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The Best New Restaurants in NYC to Try in 2021

New York City

's world-famous restaurant scene is finally back, and there's a host of exciting new venues that will have you scheduling out your social calendar well into the summer months. A handful of dazzling contemporary fine-dining restaurants are recharging the term “big night out” in the city—while natural wine bars, Venetian-inspired enclaves and fire- and spice-driven creations offer the perfect spot for a more relaxed but equally flavorful evening. Read on for our shortlist of the best new restaurants to know now, organized by neighborhood. Plus: Click here for our all-time favorites, including icons like Minetta Tavern, Balthazar, Bemelmans and more.

Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare, if you are not yet a member, to start planning a fall or winter trip to New York City that includes meals at the best new restaurants in NYC. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you.

SAGA and Overstory | Financial District

On the 63rd floor of Art Deco skyscraper 70 Pine Street in FiDi, SAGA opened at the end of August and is helmed by the team behind Crown Shy (which has one Michelin star and occupies the ground floor of the same building). The space was originally designed as a lavish private apartment, and the dining experience manifests the spirit of visiting the home of a friend with excellent taste (as the restaurant states, a bon vivant). The elevator opens directly into the 56-seat dining room, while the entire restaurant spans four floors, with two reserved for private dining and one dedicated to Overstory, a cocktail lounge reached by a staircase, with a breathtaking wraparound terrace that provides 360-degree views of the skyline. While dining, guests are welcomed into an interactive and convivial atmosphere that operates at the highest level, yet is far from stiff: There are no print menus; expect to hear current music; some courses are plated individually, others are served family style—and still others, like a Moroccan tea service, are to be enjoyed throughout other areas of the dining space altogether. This is a reflection of the heavy global influence of the founders’ travels and everyday lives in New York City, though the foundations of SAGA are based on European artistry. For overall wow factor, SAGA takes the crown.

Carne Mare The Seaport

With breezy riverside outdoor seating and an inviting, two-story indoor space decorated with rich leather banquettes and warm lantern lighting perfect for colder temperatures, Carne Mare presents a bright new addition for your "go-to" rotation. Perfect for upscale meetings meant to gently impress, as well as happy reunions with loved ones, this seafood- and steak-driven restaurant by Andrew Carmellini feels both authentic and current—and the service is a standout, whether you are sampling oysters at the bar or settling in for an evening of Bistecca Fiorentina.

One White Street | Tribeca

In Tribeca, another August arrival, One White Street, likewise combines the unique homey-ness of New York City architecture—this time, in the form of a cozy townhouse once used by John Lennon and Yoko Ono—with stellar seasonal cuisine. The majority of ingredients are organic and sourced locally from the restaurant’s own farm upstate, Rigor Hill, and this relationship touches every element of the meal, including cocktails like the “Farm Stand” and “Heirloom" (Tomato). Downstairs, an à la carte experience is available on a walk-in basis, while reservations can be made upstairs for the six-course chef’s tasting. Every detail of One White Street is filled with soul and love—from the delightfully friendly and accommodating staff to the 1980s rock that plays throughout the space, and the warm, earthy décor (and enviable tableware). Imagine, a place to make your local haunt and special-occasion venue.Related: Indagare’s 7 Most-Booked Hotels in New York City: 2021

Mena | Tribeca

The first solo creation from Chef Victoria Blamey (formerly of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, The Mayflower Inn,. Chumley's and Gotham Bar & Grill), Mena brings an international mix of farm-to-table dishes and a biodynamic wine list to a bright and airy space, with old-school tiled floors and welcoming bar seating.

Sixty Three Clinton | Lower East Side

Across town, longtime friends and colleagues Raymond Trinh and Michelin-starred Chef Samuel Clonts opened Sixty Three Clinton within a relatively unassuming building with just a hint of Lower East Side grit (which used to house pizza spot Speedy Romeo before it closed during the pandemic). The seven-course New American tasting experience, with a-la-carte options coming soon, demonstrates clear Japanese and Mediterranean influences, with one-of-a-kind dishes including the ajitama breakfast taco, the roasted tomato agnolotti with Calabrian chili and the caviar hand roll. The chic yet casual décor and contained size of the menu allow guests to truly relax—and focus on the wealth of flavors. Try to snag one of the 10 chef’s counter seats facing the open kitchen.

Dhamaka Lower East Side

The bold new sister restaurant to the widely acclaimed Adda from chef Chintan Pandya and restaurateur Roni Mazumdar is focused on celebrating the culinary traditions of lesser-known regions in India. With bold dishes like the Rajasthani whole rabbit, which must be preordered 48 hours in advance, the menu and dining experience are, to borrow Dhamaka's own words, "unapologetic" and "explosive." The space is colorful and casual, and it is located within the new Essex Market—perfect for a fun evening out with friends.

Popular Bowery

If you're craving a trip Peru, head to Popular, a lush creation from chef Diego Muñoz (of Lima's Astrid y Gaston) within Ian Schrager's PUBLIC Hotel on Chrystie Street. In a glowing, jungle-like garden, the restaurant celebrates traditional Peruvian cuisine while exploring its many multicultural influences, from the Incan and the Moorish to the Japanese and African. The concept is made complete—and irresistible—with a more casual space adjacent, called Cantina, which has both a dedicated pisco bar and a standalone ceviche bar (where dishes are prepared live, table-side). Here, guests can also find live Latin music and DJ sets after 10:00 p.m.Related: What’s New in New York City: Hotels, Restaurants & Culture in Manhattan – Spring 2022

Great Jones Distilling Co. Noho

The exciting arrival of Great Jones Distilling on Broadway marks the opening of the first whiskey distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition. The shining, expansive, Art Deco-influenced space offers a variety of ways to sample the brand's Rye and Bourbon batches (all grown, distilled and aged in New York!), with distillery tours, tastings, mixology classes and pairing sessions—as well as a walk-in only bar with balanced cocktails and bites ranging from Jasper Hill cheeses and mushroom arancini to the Great Jones Bourbon bacon jam burger, and homemade brioche with vegan butter made from spent grain (with an optional side of caviar). Additional bars and a full restaurant are also in the works.

Yoshino Noho

After pandemic-induced delays, celebrated chef Tadashi Yoshida has finally opened his much-anticipated omakase sushi restaurant on Bowery. Each seating accommodates just 10 guests and features approximately 20 courses (priced at $400 per guest, paid in advance). The opening marks a significant shift for the master, as he is moving his signature experience from Tokyo to New York City for the first time. Named for the birthplace of Yoshida's father, Yoshino is filled with symbolic nods to the chef's roots, while he presents his cuisine to the global stage. To name two: The counter was sourced from half of an over-300-year-old Japanese hinoki cyprus tree (the other half is housed in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo), and the space's central artwork was created by Japan’s top earthen plasterer, Shuhei Hasado.

The Nines Noho

From Golden Age Hospitality (behind hot-spots Ray's, ACME, Slowly Shirley and Le Crocodile), The Nines is a new piano bar and supper club on Great Jones Street. Offering a see-and-be-scene vibe alongside classic cocktails and light bites (tartare, caviar, oysters, crudité), The Nines has nightly live music and a sultry atmosphere (think: Cheetah-print carpeting, velvet and mood lighting).

Les Trois Chevaux Greenwich Village

New Yorkers were heartbroken when chef and restaurateur Angie Mar's West Village staple The Beatrice Inn closed during the pandemic—but her stellar sensibilities are back in the form of a new French fine-dining restaurant with fashion finesse: Les Trois Chevaux. In contrast to its sultry, tavern-esque sister, this new address is a lavish yet refined celebration of the things Mar holds most dear—her family, her passion for the French culinary legacy and, of course, the stylish edge of downtown NYC. The menu is elegant and traditional (featuring dishes like tartare de la mer, confit of frog's legs, escargot, roast pheasant and dover sole) while the vibe brings of-the-moment glamour (for instance, the weekly flower arrangements are designed by Raul Avila, Anna Wintour's preferred florist for the Met Gala—and while jackets are required for male guests to dine, there is a collection of vintage Yves Saint Laurent pieces on hand that can be borrowed, should they "forget"). And if you've been wondering whatever happened to the Waldorf Astoria treasures that were auctioned off in 2020 as part of the ongoing renovation of the landmark hotel, just look up: that's where the chandelier came from.Related: The Best New Restaurants in Manhattan: Fall 2019

B’artusi West Village

In the heart of the West Village, the team behind Italian darling L’Artusi has created a more casual aperitivo bar that will be focused on traditional small plates meant to be enjoyed with a glass (or three) of wine. 

Saint Theo’s West Village

Another Italian West Village hot spot, on Bleecker, Saint Theo's is the second opening from the team behind martini mecca American Bar. This time, they're seducing downtown's trendy set with gilded Venetian glamour (and good food). As they should be, the spritzes here are large, refreshing and perfectly measured—and it's best to sip yours slowly, while people-watching from one of the clover-colored linen booths or enveloping bar stools. Opt for a classic dish like the homemade seafood chitarra pasta and enjoy the many spritely details of the décor, including vintage Biennale posters, colorful Murano sconces and plastered ceiling tiles.

Noz 17 Chelsea

The Upper East Side institution Sushi Noz, helmed by chef Junichi Matsuzaki, has opened an exclusive eight-seat sister restaurant downtown, serving 20-plus-course, Tokyo-style sushi tastings, priced at $395 per guest. 

El Quijote Chelsea

A Spanish institution since 1930, El Quijote (named for the canonical literary figure, a wayward medieval nobleman who sets off on errant adventures in the company of his squire, Sancho Panza) has finally reopened after closing in 2018 when its home, the Hotel Chelsea, closed for reservations. Now, both have reopened. In addition to an evocative atmosphere (brought to life by the minds behind Sunday in Brooklyn), El Quijote offers an authentic experience of northern Spanish cuisine with all the favorites: croquetas, jamón serrano, patatas bravas, chipirones, gambas al ajillo, paella...and G&Ts, sangria, Cava and Rioja reds.

Related: Insider’s Charleston with The Dewberry’s Jaimie Dewberry

Zou Zou’s Hudson Yards

The Quality Branded hospitality group (behind mainstays Don Angie, Quality Eats and Smith & Wollensky) is expanding into the realm of Levantine cuisine, with a menu envisioned by chef Madeline Sperling (whose résumé includes Gramercy Tavern and the NoMad). Within the sprawling Manhattan West complex at Hudson Yards (and adjacent to the new Pendry property there), Zou Zou's combines cheerful, modern décor from the firm AvroKO with age-old, wood-fired flavors and recipes hailing from Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and beyond. Lively yet relaxed, Zou Zou's promises to be a reliable destination for many occasions.

Ci Siamo Hudson Yards

Also within Manhattan West, and also centered around open-fire cooking methods—this time, Italian—Ci Siamo is the latest invention from restaurant mogul Danny Meyer. The name "Ci Siamo" is taken from the Italian phrase that, loosely translated, means "We're there!" or "Good to Go"—and the dining experience, led by chef Hillary Sterling (of Vic's) is equally energetic. Ci Siamo is Meyer's first Manhattan opening since the high-rise Manhatta, which topped our 2018 Best New Restaurants in NYC list and just reopened after closing during the pandemic.

Le Pavillon | Midtown

Le Pavillon by Daniel Boulud in the One Vanderbilt skyscraper at Grand Central is unquestionably the new address to seek out in Midtown for a big night out or a grand luncheon. The restaurant encompasses 11,000 square feet of dining space that has been transformed into a verdant plaza of sensory delights; there is also a luminous bar with great views of the station and the Chrysler Building, and a semi-private Garden Table where unique tasting experiences can be booked. With a seafood- and vegetable-forward menu, Chef Boulud aims to bring the beauty of classic French fine-dining into the present—hence, the notion of a restaurant within “a New York skyscraper living in harmony with nature.” And after all, there will always be a little bit of Paris in New York.Related: The Best New Restaurants in NYC: Fall 2018

Lodi Midtown

One very compelling reason to hurry back to the office: From chef Ignacio Mattos (of Estela and Altro Paradiso), Lodi is a new café/wine bar/restaurant that brings the charm of Italian aperitivo culture to the bustle of 1 Rockefeller Plaza. Whether you're popping in for a morning coffee and cornetto (or a green juice, post-Equinox), a midday pick-me-up panini or an after-work glass of wine (that perhaps runs into dinner—we'll take the house-made ricotta, market salad and pollo arrosto with broccolini and beans), Lodi is primed to become your new spot. Plus: There's a separate bread menu. Need we say more?

Pebble Bar Midtown

For atmospheric after-dinner libations, another Midtown name making a splash (to all of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn’s surprise) is Pebble Bar, a contemporary concept hidden within a historic four-story townhouse (above Magnolia Bakery), whose expertise in playing host to the drinking crowd dates back before Rockefeller Center even existed (when the bar was an Irish dive known as Hurley’s). Brought to life by the team behind Celestine and Ray’s, and backed by a list of investors that includes Mark Ronson, Jason Sudeikis, Nicholas Braun and Pete Davidson, Pebble Bar is cool but not pretentious, and jazzy yet intimate. And while you’re sipping on a Ginny Fallon or a glass of orange wine, you might just catch a glimpse of an SNL cast member sneaking off to the alleged secret passage into 30 Rock.

Aldama Williamsburg

This freshman project from Christopher Reyes (formerly at Cosme and the Nomad) and chef Gerardo Alcaraz (formerly at the three-Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui Restaurant outside San Sebastián) features inventive twists on typical dishes from varied regions of Mexico (ranging from vegan mole to smoked tuna tacos and grilled pulpo with serrano ashes aioli—and the tortillas are milled in-house!). The big draws here are the focused craft mezcal and tequila selection (which can be imbibed as you like, but according to tradition, should be sipped, neat, with an orange slice), the outdoor patio lit by rattan lanterns and the live music that sometimes goes late into the night. Head here when you're in need of a little Mexico-City-meets-New-York-City magic.

Bar Blondeau Williamsburg

From chef partners Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber and restaurateur Jon Neidich (of Acme), Bar Blondeau is located on the sixth floor of the stylish Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg and offers waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, with a seafood-focused French menu (with Spanish and Portuguese elements) and a robust list of natural wines sourced by sommelier Rafa García Febles. Here, you'll find bottles both familiar and novel, hailing from everywhere from the Willamette Valley and Alt Penedès to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, Hiroshima and the coast of Morocco. Santé!

Related: Melissa’s New York City: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop and More

Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare, if you are not yet a member, to start planning a fall or winter trip to New York City that includes meals at the best new restaurants in NYC. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you.

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