To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Bistrot Leo
Soho
You’re here because … Executive Chef Brian Loiacono, previously of Bar Boulud, is the French helmsman the SIXTY Hotel deserved.
You’re dining on: Updated French classics like steak tartare with bone marrow sabayon and lobster niçoise with deviled eggs.
60 Thompson Street (map)
Website
Devoción
Downtown Brooklyn
You’re here because … Third-wave coffee is where it’s at.
You’re dining on: Seriously aromatic Colombian coffee accompanied by local pastries, sparkling cascara from the tap and fresh aromaticas.
276 Livingston Street, Brooklyn (map)
Website
Sushi Noz
Upper East Side
You’re here because … Chef Nozomu Abe is taking Edomae-style sushi to new heights in a highly traditional and intimate atmosphere.
You’re dining on: The finest fresh fish from Tokyo Bay, formatted in 4-7 Otsumami hot/cold plates followed by a decadent 12-15 sushi course, plus soup and dessert.
181 East 78th Street (map)
Website
Chat ‘n’ Chew
Union Square
You’re here because … The city’s favored American eatery is back in full effect after an extended snooze.
You’re dining on: Childhood delights like award-winning mac ‘n’ cheese, “Thanksgiving on a roll” and egg creams galore.
10 East 16th Street (map)
Website
The Woodstock
Meatpacking
You’re here because … Everything Black Rose Hospitality touches (see also: THE VNYL and The Late Late) is hangout gold.
You’re dining on: Neapolitan thin crust pizzas like the Jackie, a spicy pizza topped with pepperoncini peppers and dressed in hot honey, churned out by Executive Chef Nino Coniglio of Williamsburg pizza.
446 West 14th Street (map)
Website
Ichiran
Midtown
You’re here because … Eating top-notch ramen in a one-person private booth means you can really dive in without reservation.
You’re dining on: One of the best secret recipe tonkotsu ramen bowls the world has ever known, with a matcha beer on the side.
132 West 31st Street (map)
Website
Borrachito
East Village
You’re here because … It’s like a taco truck outpost nestled in the back of The Garret East.
You’re dining on: The Pork. Bomb. Taco. Remember the name.
Join America's Fastest Growing Spirits Newsletter THE SPILL. Unlock all the reviews, recipes and revelry — and get 15% off award-winning La Tierra de Acre Mezcal.
