Unearth The Voyage
New York City’s food scene never stops changing, and right now there are some incredible new spots making waves across all five boroughs. From Korean tasting counters in Midtown to Pakistani kebab rolls in Queens, these restaurants are drawing serious crowds and earning rave reviews. Whether you’re craving fancy multi-course meals or quick tacos on the sidewalk, this list has something for every taste and budget. Get ready to discover the hottest dining destinations that everyone in the city is buzzing about.
1. Hwaro (Midtown West, Manhattan)
Chef Sungchul Shim has created something truly special in the heart of Midtown West. Only 22 lucky diners can fit around the charcoal grill at this intimate tasting counter, where every seat offers a front-row view of culinary magic.
The 13-course menu reads like a dream: foie gras, truffled scallops, and other luxurious ingredients meet Korean techniques over live fire. Each dish arrives precisely timed, beautifully plated, and full of bold, smoky flavors. The entire experience feels personal and theatrical, with chefs working just inches away from guests.
Reservations disappear fast, so plan ahead if you want to experience this high-end Korean journey. The price tag matches the ambition, but diners say every course justifies the splurge.
2. Txula Steak (Nomad, Manhattan)
Celebrity chef José Andrés keeps expanding his New York empire, and his latest project brings Basque Country vibes straight to Nomad. Fire and smoke take center stage here, with massive steaks sizzling over open flames in full view of the dining room.
The menu celebrates Spain’s legendary beef culture, featuring thick cuts cooked to crusty perfection with simple seasonings that let the meat shine. Sides lean into classic Basque flavors—think pimientos de Padrón and crispy potatoes. The energy feels lively and social, perfect for groups who want to share big platters.
Since landing on Eater’s November heatmap, getting a table has become trickier. But steak lovers say it’s worth the effort to taste Andrés’s take on this timeless cooking style.
3. Kebabwala (DUMBO Time Out Market outpost, Manhattan)
The brilliant minds behind Semma and Dhamaka have taken their talents to the food-hall world, and the results are absolutely delicious. Kebabwala brings serious Indian street-food energy to the Time Out Market, with kebabs and chaats that pack major flavor into casual bites.
Charcoal-grilled meats arrive juicy and spiced just right, while the chaat selection offers tangy, crunchy, and creamy textures all at once. Everything feels authentic yet approachable, perfect for a quick lunch or a snack between Brooklyn adventures. The food-hall setting keeps things relaxed and buzzing with energy.
Lines can stretch during peak hours, but the fast-moving counter keeps waits reasonable. This is Indian cooking at its most fun and accessible.
4. Wild Cherry (West Village, Manhattan)
Hidden inside an A24-owned theater, this restaurant-bar hybrid feels like a secret you want to keep to yourself. Dim lighting, velvet touches, and a killer cocktail menu create a moody atmosphere that works equally well for dinner dates or late-night hangs with friends.
The food menu punches above typical theater fare, with real cooking chops behind dishes that pair perfectly with creative drinks. You can grab a bite before or after a film, or just settle in for the evening without ever seeing a movie. The vibe skews artsy and cinematic, naturally.
Since joining November’s hotspot list, Wild Cherry has become the West Village’s coolest new hangout. The combination of serious drinks and solid food makes it stand out from the neighborhood’s crowded bar scene.
5. Babbo (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
A Greenwich Village legend just got a major second act. After closing its original run, Babbo has roared back to life under restaurant mogul Stephen Starr and chef Mark Ladner, and the buzz feels just like the old days—maybe even bigger.
Fresh pasta remains the star attraction, with ribbons and tubes and pillows arriving perfectly al dente and dressed in rich, traditional sauces. The dining room got refreshed but kept its warm, welcoming Italian-American soul. Reservations book up weeks ahead as longtime fans and curious newcomers flood back through the doors.
This relaunch proves that some restaurants truly are too beloved to stay gone. The combination of nostalgia and renewed energy makes every meal feel like a celebration.
6. Muku (Tribeca, Manhattan)
Only ten people at a time can experience this tiny Tribeca treasure, where kaiseki tradition meets New York precision. The team behind L’Abeille has crafted a serene jewel box focused entirely on seasonal Kyoto-style cooking, with every detail perfected down to the last grain of rice.
Course after delicate course arrives at the counter, each one a small masterpiece of flavor, texture, and presentation. Ingredients change constantly with the seasons, so no two visits feel exactly the same. The minimalist space encourages guests to slow down and focus completely on the food.
Securing a seat requires planning and patience, but fans of Japanese haute cuisine consider Muku one of the city’s finest expressions of the art form.
7. Santo Taco (Nolita/Noho edge, Manhattan)
Santiago Perez, co-founder of the acclaimed Cosme, has stripped fine dining down to its most delicious essentials: exceptional tacos served lightning-fast. Santo Taco moves at New York speed, with a focused menu built around whisper-thin steak sliced fresh from a spinning trompo.
Grab your order and post up curbside—this is eating at its most casual and satisfying. The tortillas are perfect, the meat is juicy and charred, and the toppings stay simple to let quality ingredients shine. Lines form during lunch and dinner rushes, but they move quickly.
This is the kind of spot that becomes part of your weekly routine. Simple, affordable, and consistently excellent, Santo Taco proves that tacos done right never get old.
8. Mommy Pai’s (Nolita, Manhattan)
The creative crew behind Thai Diner has taken a surprising turn with this playful chicken-finger concept, and it works way better than you might expect. Choose fried or grilled, then pick from wild flavors like Muay Thai or coconut and lemongrass—each one packs serious taste into crispy, juicy chicken.
The vibe channels old-school New York juice bars, complete with Gray’s-Papaya-inspired drinks that add a nostalgic touch. Everything feels fun and a little irreverent, like comfort food that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to swing by whenever a chicken craving hits.
Nolita has no shortage of trendy food spots, but Mommy Pai’s stands out by being genuinely delicious and genuinely fun at the same time.
9. ABC Kitchens (DUMBO, Brooklyn)
Jean-Georges Vongerichten finally crossed the river, and he brought his entire ABC empire with him. This DUMBO destination mashes up ABC Kitchen, ABC Cocina, and ABCV into one globe-trotting menu that somehow makes perfect sense once you start eating.
Dosas share space with crab toast and empanadas, creating a greatest-hits collection from multiple cuisines. The Brooklyn skyline provides a stunning backdrop through massive windows, especially at sunset. The space feels bright and energetic, drawing neighborhood families and Manhattan food pilgrims alike.
Landing on November’s Brooklyn heatmap was no surprise—this is the kind of ambitious, accessible restaurant Brooklyn has been hungry for. Reservations fill up fast, especially for window tables with those killer views.
10. I Cavallini (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Lines snake down the sidewalk most nights at this Italian sensation from The Four Horsemen team, and one bite of their pasta explains why. The sungold pomodoro bucatini has become legendary—sweet tomatoes clinging to thick strands in a sauce that tastes like summer bottled up.
Beyond the hits, the menu digs into lesser-seen Italian classics that feel both traditional and fresh. The cooking shows real respect for technique while keeping flavors bright and exciting. The room buzzes with energy as servers weave between packed tables carrying steaming plates.
Williamsburg has plenty of Italian spots, but I Cavallini brings a level of precision and soul that sets it apart. Arrive early or prepare to wait—this place is worth every minute.
11. Fish Cheeks (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
The beloved Noho Thai seafood spot has hatched a Williamsburg sibling, and Brooklyn couldn’t be happier about it. Whole fried fish arrives golden and crackling, ready to be picked apart and dipped in tangy, spicy sauces that wake up every taste bud.
Duck curry, marinated blue crab, and other Williamsburg-only specials give locals reasons to choose this location over the original. The flavors stay bold and authentic, with heat levels that don’t hold back for timid palates. The space fills nightly with groups sharing big platters and multiple dishes family-style.
Thai food lovers have been waiting for a spot this good to land in Williamsburg. Fish Cheeks delivers everything you want: big flavors, generous portions, and cooking that honors tradition while feeling totally current.
12. Los Burritos Juárez (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
Fort Greene has fallen hard for these border-style burritos, and sell-outs happen almost daily. Hand-pressed flour tortillas get stuffed with fillings like mole, chile colorado, or simple beans and cheese—each one rolled into a hefty package that requires two hands and serious appetite.
The tortillas make all the difference, with a tender chew and fresh flavor that store-bought versions can never match. Lines form early and stay long, especially on weekends when word spreads that the kitchen is still stocked. Everything tastes homemade and honest, without fancy tricks or fusion experiments.
This is the kind of neighborhood spot that becomes a local obsession. Get there early, order extra, and prepare to understand why people line up willingly for these burritos.
13. Hanjan Pocha (Murray Hill, Queens)
Walk into this Murray Hill spot and you’ll immediately feel transported to a Seoul pocha—soju flows freely, grilled squid sizzles on tables, and the energy level stays high all night. The space surprises first-timers with its size, accommodating more people than the cozy exterior suggests.
Anju, the Korean drinking snacks, shine here: buldak brings serious heat, while bubbling budae jjigae arrives in a pot big enough to share. Grilled whole squid comes tender and charred, perfect with ice-cold beer or another round of soju. Groups fill most tables, creating a communal vibe that encourages lingering and ordering more.
Queens has incredible Korean food, but Hanjan Pocha captures the social, joyful spirit of pocha culture in a way few spots manage.
14. Taste of North China (Flushing, Queens)
Flushing just gained a new anchor for northeastern Chinese flavors, and the cooking here goes deep into regional specialties you won’t find everywhere. The quadruple-fried pork sounds like a heart attack but tastes like heaven—crispy on the outside, tender inside, coated in a sweet-sour sauce that balances perfectly.
Sticky caramelized sweet potato arrives as a dessert-like side that somehow works with savory dishes. Tofu-sheet wraps offer lighter, fresher bites filled with vegetables and delicate sauces. The menu rewards adventurous eaters willing to try dishes beyond the usual Chinese-American standards.
Flushing’s restaurant scene keeps getting deeper and more specialized, and Taste of North China represents exactly why food lovers make pilgrimages to Queens. This is authentic regional cooking done with real skill.
15. Karachi Kabab Boiz (Jackson Heights/Woodside line, Queens)
What started as a Night Market sensation has evolved into a brick-and-mortar plus truck hybrid that’s taking Queens by storm. Charcoal-grilled Pakistani kebabs get wrapped in fried paratha—crispy, flaky bread that shatters with every bite—creating handheld perfection that’s messy, delicious, and totally addictive.
The chai roster deserves attention too, with multiple versions that range from sweet and creamy to spiced and strong. Everything tastes boldly seasoned and freshly made, with smoke and char adding depth to the meat. The setup stays casual and fast-moving, perfect for grabbing food on the go.
Jackson Heights keeps proving itself as one of New York’s most exciting food neighborhoods, and Karachi Kabab Boiz shows why. This is street food elevated by skill, tradition, and serious flavor.
