9 New York City Restaurant Openings That Live Up to the Hype

In a city like New York, where restaurant openings are constant and standards are ridiculously high, it takes a lot for one to truly stand out. But after dining, revisiting, and debating some of the buzziest new openings over the past six months, we’ve narrowed it down to nine—including a few of Gwyneth’s personal favorites—that are absolutely worth the hype.

The criteria? Every detail feels intentional from the moment you walk in: service that anticipates what you need, interiors as thoughtfully composed as the menu, and yes, food so memorable you’ll be thinking about it long after you post on Instagram. From the best new pizza joints in Brooklyn to the sexiest date-night spots in the West Village, these are the places that’ll have you plotting your next visit before you've even paid the bill—if only snagging a reservation were that easy.

Or’esh

SOHO

Or’esh, the newest restaurant from The Corner Store group, brings a warm, fire-driven take on modern Mediterranean cooking to SoHo. Led by Michelin-starred chef Nadav Greenberg, the menu pulls from across the Levant—Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and beyond. Named after light and fire, with a coal-fired grill anchoring the restaurant (even the housemade pasta hits the grill) Or’esh embraces simplicity—highlighting peak-season produce often sourced from the nearby Union Square Greenmarket, butchering whole animals in-house, and letting ingredients speak for themselves.

Catch Hospitality’s signature service is evident from the moment you sit down, beginning with a silver platter of sliced lemons, cucumbers, oranges, and limes—a theatrical touch that makes even your water feel considered. Dishes arrive as part of an ensemble rather than a collection of sides (Greenberg doesn’t believe in them), each layered with sauces and finishing touches meant to create varied bites in one plate. Highlights include the wood-fire Jerusalem bagel with an addictive spread of babaganoush, matbucha, mint tzatziki, olive oil, and za’atar dips (GP gave it a 10/10); the Big Bluefin Slice featuring various levels of thickness of the cut of tuna; crispy potato pastel topped with Golden Ossetra caviar; and an 18-layer Wagyu New York strip presented on a skewer before being carved tableside. The room reflects the same warmth as the menu: red and amber tones, Jerusalem-inspired water pitchers, toffee-brown waiter uniforms, and soft textures that quietly reinforce the fire motif.

Photo courtesy of Or’esh

Cove

HUDSON SQUARE

Cove is the latest from chef Flynn McGarry, a personal project shaped by his upbringing in Malibu’s Paradise Cove. In his modern take on the fine dining experience, McGarry treats East Coast produce with a lighter California sensibility—handled with restraint and paired in ways that feel entirely new. Whether à la carte or tasting menu, the dishes shift but remain consistently intentional: ingredient-led, with combinations you can be sure you haven’t tasted before. Standouts included the chanterelle and vadouvan roll with fennel pollen butter—essentially a savory, spiced cinnamon bun—and the Dungeness crab, a silky custard brightened with beer vinegar and grapefruit, balancing richness with a tangy lift and a subtle crunch from French toast–style bread. The lion’s mane schnitzel, served with wakame, green peppercorn gribiche, and grilled artichokes, was unexpectedly indulgent for a mushroom-led dish (they rotate the schnitzel—the pumpkin version in fall has a following). The wine list leans low-intervention, available by the glass or paired, but don’t skip the non-alcoholic options—the pomelo and ginger juice is a standout: fresh, vibrant, and with just enough spice.

The room is, without exaggeration, one of the most thoughtfully designed dining spaces we’ve been in: warm blonde wood wraps the space, soft wildflower paintings hang on the walls, and the open kitchen feels almost choreographed, with thoughtful, details—vintage coasters, earthenware fish-shaped vases with just-picked arrangements, and candlelight casting a low, golden glow. It’s rare to find a restaurant this cohesive, from food to drinks to space, but Cove holds it all together, quietly transporting us into McGarry’s world.

Lucky Charlie

BUSHWICK

Lucky Charlie is an old-school, no-frills pizza spot that feels familiar in the best way—like your neighborhood spot, only better. There’s no trace of kitsch here, just a kind of quiet, old-school confidence that makes it hard to believe it just opened. Vintage photographs of owner Nino Coniglio’s family and New York moments are scattered throughout, softly lit by a red glow against dark wood interiors, with lawn chairs set outside for those waiting or lingering after dinner. Downstairs, the Bushwick restaurant’s defining feature: a coal-fired oven built by Germans in 1890, believed to be the oldest in America. Roughly 17 feet deep and 14 feet wide, extending beneath the sidewalk, it creates distinct heat zones that allow for precise cooking.

The menu is intentionally tight. Just three pies, served whole: a red with tomato sauce and pecorino sardo, a white with mixed cheeses, and a margherita with tomato sauce and fior di latte. Toppings can be added across the pie or split half-and-half. The crust is thin, crisp, and completely structured—no flop. Beyond pizza, don’t miss the little gem Caesar and baked anelletti—they round out the meal. The large, family-style portions shine with a group of four or more—you'll want to order everything—though it’s just as good for two, with leftovers that make for an excellent next-day lunch. The full dinner menu runs until 10pm, with pies and cocktails available until close. Open Wednesday through Sunday until 3am, it’s an easy late-night go-to.

The Eighty Six

WEST VILLAGE

One of Gwyneth’s favorite new NYC restaurants this year is The Eighty Six, an intimate, cozy steakhouse in the heart of the West Village. From Chef Partner Michael Vignola and the team behind The Corner Store, it has quickly become one of the most talked-about openings of the past six months. The space—formerly Chumley’s—dates back to the Prohibition era, where the culinary term “86” is said to have originated, referencing the back entrance at 86 Bedford Street, which allowed guests to slip out when the police arrived. Grounded in old-school New York charm, The Eighty-Six has just 35 seats, creating a deeply intimate atmosphere. Art Deco touches like antique crystal water pitchers, sterling-silver serving-ware, and thoughtfully procured fixtures that glow throughout the room may homage to its speakeasy past. A wood-burning fireplace adds to the ambiance, inviting conversation to stretch long into the night.

The meal itself is rich, indulgent, and entirely worth it. In addition to standout meat offerings—like the incredibly salivating cheesesteak and wagyu steaks sourced from renowned small family farms— the corn soufflé and bite-sized chocolate ice cream sandwiches are true highlights. Cocktails are equally memorable, including playful yet surprisingly precise creations like the bread-and-butter martini—made with sourdough-infused vodka and butterfat-washed vodka—somehow hitting just right. It’s a decadent meal, leaving you ready to melt into the couch but in the best possible way.

Photo courtesy of The Eighty Six

Vato

PARK SLOPE

Vato, from the team behind Corima, is a casual grab-and-go spot elevated by the same level of craft that defines its sister restaurant. Fidel Caballero, the owner and chef of the daytime tortilla shop, centers the menu around his signature thin, sourdough flour tortillas, which shine in the burritos—messy, yes, but entirely worth it. The pollo en mole burrito, with pulled chicken in a rich, deeply layered mole negro, is a standout, closely followed by the refried beans and asadero cheese—a lesson in simplicity done right. Bright red and green salsas add just the right amount of heat. And while the burritos may take center stage, the baked goods are not to be overlooked: the coconut and hazelnut pastry, a round, coconut-flaked shell with a smooth hazelnut filling, is a quietly exceptional surprise. Framed as a Northern Mexican bakery, Vato offers its tortillas in packs of ten to take home, alongside pastries rooted in tradition but executed with a distinctly refined touch. It’s an exceptional neighborhood spot that regularly draws lines out the door—and one we’ll gladly wait for all summer.

Photo courtesy of Paco Alonso

Birley Bakery

UPPER EAST SIDE

London institution Birley Bakery has found a new home on a quiet corner of the Upper East Side. Blending the understated elegance of a French pâtisserie with classic English sensibilities, Birley Bakery was founded by namesake Robin Birley—the English private-club magnate behind Five Hertford Street, Oswald’s, and New York’s Maxime’s. The space reflects his signature, almost oxymoronic balance of maximalism and ease. Hand-painted walls frame a jewel box of delicately glazed cakes, buttery viennoiserie, and handcrafted chocolates made from Philippine cacao, while the scent of freshly baked breads and pastries—alongside a thoughtful selection of vegan options, all prepared daily in-house—greets you the moment you walk in. The ground floor is dedicated to grab-and-go, while upstairs offers a cozy space to sit and linger over pastries and classic English-style tea. Every detail feels thoughtfully curated, with pieces from Birley’s personal collection—including a hand-embroidered matador’s jacket and vintage posters gathered from his travels—giving the space the feel of a beautifully collected home rather than a bakery. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to—for a slow afternoon, a solo coffee, or a catch-up with a friend.

Wild Cherry

WEST VILLAGE

Housed inside the iconic Cherry Lane Theatre in the West Village—long considered the birthplace of Off-Broadway and now owned by A24—Wild Cherry is the high-energy 12-table and 12-seat bar that’s quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after reservations. From Frenchette and Le Veau d’Or’s Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, the menu is tightly edited, balancing familiar classics—like a standout Caesar salad—with more unexpected dishes, like frog legs kiev and kielbasa & kraut. But the true star is Nasr and Hanson's burger, perfected over years, including during their time at Minetta Tavern. The cocktails are delightfully inventive, most notably the Scorpion Bowl, a flower-adorned, shareable mix of cognac, gin, and rum topped with brightly colored curly straws. The room is cozy and slightly nostalgic, recalling classic American pre-theater dining, reimagined with a distinctly modern polish and French influence from Nasr and Hanson—the room adorned with leafy murals, green leather upholstery, and a horseshoe bar at its center. The ever-welcoming hostess, Gabrielle Buffong, sets the tone, making the space feel instantly familiar. Note that the twelve-seat bar is held for walk-ins and limited reservations, and is often the easiest way to get in. Also, there’s no coat check—just hooks—so keep that in mind when leaving the house.

La Boca

CHELSEA

Located inside the new Faena Hotel, La Boca by Francis Mallmann celebrates the layered heritage of Argentine cuisine, drawing from Spanish, Italian, and Patagonian influences with a focus on seasonality and the signature plancha grilling technique. The richly textured space feels distinctly Faena: pop murals by Edgardo Giménez bring color and personality, live music adds that undeniable Miami energy, and surrealist details—from roses worn by the waitstaff to custom tableware—reinforce the sense that every meal here is an experience. Faena’s signature red threads through the space, appearing at every turn. While the restaurant is known for its grilled meats, menu highlights include the butternut squash cappellacci, the crisp chicory and apple salad, and the perfectly crispy artichoke. Lively and theatrical, it’s an ideal spot to bring out-of-town guests or a fun night out with friends, with The Living Room upstairs offering the ideal setting for a cozy post-dinner drink. Also, it’s refreshingly easy to get a reservation here (at least for now).

Il Leone

PARK SLOPE

What began as a pop-up off the coast of Portland, Maine, has since found a permanent home in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The intimate space evokes a hidden Amalfi Coast gem, with Mediterranean tiles, white-and-blue tables, and a breezy, coastal feel year-round. A spacious outdoor garden comes alive in warmer months under twinkling lights, perfect for long summer evenings. Natural wines from the Campania region of Southern Italy pair effortlessly with the menu, alongside classic spritzes and citrus-forward cocktails made with fresh-peeled lemons. Founded on a commitment to authentic Neapolitan pies, Il Leone centers its menu around naturally leavened, sourdough wood-fired pizza, with ingredients sourced locally or directly from Italy. Pizzas emerge from a blistering oven in just 60 seconds, with airy, lightly charred crusts and pools of melted buffalo mozzarella. The naturally fermented dough keeps things light, even tolerable for gluten-sensitive diners. Our suggestion? Start with the basil-laced polpette in a bright tomato sauce made from tomatoes that have never seen a can, then opt for the Margherita Del Leone—the more expensive of the two margherita options—made with that same crave-worthy tomato sauce, local organic basil, and mozzarella di bufala sourced by many of Naples’ best pizzerias. It’s well worth the upgrade. Finish with housemade vanilla gelato or lemon sorbet for a final note that feels unmistakably like an Italian summer.