Everywhere You Need to Eat in NYC Right Now

Growing up in north central Thailand within a restaurant family had chef Ohm Suansilphong immersed in kitchens from an early age. And after stints that include Nahm (Bangkok) before eventually co-founding the NoHo favorite, Fish Cheeks—where he’s currently still a partner—Suansilphong has now teamed up with his wife, Kiki Supap, for KRU: a new hotspot offering modern takes on old Thai recipes once designated for the country’s royal family. In a sleek and moody dining room, the incorporation of elements discovered in historical texts from the 19th century, in addition to an overall masterful command of Thai cuisine, make for an exciting meal here. Must-try dishes include the Cauliflower “PLA” with Crab Meat; “LON” Cured Pork Jowl; “Kaeng Pa” Beef Tongue; and Rice Omelette that’s especially great for balancing out any spice.

Industry veterans chef Andrew Quinn (Hibiscus in London) and wine expert Cedric Nicaise (Aureole) helped Eleven Madison Park achieve some of the world’s top food and wine accolades during their coinciding stints there. And the duo have now joined forces to open The Noortwyck, a New American restaurant with fine dining-level food—but with the comforts of a neighborhood gem to frequent regularly. The seasonal menu features ingredients from local purveyors, and breads, pastas, and butchery done in-house that can all be paired with over 250 wines curated by Nicaise, along with cocktails. Popular dishes include the Seeded Parker House roll; Fluke Crudo; Agnolotti with honeynut squash and sage brown butter; BBQ Duck Breast; and Beef Tenderloin.

Not only are you set for a fantastic dinner here, but your after-meal plans now include raucous karaoke just steps away from your table. At Chino Grande, partners Josh Ku (Win Son, Win Son Bakery), Erica Hall (Win Son), and Paul Cacici, (co-owner of Carmenta’s) offer Asian- and Latin American-inspired dishes at a chill neighborhood spot that transforms into a karaoke saloon after hours (and not the private room kind, but the together-in-the-dining-room sort). Menu highlights include the Scallop Ceviche; Beef Tartare & Chips: skewer options in Swordfish, Chicken Thigh, and Beef: Fried Chicken with coconut ranch: and whole Lobster Au Poivre. And be sure to order the Banana Miso Custard for dessert to you know, help warm those vocal chords.

At Wenwen, Eric Sze and Andy Chuang of the popular East Village spot, 886, bring their magic to Brooklyn with this sibling eatery serving homestyle Taiwanese comfort foods bold in both flavor and presentation. Named after Sze’s mom, Wenchi, and wife, Wenhui, the airy space also expands to a cozy backroom named “The Alley” that transports diners to the back streets of Taipei. Popular dishes include the Sacha Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken, Lo Ba Beng, and familiar faves like Fly’s Head. And you’ll want to go family-style with the four shareable entree options: Whole Striped Bass w/ Fish Paste; Pork Belly & Cuttlefish; You Fan with Nueske bacon and uni; and signature (and very limited) Whole BDSM Fried Chicken.

The routine at this Los Angeles-born breakfast spot is simple: hop in line, order at the counter, find a seat, and then marvel at how amazing the signature Oatmeal Griddle Cakes are (sans syrup, and don’t even ask). Since making their NYC debut with a West Village flagship (heads up: a Carroll Gardens location is also coming soon), Breakfast by Salt’s Cure has become a local go-to for anyone free between 8 am–3 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays and hungry for griddle pancakes that are sweet, thin, and crispy edged and available in options like The OG, Banana Nut, Chocolate Chip, and more. From sandwiches and the Cheeseburger to combination Plates or their version of bacon (aka the Picnic Ham), the entirety of the concise menu is also excellent.

For fans of the previous Washington Street location that operated for more than 15 years, the Horatio Street reboot of Barbuto in the West Village offers many familiar comforts. The newer nearby space featuring an industrial aesthetic offers a seasonal Italian- and California-inspired menu that includes plenty of chef Jonathan Waxman’s classics. Enjoy faves like the Polpettone (crispy pork stuffed meatball); Insalata Di Calamari; Gnocchi; Potatoes; and famous Pollo Al Forno (roast chicken). And with sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the Hudson River as a backdrop, dine at one of 125 seats or 20 bar spots that are first come, first served.

This Cantonese American restaurant in Williamsburg has become one of the most coveted reservations in town. Named after his mother, at Bonnie’s, Brooklyn native chef Calvin Eng (Nom Wah, Win Son) offers his own interpretation of Cantonese cuisine along with recipes inspired from his childhood. From updated versions of American classics Hup to Ha of honey walnut shrimp, to the must-try Fuyu Cacio e Pepe Mein or even his own rendition of a McRib, a meal here—served on classic blue and white porcelain flatware—will easily be the highlight of your week.

This Tribeca restaurant is the first stateside venture for the Ramirez Degollado family, whose senior figure, the renowned Mexican cook, Carmen “Titita” Ramirez Degollado—aka the “matriarch of Mexican flavor”—has run the Mexico City-based El Bajío empire for the past 50 years. At Casa Carmen, the brother duo and co-owners, Santiago and Sebastian, work in collaboration with two head chefs and a team of “mayoras” (esteemed elder women) who oversee the menu and its signature dishes like the Panuchos Yucateros and Pollo con mole Xico. Here, the gorgeous 2,500-square-foot, 105-seat space is divided into a bar area and main dining room, and the interior’s aesthetic draws inspiration from earth-toned, stucco-walled haciendas.

Located at the Manhattan West development near Hudson Yards, Ci Siamo is a part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Here, executive chef Hillary Sterling’s menu of Italian-inspired fare uses wood-fired cooking as its foundation for signature dishes like the Pizza Bianca with anchovy, Rigatoni Alla Gricia with guanciale, and Braised Lamb with celery pesto. After ascending its super chic staircase, the rustic and massive space’s prime seating is in the large dining room near the open kitchen where diners are immersed in smoky scents wafting from the hearth.

This intimate experience hosts up to 16 guests via a large communal table and counter seats and transports diners to a ‘70s/’80s dinner party inside a home in North-Central Nigeria. At Dept of Culture, chef and owner Ayo Balogun’s four-course prix fixe also includes heartfelt stories about his family and childhood as records from legendary Nigerian artists like Ebenezer Obey play in the background. While the BYOB menu’s offerings rotates regularly, previous dishes include the sweat-inducing Eja tutu ati oshuka cilantro (red snapper pepper soup); Wara ati obe (cheese cooked in stew); Iyan ati egusi pelu eja alaran ati efo (pounded yam, fermented melon seeds, smoked fish); and Dodo ati ice cream (with caramelized plantain). Reservations are required and can be made via its website.

Whether it’s to catch up with your besties or discuss business deals, on top of great food, dining out should always be fun—and this West Village restaurant checks off all the boxes. As the sibling eatery to the Chicago-style pizza spot, Emmett’s, at the newer Emmett’s on Grove, what you’ll be ordering up is the tavern-style thin crust pizza along with a menu inspired by Italian-American fare. Within the playful space that features a Midwestern vibe with rustic wood and a skylight in the main dining room, highlights include signature items like the Crispy Olives, Caesar Salad, Spaghetti & Meatballs, an off-menu Chicago-inspired burger, and Baby Back Ribs.

This Caribbean eatery in Crown Heights opened late last year and is operated by some of the former team members of the legendary Gloria’s (now closed). At Gee’s, table service isn’t offered but the no-frills spot does have a few tables to enjoy your food on-site. Arriving in takeout containers dense with heavy portions, signature dishes include entrees like Stewed Oxtail, Curry Beef, and Jerk Chicken served with sides like Pumpkin, Callaloo, or Macaroni Salad. Breakfast items, soups, vegan options, and an assortment of roti in offerings like Curry Conch or Bhaji are also available.

At Jack & Charlie’s, executive chef/partner, Ed Cotton (No. 9 Park in Boston, Daniel, David Burke Townhouse) brings over two decades of industry experience to this New American restaurant paying tribute to supper clubs, speakeasies, and icons of NYC’s culinary past. Within the railroad layout, its walls are adorned with pictures and cozy design details that bring an extra warmth to the place, and the eatery has four different areas: The Bar Room, Turner Room, Astor Room, and Oyster Room. The offerings here include bar bites like Shepherd’s Pie Croquettes; a selection of seafood starters; housemade pastas; entrees like Duck Meatloaf; or the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib served on Fridays and Saturdays only.

As chef Brian Kim’s exciting sophomore venture, Oiji Mi showcases high-end, contemporary dining in New York City rooted in a Korean essence—and establishes the restaurateur's compelling next chapter. Within a chic space inspired by old-school Korean homes called “hanoks,” guests can enjoy a 5-course prix-fixe menu or do a la carte ordering in the bar & lounge for signature dishes like the Striped Jack “Hwe,” Chili Lobster Ramyun, and dessert like the Ooyoo Bingsu, a refreshing and fanciful shaved ice treat. And be on the lookout for more info on BOM, a gorgeous new upcoming private space and project attached to the dining room.

In addition to operating his namesake Tribeca spot, Restaurant Marc Forgione, Marc Forgione is the chef and owner of Peasant—a wood-fired Italian spot and popular neighborhood gem on Elizabeth Street known for its rustic food and charm. With dishes like Bucatini Carbonara served tableside, Rotisserie Lamb Ragu, and a Family Style Pig Roast, Forgione has ushered in an exciting new chapter for this romantic and homey Nolita restaurant that’s been open since 1999. And be sure to check out Peasant Wine Bar, a candle-lit space accessed through a hefty barn door from the sidewalk in what was previously their wine cellar now serving lesser-known Italian grape varietals along with hearth-cooked dishes.

Owned by neighborhood local Louis Wong and specializing in Cantonese cuisine, Uncle Lou encompasses all of our favorite elements for dining out both in Chinatown and at must-try NYC restaurants: great food, a fun space, and large tables with lazy susans that encourage family style meals. With ingredients sourced from nearby grocers, fishmongers, and butchers, the eatery’s menu is inspired by dishes from first-generation Cantonese immigrants. Signature offerings include the Eggplant in Yuxiang Garlic Sauce, Braised Pork Belly with Mui-Choy, Steamed Buffalo Fish with Ginger & Scallion, and the fantastic Homestyle Chenpi Duck.

Following the smash success of Dhamaka, chef/partner Chintan Pandya and restaurateur Roni Mazumdar of Unapologetic Foods (Masalawala, Rowdy Rooster, Adda) continue their mission of highlighting Indian cuisine from underrepresented regions of the country with Semma, a spot dedicated to the flavors of Southern India. Inside a vibrant space with design elements honoring the Deccan peninsula, executive chef Vijay Kumar takes inspiration from his upbringing in the state of Tamil Nadu and offers signature items like the Nathai Pirattal, a snail dish with tamarind and kal dosa. Additional standouts include the tender Kudal Varuval made with goat intestines; Goanese Oxtail; and Kanyakumari Nandu Masala for two with dungeness crab, parotta, coconut rice.

As the sister spot to Shuka in SoHo, Shukette from The Bowery Group (Cookshop, Rosie’s, Vic’s) and chef/partner Ayesha Nurdjaja focuses on cuisine found in the Levant. The restaurant’s fun vibe makes for a memorable outing, and here, the visuals of each dish pop in menu sections with cheeky titles like “When You Dip, I Dip, We Rip,” (those are for spreads and dip, btw). The Mediterranean food here is too good to enjoy alone, so definitely go with your crew for signature dishes like the Joojeh Chicken marinated in saffron yogurt; along with house-baked breads; market-driven small plates; and charcoal grilled protein. For dessert, end your night with the sole option: The Mic Drop (tahini soft serve).

At Zou Zou’s, chef Madeline Sperling (Gramercy Tavern, The Nomad) and executive sous chef Juliana Latif serve Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with eye-catching presentation. At this venture under the same group behind eateries like Don Angie and Smith & Wollensky, the gorgeous space designed by AvroKO features a wonderful smoky scent wafting from a sizable wood-fired oven via its open kitchen. Along with plenty of elbow room, high ceilings, and roomy banquettes, dine on signature items like dips; mezze; the Little Gems salad with roasted grapes (which are served delightfully cold); Duck Borek with a l’Orange; and Fire-Roasted Leg of Lamb. Afterwards, be sure to grab a drink at their cocktail spot, Chez Zou.