to visit the vibrant Moroccan city, I was commanded by more than one travel-savvy friend to make a pit stop in the nearby range, the closest bit of which is only about an hour’s drive away. The mountains, they said, make for an excellent—or maybe even necessary—foil to the buzzing, crowded streets of the former imperial city. And, of course, the range is majestic in its own right, their heft separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea, and forming a weather system barrier in the process.

And so, somewhat last minute (especially for a type-A traveler like myself), we carved out a few days post-Marrakech for a long-weekend trip to the mountains. Sort of like leaving New York City for the Catskills…except, you know, not at all.

For starters, it’s actually much quicker to get there: from the city center to our hotel, Kasbah Tamadot, the drive clocked in at an hour and two minutes. The New Yorker in me must point out that while I possess a license, I did leave the driving on this journey to someone else, namely, the very capable on-site team from Scott Dunn. This was my first time using any sort of an agency to plan part of a trip (see: type-A above), and I almost felt guilty for how smoothly it went. Like, someone else could have been mapping drive times and interesting places to pull over this whole time? Needless to say, I’ve been converted. 

Our day started with the easy drive into the mountains; the bustle of tourists and the hum of the Medina soon gave way to empty roads and the unrolling vista of the range in the distance. With no real set schedule to follow, we made several stops for panoramic shots of the Atlas Mountains along the way: even in late March, a few of the tallest peaks were still beautifully snow-capped. And around us, for the first time since we arrived in the country: stillness. This vast landscape, which for long stretches of the drive looked entirely untouched by anything except Mother Nature, was humbling. No one needed to tell me to put away my phone: what could possibly be more important than what I was seeing right in front of me?

Soon we ditched the car, walking a short way into a Berber village, where family friends of our guide welcomed us into their home. Set out on a table were dozens of dried local herbs, spices and flowers, all of which serve medicinal purposes in Berber culture. After learning their names and uses, we were invited to mix our own special blend for tea, which was then boiled in a traditional silver pot and sweetened with a Moroccan amount of sugar (meaning, a lot). We sipped our tasty brew outside on the house’s terrace, the craggy Atlas peaks shielding us from the sun, as my daughter and a few local boys from the village attempted to teach each other a few words of the other’s language. 

Then, after learning how to make flatbread in a traditional clay oven and being urged into traditional Berber headwraps and tunics (or djellaba), we sat on huge pillows for a lunch of chicken tagine, chopped tomato salad, and plenty of fresh fruit sprinkled with cinnamon. It was an immersive and delightful introduction to the region, and, just as my friends had said, as different from Marrakech as night from day.

After lunch, we drove just a short distance to Kasbah Tamadot, perhaps the most famous property in the High Atlas Mountains and part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection of hotels. Perched at the top of a winding road, the property’s rust-colored, regal main building—the kasbah, or citadel—is visible from quite a ways off. But what you can’t see until you wander the grounds is the hotel’s impressive acreage: a true green oasis in the mountains with plenty of communal spaces like an expansive pool and hot tub, plus 42 rooms spread across the kasbah, and in tents and riads.

My family stayed in the last category, which were just added to the property last summer. Ours had an ample-sized living room, outdoor dining room, and one of the largest private pools I’ve seen in a hotel room. And while we thought about dining in-room, the restaurant spaces were too pretty to pass up: breakfast was served in the kasbah, where I could gorge on freshly griddled Moroccan breads and Berber-style porridge, while dinner is inside Asayss, an impressive tented structure in the middle of the property. Meals here encompass both Western and Moroccan specialities, although you’d be foolish to order the former when the local cuisine includes dishes like lamb filet crusted in Atlas herbs, or a fish and vegetable tagine enlivened with chermoula.

A hearty dinner was also needed for the next morning’s activity: the hotel had organized a nearly daylong hike into the mountains. But first, we made a stop at the Eve Branson Foundation, a small nonprofit that teaches local women how to embroider, weave and make rugs, some of which are bought by the hotel. The foundation also includes a small shop, where I picked up some gorgeous, brightly striped table runners. From there we drove to the Ouirgane Valley, also known as the Colorado of Morocco for its striking red rocks and far-reaching vistas. While my daughter opted to ride a donkey (something I wish I could bring on every hike), my husband and I, along with our guide, more than stretched our legs on the miles-long trek, which wove through serene juniper tree forests and small villages alike. We probably only ran into three other people the whole day, which made the undulating hills and valleys seem even more expansive and remote.

I spent our last morning wandering the property’s manicured paths, admiring the mountains rising around me and taking a last dip in our pool. It was then I realized I’d barely looked at my phone since arriving, as occupied as I was with the calming surroundings. But then it was, sadly, time to head to the airport. We, of course, only scratched the surface of this region over three days. But our visit was an excellent reminder that even the most careful planners among us can benefit from the element of surprise. Your new favorite destination might be waiting for you on the other side.

The phrase “sense of place” gets tossed around so frequently that it’s nearly lost its meaning. It should be more than half-hearted attempts to weave in local culture by way of orchid-scented soaps in the bathroom, or local fruits at the breakfast buffet. But as any frequent traveler can tell you, the vast majority of hotels fall short of anything resembling a genuine commitment to highlighting local culture or traditions.

There are, thankfully, exceptions to the rule. And one way to make sure your guests are fully immersed in the area’s cultural narrative? Have them arrive via a high-speed boat after crossing a majestic body of water. Such is the case at La Lancha, a member of The Family Coppola Hideaways (yes, that Coppola family—Francis Ford Coppola is the owner) located on the banks of Lago Petén Itzá, Guatemala’s third largest lake. 

By the time we reached the shore, my hair was whipped into something resembling a cartoon bird’s nest, but all was forgotten as soon as I was handed an ice-cold tropical fruit cocktail (and my daughter, her very own virgin version). As we sipped our drinks, gazing out at the lapping waters of Petén Itzá, we were also given instructions as to how to use the shellphone—no, that’s not a typo. Both at the bar near the lake as well as in each of the 10 rooms are giant conch shells that have been wired to act as phones (more a walkie-talkie system if we’re getting technical), and which, in my decade-plus career as a travel writer, I can assuredly say I’ve never seen before.

While the phones may be more of a wacky amenity than representative of authentic Guatemalan culture, they are an embodiment of the whimsical spirit of this property. It is a place where, because there are so few guests, you can use something like a shellphone to reach a staff member. And, just as important, it is also a place that relishes in delighting its guests, whether with an unusual communication system or clever interior touches, like giant throw pillows outfitted in traditional—and revered—Guatemalan textiles.

The sense of place here extends far beyond the welcome boat ride. Aside from the use of local textiles, which you’ll find in the bed linens, rugs, wall coverings and even the bath robes, the entire property is built into the side of a lush rainforest. And nothing reminds you that you’ve left Manhattan more than waking up to a jubilant, chattering chorus of parakeets outside your window. The rooms themselves also help ground guests in the jungle setting: we stayed in a two-bedroom rainforest casita, complete with an expansive deck and furniture sourced from local artisans.

The main lodge is similarly designed to be of the area; with a thatched roof, it nearly blends into the hillside above the hotel’s pool. The open-air building forms the main hub of the property (and also has the most reliable wifi, take note); it’s home to the on-site restaurant, La Vista Bonita, as well as the bar. As this was my first time in Guatemala, I wasn’t very familiar with the cuisine—even in New York, it’s not an easy one to track down. But as I found out very quickly, it’s one that I hope to incorporate far more into my diet. Breakfast here included a variety of fresh juices and flaky cinnamon rolls, while lunch and dinner focused on Guatemalan classics like dobladas de longaniza: homemade tortillas stuffed with sausage, avocado, and fresh tomato then doused in a piquant cream-based tomato sauce.

While we would have been happy enough to meander from breakfast to the pool or lake all day, one of the most magnificent architectural wonders of Central America is only about an hour away, and essentially a required visit. Tikal National Park is composed of the remnants of an ancient Maya city that had been mostly swallowed up by the jungle until archaeologists started to excavate the ruins in the 1880s. La Lancha provided my daughter and me with a private guide and driver, who made sure we got there right at opening to avoid both the heat and the crowds. But unlike the more famous site of Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the grounds here can be enjoyed without swarms of people—all the better to appreciate the staggering size and engineering skills of the impressive limestone pyramids.

Tikal may be the most popular off-site excursion, but La Lancha also offers a wealth of other experiences, including tours of the ceremonial center of Yaxhá and Topoxte, and helicopter adventures to the “lost city” of El Mirador. There are also a handful of on-property activities, including complimentary tortilla-making classes and a temazcal, a traditional Maya sweat lodge.

Getting to this pocket of northern Guatemala is not simple: we first took a flight from JFK to Guatemala City, then a second to Flores, and finally a 45-minute boat ride to the hotel (you can also drive from the airport). But finding a true sense of place often means a long journey—after all, to escape from the familiar, you have to actually leave it. As I watched dusk blanket Petén Itzá from my casita’s balcony, everything—sights, sounds, smells—was new. But I also knew exactly where I was: someplace beautiful, peaceful and comforting.

And, just like spring, this month is also a time of renewal for restaurants. Not only is the hotly anticipated reopening of Adda finally happening this May, but a long-shuttered Williamsburg institution, JR & Son, is also back in action. And, we’re welcoming the first New York outpost of NADC Burger, which already counts fans in cities like Austin and Denver.

But what quality do all these restaurants have in common? Well, that’s easy: they’re delicious. Plus, we’ve already done the arduous work of whittling down this group to only the can’t-miss places to try this month. Read on to discover the 10 best new restaurants to check out in New York City this May.

Adda

• 107 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
• East Village

One of New York’s most groundbreaking Indian restaurants makes a triumphant return this month. Adda is reopening in a new location in the East Village, and with a menu designed by chef Chintan Pandya and chef de cuisine Neel Kajale, the redux will still have signature dishes like the baby goat biryani, as well as new preparations including bharwan mirchi murgh, a Rajasthani stuffed chili chicken. Also fun for large groups is the Butter Chicken Experience, where guests choose what type of wood the poultry will be cooked over, and even the type of butter used in the sauce.

Bar Bianchi

• 5 Ave. A, New York, NY 10009
• East Village

For those of us not lucky enough to jet off to northern Italy this summer, fear not: Milan is coming west with the opening of Bar Bianchi. And this aperitivo bar comes with quite the pedigree: it’s the child of the Golden Age Hospitality team behind buzzy spots Le Dive and The Nines, among others. Within the 1930s-meets-1960s space, executive chef Nicole Gajadhar serves a sunny, trattoria-style menu, with dishes like veal Milanese for two, and rigatoni with sausage, peas and pink sauce. Tipples are courtesy of Cody Pruitt of Libertine and, unsurprisingly, include spritzes, Negronis and the lesser-known sgroppinos—sort of a grown-up slushie.

The Dynamo Room

• 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121
• Midtown West

We’re all well aware that the area around Penn Station isn’t exactly known for its destination dining. But that might change this month, with the arrival of The Dynamo Room from Sunday Hospitality—the group known for beloved spots Sunday in Brooklyn and Rule of Thirds. This latest concept is a modern steakhouse that still pays tribute to the New York City grills of the 1800s: think 50-day dry-aged ribeye and veal chops with brown butter, but also a killer raw bar program and sides like smoked cheddar soufflé. Cocktails are galaxy themed (and we will resist the out-of-this-world pun): try the Infinity and Beyond made with whiskey, pistachio and falernum.

Fish Cheeks

• 661 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Williamsburg

The second outpost of this perennially packed NoHo spot will open in Williamsburg this month. Co-founders Jenn Saesue and Chat Suansilphong are hoping to recreate the magic of the original across the East River with interiors designed by Space NY, plus their trademark, unapologetically spicy Thai dishes. Expect some Brooklyn-only specials, courtesy of chef Dustin Everett, like marinated raw crab with lime juice and fish sauce and mama tom yum: ramen noodles with pork belly, shrimp, squid and crab topped with egg yolk.

FifthSip

• 229 Mott St., New York, NY 10012
• Nolita

Matcha isn’t going anywhere anytime soon (and we’re not mad about that), but perhaps it’s time for another caffeinated beverage to shine. We’ve been anxiously awaiting the May 17 opening of Nolita’s FifthSip, which will specialize in Vietnamese-style, slow-drip phin brewing. The order here will be cà phê sữa đá (iced robusta with sweetened condensed milk), but we’re also excited to try the ube iced coffees, tiramisu lattes and banana cream-topped phins. Matcha lemonade, we hardly knew ya. And of course, there will be pastries, including ube buns and traditional croissants sweetened with condensed milk.

JR & Son

• 575 Lorimer St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Williamsburg

A beloved neighborhood spot got a glow-up with the reopening of JR & Son earlier this month. The restaurant, which shuttered during Covid-19, has now been reimagined by executive chef Patricia Vega (formerly of Thai Diner) as a homey spot for classic Italian American preparations. All the greatest hits like spaghetti and meatballs are on offer, but Vega also throws the unexpected curveball, like an arancini salad with smoked mozzarella, watercress and radicchio. Desserts, from chef Amanda Perdomo, lean playful, like a rainbow cookie layer cake made with coconut milk. And cocktails here celebrate this season’s favorite liqueur, amaro. Try the vibrant Strawberry Letter 23, made with gin, strawberry amaro, Campari and lemon.

Papa d’Amour

• 64 University Pl., New York, NY 10003
• Greenwich Village

Dominique Ansel, perhaps New York’s most famed working pastry chef and the man behind tasty viral creations like the cronut, is opening a new bakery on University. That should probably be enough to get you there, but if you need specifics, we’ve got ‘em. His new concept, named for an endearing nickname from his children, moves away from classic French techniques to Asian bread culture: think steamed buns, egg tarts, fresh-baked shokupan and more. Savory options, like the scallion basil blossom made with a scallion and Thai basil pesto and laminated brioche crust, will show off Ansel’s signature twists on flavor and ingredients.

Teruko

• 220 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
• Chelsea

The revitalization of Hotel Chelsea continues with the opening of its latest restaurant concept, Japanese spot Teruko. Helmed by chef Tadashi Ono (formerly of Matsuri) and named after Swiss artist (and former Hotel Chelsea resident) Teruko Yokoi, the subterranean space will serve classic Japanese fare, including traditional edomae sushi, plus robata preparations like grilled Ozaki Wagyu with fresh wasabi. Make sure to take a spin around the whole space as you sip on sake or Japanese whisky: Yokoi’s original paintings line many of the walls.

But on rainy days, which, sadly, are also quite common in April, we’ve also got you covered on indoor tables to snag, as well. Two of this month’s hottest are, in fact, even inside other spaces: Maison Passerelle at Printemps New York and Next Door, for which you must walk through the Wegmans supermarket (you read that right).

And if you’re looking for a special occasion spot, you’re in luck this month. Read on for details on a tasting menu inspired by the many cultures of Brooklyn, plus the return of one of the city’s most revered kaiseki chefs. From a casual counter serving flaky breakfast pastries to the new location of a buzzy Thai spot, these are the 10 best new restaurants to check out in New York City this April.

Buba Bureka

• 193 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012
• Greenwich Village

New Yorkers love our handheld food options (see: bagels, pizza), so it’s little surprise that the city’s first dedicated bureka shop has been mobbed since opening. But the flaky triangle pastries created by chef Ben Siman Tov aren’t selling out every day just because they’re portable, but because they’re deliciously stuffed with everything from tangy, salty cheese to sweet corn. Plus, all are served with a side of tahini, pickles and hard-boiled eggs, making every order a solid meal option. Go early or be met with the dreaded “sold out!” sign.

Fairweather

• 180 10th Ave., New York, NY 10011
• Chelsea

Nothing heralds the start of spring like the proliferation of outdoor dining spots, but they’re not all created equal. One of the largest (and lushest) can be found at Fairweather, located in the sunken courtyard of The High Line Hotel, right next to the cheery double-decker bus. After a soft opening last summer, this seasonal cocktail bar from the team behind Grand Banks is now ready to welcome guests for the sunny months ahead. We recommend grabbing one of four spritz varieties and ordering share plates like the delightfully high-low pairing of Ossetra caviar and Old Bay chips.

Evolution

• 426 S. 5th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Williamsburg

Opening at the end of this month is a new concept from chef Eric LeVine inside the 42 Hotel. Evolution is a dinner-only spot with just 31 seats that will serve a tasting menu inspired by the wide variety of cultures found within Brooklyn. Dishes will include options like a cheffed-up take on the potato knishes found in Brighton Beach and a new interpretation of Bay Ridge’s classic pastrami on rye. And keep an eye out for Blackbird—the restaurant’s more casual sister spot—to open in just a few weeks and serve global gastropub options.

Hakata TonTon

• 43 Mott St., New York, NY 10013
• Chinatown

Hot pot enthusiasts mourned the shuttering of Hakata TonTon last year, but we have fantastic news: the restaurant is now operating a long-term pop-up out of Cha Kee in Chinatown. While the latter will still be serving breakfast and lunch, Hakata TonTon will take over the space at dinner, serving their acclaimed hot pot meals alongside soup dumplings, karaage and okonomiyaki.

Leonessa

• 102 North End Ave., New York, NY 10282
• Battery Park City

Landing just in time for warmer spring evenings is Leonessa, an Italian cocktail bar on the roof of Conrad New York Downtown. And if that wasn’t enough to excite you, learning that Ariel Arce (Tokyo Record Bar, Heroes) is a collaborator will probably do the trick. Many of Italy’s greatest contributions to cocktails are on offer here, from modern interpretations of spritzes and martinis, to a deep bench of aperitif selections. Plus, all cocktails are served with a complimentary aperitivo-style snack, which, depending on the night, includes bites like rosemary carta di musica with fava beans and green olive tapenade, or fennel and orange-marinated Castelvetrano olives. Adding to the Amalfi Coast vibe is the decor: lemon trees, tons of greenery, and even a fountain—nearly enough to make you believe the Hudson River is actually the Mediterranean.

Little Fino

• 111 N. 12th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Williamsburg

Williamsburg gains a new all-day cafe this month with the opening of NoHo Hospitality Group’s Little Fino inside The William Vale hotel. Geared to attract hotel patrons and locals alike, the ground-floor space serves a mean espresso during the daytime before morphing into a lively cocktail bar once the sun sets. The menu will consist of small plates from chef Anthony Ricco, with a cocktail program from bar director Darryl Chan (The Portrait Bar, Café Carmellini).

Maison Passerelle

• 1 Wall St., New York, NY 10005
• Financial District

Chances are, your Instagram has been flooded with photos of Printemps New York, the French un-department store that opened at the end of March. But if you’ve been waiting to visit, mid-month is an excellent time to go: in-house restaurant Maison Passerelle starts serving guests on April 17. And similar to most of the store’s ultra-chic merchandise, the food here is elevated, beautiful and French. Chef Gregory Gourdet has created a menu that explores the intertwined nature of France and its former colonies: think duck confit on top of a West African-inspired spinach stew, or a New York strip steak rubbed with Haitian coffee.

Next Door

• 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
• Greenwich Village

Is one of the spring’s hottest restaurants actually inside a supermarket? All signs point to yes. Opening at the end of April is Next Door, a contemporary Japanese spot nestled inside the Wegmans on Broadway. The space will feature two distinct kitchens—a sushi bar and a robata grill—serving everything from classic rolls and raw bar preparations to veggie-forward small plates. And, as if those weren’t enough surprises for inside a grocery store, there’s even a champagne bar.

Oyamel

• 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
• Hudson Yards

One of D.C.’s most beloved restaurants makes the trek up north with the opening of José Andrés Group’s Oyamel (next to sister spot Mercado Little Spain). The restaurant will be a distinct space from the market, with a menu slinging tacos, ceviches and destination-worthy margaritas. And with a space designed by the heavy hitters at Rockwell Group, which features a palette of bright colors and the restaurant’s signature butterflies, we’re sure you won’t just be taking pictures of the food.

Yamada

• 16 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013
• Chinatown

One of the city’s most renowned kaiseki chefs opened his own counter earlier this month, after years spent honing his craft in Japan and at New York’s Brushstroke. Chef Isao Yamada’s eponymous restaurant, located inside the Canal Arcade, serves a 10-course menu composed of dishes inspired by the principles of seasonality, harmony and mindfulness. On the spring menu, look out for courses like a chawanmushi with king crab and wagyu beef aged with sakura leaf, plus an impressive dessert course that includes matcha tiramisu and yozakura-yokan (red bean jelly).

In Midtown, BKK New York brings the food of vibrant, sun-soaked Thailand to Manhattan. With its elevated street food menu, the restaurant champions the laid-back, bright flavors that are the perfect antidote for the heavier soups and stews we’ve been snacking on all winter. And hey, if White Lotus has you pining for a trip to the country, maybe this is the next best option.

So whether you’re looking for a tasting menu inspired by an Indian wedding (or one filled with kimchi) or an omakase joint that also moonlights as a listening bar, we’ve found the ideal spots for all your culinary needs. Read on for the six best new restaurants to check out in New York this March.

BKK New York

• 238 W. 56th St., New York, NY 10019
• Midtown West

Midtown gets a much-needed dose of casual cool with the opening of this Thai spot, which features a stellar menu from chef Teerawong “Yo” Nanthavatsiri (previously of the much-missed Pinto and Pinto Garden). Dishes here take inspiration from the street food traditions of both Bangkok and the Big Apple. Think a brisket sandwich served with Thai spicy beef jus, or the BKK hot dog, where Chiang Mai sausage supplants the dirty water variety. Drinks here are equally playful: look out for the Sticky Situation, a clarified milk punch enlivened with black sticky rice-infused whiskey, Earl Grey syrup, lemon juice, clarified oat milk and aromatic bitters.

Gitano NYC

• 89 South St., New York, NY 10038
• Seaport

Everyone’s favorite summer spot is making the leap to spring (and a brick-and-mortar space). Gitano NYC marks the first permanent location for the modern Mexican restaurant that also moonlights as a dance club. The city’s largest disco ball and 30-foot ceilings mean this place isn’t exactly a wallflower, and neither is the food and drink. Grab share plates like the lobster tostadas and truffle tlayudas, alongside cocktails like the Kisses in the Car, made with mezcal, rum, passion fruit and habanero.

Hear & There

• 109 South 6th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Williamsburg

A dual-concept “audio-focused” cocktail bar and omakase counter from a Please Don’t Tell alumni? As your favorite Gen Z friend might exclaim, “say less.” This Williamsburg spot, which opened on March 3, ticks all the boxes for a glittering night out: a 13-course, Edo-style menu from chef Mark Garcia (formerly of Himitsu and Kissaski); Larry Gonzalez-designed cocktails like the Osaka (Hibiki Harmony Japanese whiskey, oka kura sweet bermutto and orange bitters); and even custom speakers for a top-notch listening experience.

Madam Ji Ki Shaadi

• 154 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012
• Greenwich Village

With a name that translates to “Madam Ji Is Getting Married,” this new Village spot aims to capture the fun and joy of an Indian wedding right in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Guests are treated to a tasting menu (which, at $65, is quite the bargain for the neighborhood) that includes a welcome drink and multiple courses such as chicken tikka kebabs and Delhi-style makhani paneer. And just like at a real wedding, there are even party favors: here, it’s mithai (Indian sweets) wrapped in a gift bag to-go.

Raon

• 207 E. 59th St., New York, NY 10022
• Midtown East

Soogil Lim and Sasook Youn, the husband-and-wife team behind the East Village’s Soogil, are back with one of the more innovative tasting menus we’ve seen. Raon is a 10-course meal focused on the always-enigmatic kimchi. Four varieties are showcased on this menu, from the more well-known baechu (cabbage kimchi) to the harder-to-find jang kimchi, a soy sauce-based version. And don’t miss the beverage program, curated by sommelier Hak Soo Kim (formerly of Per Se and Jungsik): soju fans, especially, will be delighted by the selection.

But, as we all know, even during its slowest periods, New York’s five boroughs still open restaurants and bars at a frantic pace. And with only a finite amount of meals out one can tackle in a month, how do you decide which new places are really worth a visit? That’s where our expertise comes in: we’ve scoured uptown, downtown and everywhere in between to find the buzziest, tastiest and chicest tables to reserve this month. From a new Momofuku spot in the East Village celebrating Caribbean cuisine to modern Levantine at the city’s newest private members’ club in Union Square, these are the spots worth setting an alert for. Read on for the 11 best new restaurants to check out in New York this February.

Bar Kabawa

• 8 Extra Pl, New York, NY 10003
• East Village

The Momofuku empire expands to the Caribbean with this new concept, helmed by chef Paul Carmichael (formerly of Momofuku Seiobo, the group’s Sydney outpost). For phase one, Bar Kabawa (the full restaurant, Kabawa, debuts later this winter), expect raw bar snacks and a wide selection of unique West Indies patties, like a short rib with conch and bone marrow. As for tipples: Caribbean rum and daiquiris abound, thanks to bartender Kathryn “Pepper” Stashek (formerly of Attaboy and Grand Army Bar). An early favorite is the Daiquiri Kabawa made with a choice of rum, key lime juice and cane sugar served atop snow ice.

Cafe Zaffri

• 16 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
• Union Square

Chances are, you’ve already seen The Twenty Two geotagged on social media from your most on-the-pulse friends. And while the establishment is a private members club and hotel, its ground-floor restaurant, Cafe Zaffri is open to the public. Formerly owned by heiress Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt, the space still retains much of its late-19th century charm, albeit with a decidedly more modern menu, thanks to the spectacular duo of executive chef Mary Attea, and executive pastry chef Camari Mick (Raf’s, The Musket Room). The restaurant, serving a contemporary interpretation of Levantine cuisine, will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with items ranging from a classic shakshuka, to grilled prawns with arak and tarragon, as well as the dessert darling of the moment, a kataifi millefeuille.

Chatti

• 252 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
• Midtown West

New York doesn’t lack for Indian restaurants, but few focus on the food of Kerala, or specifically, toddy shop culture. Chef Regi Mathew aims to change that with the opening of Chatti, his first concept outside of India. Known for selling the eponymous toddy—a naturally fermented and sweet palm beverage—the shops also specialize in slow-cooked small plates, known as “touchings.” At Chatti, these take the form of dishes like prawn pouches with coconut masala, or hoppers, the ubiquitous Kerala pancake made from fermented rice and coconut milk. Pair them with the delightful Elephant Whisperer cocktail, made with banana, coconut, white rum and Prosecco.

Hildur

• 5 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11021
• Dumbo

On track to open mid-month is a sister spot to critically acclaimed Colonie, but this time with a menu balanced halfway between French bistro and Scandinavia. Named after one of the owners’ grandmothers, Hildur aims for that same comforting energy: think melted onion soup sprinkled with crisped leeks, rye gougères au comté and even a classic Swedish princess cake, enlivened with caramelized creme diplomat. Don’t miss the cocktail menu, which has a dedicated martini section: we love the Vert, made with apple gin infused with New York apples and dry vermouth.

Huso

• 323A Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
• Tribeca

Caviar’s moment in the sun is still burning bright, as evidenced by the opening of Huso, the tasting menu spot from two-time Top Chef winner Buddha Lo inside Marky’s Caviar’s new retail space on Greenwich Avenue. The 12-course menu will change seasonally, but of course, will feature plenty of the famed fish eggs in playful dishes like an everything bagel tarte. Desserts are just as elevated: an early stunner is a caramelized white chocolate and white truffle confection. And even the cocktails are getting in on the theme here: try the Dirty Rich, a dirty martini paired with an olive and, naturally, a caviar bump.

Joomak

• 401 West St, New York, NY 10014
• West Village

We all mourned the closing of chef Jiho Kim’s Michelin-starred Joomak Banjum last year, but luckily, we didn’t have to wait long for its new iteration, which technically opened at the end of January—it’s still on our must-visit February list, though. And Joomak, located inside residential hotel Maison Hudson, might prove to be even more of a hit than its predecessor. The eight-course tasting menu, solidly New American but with Korean influence, showcases Kim’s fluency in both savory and sweet, in dishes like an amuse bouche that looks like a smashburger but is actually otoro, egg yolk gelee and choux pastry; or the interactive banana bread pudding, made up of layers of bread pudding, chocolate mousse, creme brulee and lychee. Vegetarians take note: there’s a full menu available for you, too, with courses like a Pink Lady apple ceviche and a Koshikari rice porridge.

Lulla’s

• 169 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
• Williamsburg

Another “little sister” restaurant opening up in Brooklyn this month is Lulla’s, the new concept from chef Ivo Diaz, who also runs the Michelin-approved Casa Ora. This spot is meant to be more casual: a neighborhood hangout for coffee, yes, but also a place to find harder-to-find Venezuelan specialties like mandocas (fried cornmeal fritters) and cachitos (a flaky pastry with ham and melted cheese). Soon to roll out: a coffee-infused cocktail program and a more robust food menu.

Papa San

• 501 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
• Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards continues to up its collection of destination-worthy restaurants with the opening of Papa San, the third concept from Juan Correa and chef Erik Ramirez, the team behind Llama Inn and Llama San. Situated on the ground floor of The Spiral, the restaurant is a Nikkei-style izakaya, with a cocktail program from the team behind Buenos Aires-favorite bar Tres Monos. The food menu ping pongs between Lima, Tokyo and New York City with tons of plates made for sharing: ceviches, tiraditos and makis among them. Pisco features heavily on the cocktail side, with a standout being the Papa Sour, made with rum liquor, green apple, eau de vie, santal, rice rica and lemon.

Pinky Swear

• 171A Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
• Lower East Side

Ostensibly a restaurant and cocktail lounge, Pinky Swear—from a team that includes a South American hotel group, Grammy nominee and former pro athlete—defies easy explanation. The concept also includes interactive art exhibits, as well as bespoke furniture and even ceiling tiles. Food-wise, everything is just as inventive, from crab, Boursin and sweet potato doughnuts; to a pastrami tilefish with acorn squash mole. We also love the “Pinky Promise” section of the cocktail menu: two shots to share with a pal. Don’t try a Blitzkrieg Bop (mezcal, cold brew coffee, chartreuse and chili) unless you’re ready for a long night.

Schmuck.

• 97 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
• East Village

One of the most eagerly anticipated openings this month has been Schmuck, from the famed Barcelona bartenders Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy. With an atmosphere meant to evoke drinking at your (really cool) friend’s home, the experience comprises the seated “living room” as well as the more casual front room, each with its own distinct cocktail menu. In the former, don’t miss the Blanka (Four Walls whiskey, fennel, mustard vinaigrette and pecan), while the latter’s more focused on flavors, like banana, or caramelized apple. Food-wise, you’ll want to grab a few plates for sharing, like the white bean cacio e pepe, or the dark chocolate mousse drizzled with olive oil and salt flakes.

The View

• 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
• Theater District

One of the most famed restaurants of the ‘80s makes its triumphant return this month, but with quite the glow-up. The View, and its slowly revolving dining room, made a big splash when it opened 40 years ago inside the New York Marriott Marquis, but the space has been closed for service for nearly five years. Now, reimagined by Union Square Hospitality Group and Rockwell Group, the Theater District spot has gone from tourist trap to a stunningly redesigned, actually cool hangout. Taking over the 47th and 48th floors, distinct spaces include an upper-level bar and lounge, as well as a full-service restaurant with live piano music. The menu, from executive chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, is full of American classics: Caesar salad, crab cakes and steaks.

Many a New Yorker dreams of wide-open spaces for vacation: to get far away from anything that even remotely resembles the claustrophobic, towering avenues of Midtown. So it’s little surprise that ranch resorts of the American West exert an almost magical pull on us, with their promises of peaceful horseback riding, miles-long vistas of craggy mountains, and—perhaps most unbelievable—even the chance to see actual stars in the night sky. 

Within a certain, travel-savvy subset of city dwellers, intel on these properties is traded like playing cards: “Have you heard of Dunton Hot Springs? How was your fall trip to The Ranch at Rock Creek?” But if my own penchant for luxury ranches is any indication, there’s one name that gets passed around more than any other: Paws Up Montana, and more specifically, their adults-only accommodations, The Green O. 

The overall Paws Up property, which spans 37,000 woodland acres in the tiny township of Greenough, has made its reputation by balancing rugged, exhilarating activities with an equal dose of pampering. Think mornings spent gallivanting on ATVs or mountain bikes, followed by a leisurely afternoon spa appointment. And in the intimate world of The Green O—which consists of just a dozen freestanding accommodations known as hauses—the care afforded to guests is even more evident. To start, there’s James Beard Award-nominated chef Brandon Cunningham in the kitchen at the guests-only restaurant, plus private outdoor hot tubs and toasty fireplaces set amongst floor-to-ceiling windows in the hauses.

The Green O’s smaller size (the larger Paws Up property consists of 28 vacation homes), the privacy of the hauses and its very own dining facility, Social Haus, also make it undeniably romantic. And indeed, it’s the most popular spot on property for moons of all kinds: be it mini, baby or the classic honey. There are overt nods to love—only king-size beds in the rooms, a few decorative hearts scattered in the decor—but the environment also lends itself to the feeling: the elegant beauty and heady scent of the pine trees that dot the nearby hillsides; the deep, cottony quiet that blankets the grounds once night falls. 

You certainly could spend a whole long weekend solely in your haus: I stayed in the two-floor Tree Haus, which is perched 23 feet above the ground and features a full-size living room with overstuffed chairs, a soaking tub and two balconies. But, you likely didn’t fly all the way into Missoula to watch the splendor of these Western skies from the comfort of your bedroom window. Navigating the thousands of acres of the greater Paws Up property can take many forms, especially depending on the time of year. During the summer high season, white water rafting, fly fishing and shooting sports are popular pursuits with guests. But if you opt to visit during the chillier months, as I did in December, you’ll still have the chance to explore the outdoors, only with the added bonus of a fresh blanket of snow. 

I happened to arrive just as the first storm of the season hit, which meant I was able to experience the one activity for which I’d been furiously hoping: dog sledding. The experience is a bit of a journey; it takes place about a 30-minute drive from the main ranch, then up a winding road, into the mountains and onto groomed trails. You’ll hear the dogs before you see them. As soon as they sense the truck pulling up, they begin to howl with glee, knowing they’re about to get the chance to do their favorite thing in the world: run. I spent the next hour-and-a-half on the back of a sled, letting the wind whip my cheeks until my eyes ran with tears, losing feeling in my fingers, but mostly, just grinning with gratitude to be outdoors with an adorable pack of Alaskan Huskies.

My reward for braving the elements was dinner at Social Haus, the intimate restaurant reserved for guests of The Green O. There are few pleasures in life greater than walking into a cozy dining room after a brisk day in the snow. And Social Haus, with its aromas of fresh bread wafting out from the open kitchen, and a crackling fireplace, is the dining equivalent of a hug. The innovative menu is overseen by the aforementioned Cunningham, a Beard nominee for Best Chef: Mountain. Changing every night, the eight-course meal marries the flavors of the American West with fine-dining techniques and intricate plating; perfect for celebrating an anniversary or other milestone. One of my favorite bites was actually the first of the trip: an amuse bouche of crackly brioche French toast, topped with a briny dollop of caviar. Other favorites included a cheeky, deconstructed bagel and lox; and a prawn course served in an old-school Chinese takeout container.

But the highlights of this property—the activities, the food, the hauses—are all made especially magical by the staff here. They were kind enough to ferry me around from activity to meal and back again; greeted me warmly wherever I was on property; and even remembered my favorite type of tea every morning (it’s an iced chai, by the way). But the best example of their commitment to service might be the email I received from chef Cunningham upon arriving back in New York: the recipe for that singular, delicious bite of caviar French toast.

The plot centers around Tita, a young Mexican woman who has the supernatural ability to infuse her cooking with her own emotions. And, like any good story ballet, there is love, loss, humor and sorrow. The ballet received its world premiere last June in London with The Royal Ballet, and then was workshopped further before premiering with ABT this past March at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California.

The three-act production, choreographed by Tony-winner Christopher Wheeldon and with sets and costumes designed by Bob Crowley, is notable for being the company’s most ambitious production ever, with 145 costumes, 250 props and multiple dance floors.

“I heard one of our stage crew saying that if you were to combine every single one of our productions together, this one production is even bigger than all of those combined,” principal dancer Christine Shevchenko tells Observer.

In its ambition, artistic director of ABT Susan Jaffe likens this ballet more to a show you might see down the street on The Great White Way. “It’s a ballet for the 21st century,” she tells Observer. “There are projections, elements that fly in and fly out. In a way, it runs like a Broadway show as far as the production value of it.”

And while the ballet’s sheer size may draw some to Lincoln Center, it also marks a departure in terms of content and choreography. There are not many ballets in the repertory that feature prominently Mexican themes, nor are there many whose viability relies on the dancers to emote the way they must in this piece.

“You really have to tell the story well in this production,” says Shevchenko of the choreography. “Because if you don’t, then a lot of [the plot] is missed. It’s not about the technique, or the jumps, or anything like that. It’s about storytelling.” Jaffe concurs, noting that Wheeldon’s creative choreography is one of the elements that makes LWFC unique in ABT’s productions.

In a classical piece like Giselle, dancers often pantomime to express emotion. But in this production, “all of the feelings are woven into the choreography more specifically,” she says. “For example, when a character is feeling broken, the foot will go into a turned-in, flexed position, which is not a proper balletic line, but within this ballet, it’s so beautiful and it makes so much sense.” Dancers, therefore, don’t have to stop their movements—and the action of the plot—to mime sadness or happiness.

And indeed, Wheeldon likens some sections of LWFC to a play without words. “It’s probably the most complex story I’ve attempted to tell through dance,” he tells Observer. “I’m always striving to create something that feels accessible, but also cinematic in scale, and very theatrical in the way that it moves.”

Thus far, audiences have responded enthusiastically. At the Costa Mesa performances, the company saw an an astounding 30 percent of patrons who had never attended the ballet before, a testament to both to the untapped subject material and Wheeldon’s creative verve.

Jaffe is confident that the New York premiere will havethe same bump in numbers. “We’re very excited. Laura Esquivel said that she and [the Mexican] people that know that this ballet is happening are so proud that this story—this Mexican story—is being brought out to a larger public,” she says. “They’re very, very proud and honored to be put on our stages with such beauty and such great storytelling.”

Like Water for Chocolate closes soon. Tickets are available at abt.org.