Anyone remember when the pundits were predicting the NYC restaurant scene was dead? Well, we never paid attention to the chatter either. It’s our city’s constant evolution of new spots that make our dining scene some of the top in the world. In 2025, NYC’s most compelling openings led with what was on the plate as their foundation of greatness. On top of that, they hit the right notes on the decor of the room, effortless service and a crowd just right. The new class of restaurants is better than ever, and these are the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025.
The Restaurant: The Eighty Six
The Neighborhood: West Village
The Catch guys are on fire; last year they opened The Corner Store, and this year it’s The Eighty Six in the historic Chumley’s space. We would go as far as to say that The Eighty Six may even be their legacy restaurant. It’s no easy feat though, as many-a talented chefs have colossally face-planted in the impossibly small kitchen. Somehow though, Chef Vignola and his two right hands make magic in this refined, intimate steakhouse that leans hard into Americana. For the strawberry cheesecake alone, the Eighty Six makes the list of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025.
What to Order: Steak, of course. Also the lobster spaghetti, corn pot pie, and strawberry cheesecake
The Restaurant: Wild Cherry
The Neighborhood: West Village
Like The Eighty Six, Wild Cherry is the newest venture of rockstar restaurant veterans. This time it’s the guys from Frenchette, who have a restaurant that may be as good, or better than the original. Wild Cherry lives inside the revived Cherry Lane Theatre and leans into good old fashioned American cuisine, with a touch of movie theater popcorn. The room feels like an intimate upscale retro diner and hits all the right notes for a date night or catch-up with friends. Wild Cherry’s trifecta of food, service and vibe is what put it on the list of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025.
What to Order: Dressed dungeness crab, lobster club, thighs and fries
The Restaurant: Le Chêne
The Neighborhood: West Village
Le Chêne arrived with confidence — and deservedly so. Chef Alexia Duchêne delivers classic French cooking that’s rich, unapologetic, and deeply satisfying. This is not pared-down bistro fare; it’s luxurious, sauce-forward food that reminds you why French restaurants still matter in New York. The room hums, the plates shine, and the whole experience feels transportive in the best way.
What to Order: Any of the Amuse Bouche, especially the shrimp tarteltte and the beignets. Also the Pithiviers Terre et Mer is the specialty of the house for a reason.
The Restaurant: Salt Hank’s
The Neighborhood: West Village
One sandwich, zero distractions. Salt Hank’s took a laser-focused idea (i.e. the perfect French dip) and turned it into one of the hardest lunches to score in the city. The hype is real, the line moves fast, and the payoff is well worth it. This is the kind of place that reminds you New York will always rally behind something done exceptionally well.
What to Order: The French dip, of course. With fries, and a side of jus for good measure.
The Restaurant: Ha’s Snack Bar
The Neighborhood: Soho
There is nothing better than a hole in the wall that churns out beautiful dishes worthy of a Michelin star. Ha’s Snack Bar is everything we love about downtown and the NYC restaurant scene. At Ha’s, French technique meets Vietnamese flavors in dishes that feel like they’re made out of your foodie friend’s kitchen.
What to Order: Oysters with green chili, tuna carpaccio with rhubarb, Ha’s onion soup
The Restaurant: St. Urban
The Neighborhood: Flatiron
Sometimes it’s better when there’s not so much hype. This is a restaurant for grown ups, who are in it for the love of the food and wine game. There’s not going to be too-cool-for-school riff-raff around (which, of course, has its time and its place). Instead, when you are in for a foodie evening in an elegant dining room, St. Urban delivers. Built around seasonal tasting menus inspired by wine regions around the world, St. Urbane is an experience.
What to Order: The four- or six-course tasting menu with wine pairing included. Standouts are the Maine crab with beets, Maine lobster with sunchokes and beef entrecôte.
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The Eighty Six
Q: Why is The Eighty Six one of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025?
A: The Eighty Six is one of the best new restaurants in NYC because of the food, service and atmosphere.
Q: Why is Salt Hanks one of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025?
A: Salt Hanks is one of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025 because it. makes an exceptional French dip.
Q: Why is Le Chene one of the best new restaurants in NYC this 2025?
A: Le Chene is one of the best new restaurants in NYC because of the heart they put into the food and their exceptional wine list.
