Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - New Italian Eatery Brings Rome to the West Village
Tucked away on a quiet corner in the West Village sits the newly opened Da Sandro, bringing authentic Roman-style dining to Manhattan. Chef Sandro Fiorucci, who hails from Italy's capital city, has painstakingly recreated the flavors and ambiance of his hometown eateries in this charming neighborhood spot. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel transported across the Atlantic with cozy worn floors, warm wood tones, and old black and white photos adorning the walls.
The menu features Roman staples you'd find on any trattoria menu across the eternal city. For appetizers, opt for the supplì, fried rice and mozzarella balls, for a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and creamy interior. Or sample the fiori di zucca, fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies that literally burst with flavor in your mouth.
When it comes to primi, it's hard to go wrong, but regulars rave about the cacio e pepe, a simple yet superb pasta coated in pecorino romano cheese and black pepper. The tonnarelli all'amatriciana, square spaghetti in a savory tomato sauce with guanciale (cured pork jowl), is another favorite for its rich, meaty flavors.
The undisputed highlight of any Roman meal though is the fleshy, thin-crusted pizza. Da Sandro offers up over a dozen varieties baked in a wood-fired oven, from classic Margherita to more unique options like pizza con le patate, topped with thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary, and mozzarella. Customers particularly praise the pizza bianca, blanketed in creamy stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves.
Desserts take you right back to Rome's best gelaterias, with choices like crunchy biscotti to dunk in vin santo wine or the refreshing tartufo, a sphere of chocolate gelato encasing a cherry center. Everything is reasonably priced, with pastas ranging from $14-19 and pizzas from $15-18.
What else is in this post?
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - New Italian Eatery Brings Rome to the West Village
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Korean-Mexican Fusion Comes to Koreatown
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Hot New Sushi Spot Rolls Out Innovative Special Rolls
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Brooklyn Gets Its First Dedicated Gluten-Free Baker
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - FiDi Food Hall Showcases Diverse Cuisine Under One Roof
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Long Island City Welcomes Its First Upscale Steakhouse
- Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Harlem Gains Hip New Southern-Inspired Eatery
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Korean-Mexican Fusion Comes to Koreatown
The meteoric rise of Korean cuisine across the U.S. has ushered in an era of cross-cultural experimentation, with chefs blending traditional Korean flavors with diverse world ingredients. Nowhere is this fusion trend hotter than in Manhattan’s Koreatown, whererecent openings like Kochi demonstrate the neighborhood’s adventurous and innovative spirit.
At the helm of Kochi is trailblazing Chef Deuki Hong, named one of America’s best new chefs by Food & Wine. Hong forged his distinctive Korean-Mexican style during stints at LA’s celebrated Kogi BBQ taco trucks. His bold flavor combinations quickly drew a cult following, proving how seamlessly Korean and Mexican flavors pair together.
Stepping inside Kochi feels like discovering a vibrant corner cantina in downtown Seoul. Quirky Day of the Dead folk art mingles with Korean pop culture, while Latin beats pulse in the background. The menu equally melds both cuisines, dishing up tacos bulging with bulgogi beef, kimchi quesadillas, and addictive Korean fried chicken wings topped with spicy gochujang sauce and cotija cheese.
While tacos anchored in carne asada and carnitas satisfy purists, Hong encourages diners to branch out with unexpected fillings like glazed short ribs, kimchi pork belly, and gochujang chicken. Corn tortillas, made from organic heirloom corn, provide the perfect base for each creation. Small plates like elote corn fritters and bibimbap loaded fries offer additional opportunities to sample Hong’s unique flavor combos.
In a nod to his Mexican roots, Hong’s cocktail lineup includes margaritas made with soju, Korea’s iconic spirit. The spicy Kimchi Rita adds an extra kick, with kimchi-infused soju amping up the classic combo of lime, triple sec and tequila.
Early fans rave about Hong’s skillful marriage of Korean and Mexican traditions. First timers are often surprised by how well the two cuisines complement each other, noting the tacos seem obvious in retrospect. Veterans of the LA Kogi trucks relish reuniting with Hong’s signature Korean-Mexican fare on the east coast.
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Hot New Sushi Spot Rolls Out Innovative Special Rolls
Tucked away on a quiet side street in Midtown West sits Iki Iki, Manhattan's hottest new sushi spot already garnering buzz for its wildly creative maki rolls. Owner and head chef Haruto Matsumura honed his unconventional sushi style during a decade-long apprenticeship across Japan, Hawaii, and LA.
His globetrotting experiences inspire Iki Iki's diverse selection of specialty rolls, pushing sushi boundaries with unexpected flavors and textures. While Matsumura prepares traditional nigiri and sashimi with precision, his special rolls display his playful innovation and precision knife skills.
Signatures like the Naughty New Yorker cocoon salmon, yellowtail, and avocado in rice, then crown the roll with a smear of cream cheese and sprinkle of caviar. The flavors dance on your tongue, rich salmon contrasting against briny caviar pops. Another top pick is the Hot Lava, housing spicy tuna and cucumber inside before torching the outside and topping with serrano chili slices, tempura crunchies, and Japanese chili powder. Every bite delivers a thrill ride of heat.
For vegetarians, the Green Genie generates raves with its mix of asparagus, cucumber, avocado and pickled daikon, finished with microgreens. Matsumura knives the vegetables into impossibly thin strips for seamless rolling. The Samurai Sword also impresses, swirling shrimp tempura and avocado inside then fanning sliced jalapenos like samurai blades down the top.
Iki Iki offers an omakase option where Matsumura personally selects your nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls based on the day's catch. For more casual dining, the a la carte menu lets you mix and match rolls to create your own platter. With so many tempting choices, diners suggest bringing friends to fully explore the offerings. The Akita Dog roll with housemade crab mix and Japanese mayo, and Godzilla roll overstuffed with tempura shrimp, avocado and yuzu tobiko beg for additional chopsticks to take down.
While specialty rolls run $15-20 each, their generous portions deliver good value. Each creation arrives sliced into 8-12 pieces, allowing two people to split one roll. With a few favorites to share, you'll leave satisfied without breaking the bank. Iki Iki also offers more traditional rolls like tuna, salmon and yellowtail starting around just $5 for simplicity seekers.
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Brooklyn Gets Its First Dedicated Gluten-Free Baker
For far too long, gluten-free diners in Brooklyn have lacked a proper bakery catering to their dietary needs. While the borough boasts countless artisanal bread shops and European-style patisseries, those avoiding gluten traditionally had to head into Manhattan to find dedicated gluten-free baked goods.
That frustrating journey ends now with the opening of The Grainless Baker on 5th Avenue in Park Slope. The aptly named bakery dreams up flourless treats as delectable as their glutenous counterparts, without sacrificing texture or taste. Owner Naomi Josepher honed her gluten-free techniques through a self-imposed challenge to go flourless. When she whipped up a birthday cake for her gluten-intolerant son that outshone conventional cakes, she knew she was onto something special.
What began as a quest to bake treats her son could enjoy became a mission to prove gluten-free doesn’t mean flavorless. After pop-up success, Josepher found the perfect permanent home among Park Slope’s quaint brownstones and abundant young families. The Grainless Baker provides the community with an inclusive, judgment-free space to savor stellar baked goods together.
Stepping inside the cozy shop, you instantly feel warmth from the friendly staff and mouthwatering aromas enveloping you. Display cases brim with cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, danishes, muffins and more that call out to be devoured. The offerings shift daily based on seasonal ingredients and Josepher’s inspiration.
Popular standouts include the chocolate chip cookies with gooey melted chips throughout and the sprinkle-strewn funfetti cupcakes swirled with decadent vanilla bean frosting. Josepher manages to coax incredible rise from her flourless cakes, with towering layers in flavors like chocolate-espresso, lemon poppy and honey vanilla. For those craving a proper New York bagel, she’s perfected chewy, shiny versions that fulfill any craving.
The most telling testament to The Grainless Baker’s achievement comes from its rave reviews from former skeptics. Numerous patrons admit entering with low expectations, only to be blown away after the first bite. The bakery has converted many who previously deemed gluten-free problematic. Its mere existence erodes the misconception that avoiding gluten requires bland suffering.
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - FiDi Food Hall Showcases Diverse Cuisine Under One Roof
The explosive growth of food halls across the country spotlights Americans' craving for culinary variety and community. These modern day markets gather artisanal eateries and indie shops under one roof, encouraging exploration and interaction. New York's latest contribution, Urban Garden Food Hall in the Financial District, vibrantly captures this ethos.
Stepping inside Urban Garden feels like entering a chic neighborhood bazaar, with the scent of grilled meat wafting through the industrial-chic space. Exposed brickwork and abundant greenery soften the cavernous hall, while sunlight streams in from skylights overhead. A dozen eateries circle the perimeter, representing cuisines from around the globe - the perfect setup for indecisive groups ready to roam and graze.
Popular picks include Pig & Khao's Filipino-inspired tapas, El Colmado's Cubanos stuffed with succulent mojo pork, and Bombay Sandwich Co's flaky paratha flatbreads. For heartier Indian fare, Adda's lamb biryani perfumed with aromatics draws loyal fans. You'll also find ramen from Ivan Ramen, tacos from Cosme alum Diego Moya, and Neapolitan pies from an Anthony Mangieri protégé.
Sweet spots like Lalito's artisanal gelato and Dominique Ansel's cookie shots lure dessert devotees. Omakase counters for sushi and oysters cater to raw bar enthusiasts, alongside craft cocktail bars slinging signatures like the Lychee Spritz. Ample seating dotted throughout makes lingering effortless.
Urban Garden's relaxed atmosphere encourages experimentation and discovery. The eclectic mix allows parties with diverse tastes to each find a favorite. Splitting small plates lets you sample broadly without overindulging. Regular events like live music, craft markets and cooking demos further foster a sense of community.
While individual dishes may not exceed expectations, the overall experience delights. The freedom to nibble and wander from Tacombi to Cinnamon Snail captures the adventure of street food hopping abroad. Budget-conscious foodies appreciate reasonable pricing, with most plates ranging $12-18.
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Long Island City Welcomes Its First Upscale Steakhouse
The rapid transformation of Long Island City from industrial outpost to cosmopolitan community continues with the recent debut of premium steakhouse American Cut. This upscale eatery marks a milestone for LIC, signaling the neighborhood’s arrival on the New York dining scene. The new restaurant also fills a gaping void for carnivores craving top-tier steaks without trekking into Manhattan.
American Cut represents an extension of Chef Marc Forgione’s acclaimed Manhattan steakhouse bearing the same name. Forgione teamed up with sharp restauranteur Phil Scott to introduce a Queens outpost that matches the original’s sleek vibe and obsession with prime beef. Scott astutely recognized that Long Island City’s exploding population of young professionals demanded an elevated steak option beyond run-of-the-mill chains.
Stepping inside American Cut LIC, you immediately notice swanky details like leather banquettes, dramatic chandeliers, and 20-foot ceilings. The bi-level space turns even weekday dinners into special occasions with powerful patrons letting expense accounts loose.
While starters like crab cakes and wedge salads satisfy, the real thrill comes from surveying the expansive dry-aged beef selection. Forgione sources prime cuts like filet mignon, porterhouse, ribeye and New York strip from farms recognized for ethical practices. Seasoned servers gladly provide guidance on navigating the menu based on your taste and budget.
The sheer variety of aging options gives steak connoisseurs a new checklist to conquer. Choose your weapon – grilled, broiled, pan seared or charred – then pick your cut and level of maturity. The bone-in Kansas City strip dry-aged 45 days carries a breathtaking $89 price tag granting you perfectly marbled beef nirvana. Purists argue it’s worth every penny.
Beyond flawlessly seared steaks, American Cut excels at rounding out any feast with indulgent sides like Gorgonzola creamed spinach, crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons, and heavenly truffle mac and cheese. There’s also tableside Caesar salad preparations and a 20-layer chocolate cake that rightfully earns oohs and aahs.
Carnivores crossing the Queensboro Bridge feel like kids discovering a new toy store tailored just for them. Manhattan snobs acknowledge that American Cut LIC losing none of the original’s magnetism. The neighborhood deserves a world-class steakhouse, and American Cut fills the role impeccably.
Oenophiles also rejoice in the 300+ label wine list spanning classics to hidden gems. With wallet-friendly bottles starting around just $36, there’s no shame in letting great steak call for great wine.
Big Apple Bites: 10 Mouthwatering New Restaurants You Must Try in NYC - Harlem Gains Hip New Southern-Inspired Eatery
Harlem's dining scene continues to thrive with exciting new additions like Down Home, a Southern-inspired eatery bringing Dixieland flavor uptown. Chef Eric Johnson channels his South Carolina roots into elevated takes on Lowcountry classics that stay true to their humble origins. After honing his skills at lauded Charleston restaurants, he headed north to showcase the treasured food traditions of his hometown.
Stepping inside Down Home instantly transports you to a homey Charleston kitchen humming with hospitality. A chalkboard menu lists the daily changing lineup of stick-to-your-ribs favorites like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and catfish po' boys. Simple wooden tables and mason jar centerpieces keep the vibe casual and inviting. Servers gladly explain any menu items that may mystify Yankees unfamiliar with grits and okra.
While he riffs on classics, Johnson takes care to retain their authentic spirit. His shrimp and grits still star sweet Carolina shrimp bathed in a silky cheddar gravy that lovingly coats each creamy grit cake. For his fried chicken, he soaks buttermilk-brined bird parts in an addictive house-made seasoning blend before frying to crispy perfection. The chicken and waffles cleverly swap in savory cheddar waffles to balance the boneless thighs and spicy maple syrup glaze.
Small plates like pimento cheese dip with benne wafers, crab beignets and cornmeal-dusted okra fries will appease nibblers. Hearty entrees like pecan crusted catch of the day, chicken pot pie, and smothered pork chops satisfy Southern comfort cravings. Don't miss the decadent banana pudding flecked with vanilla wafers to finish your meal on a sweet note.
While Down Home shines at dinner, locals whisper brunch is even better with picks like fried green tomato Benedict, shrimp and cheddar grits, and a fried chicken biscuit that some claim is the best in Harlem. Lines start early and move fast, so arrive hungry.
Johnson aims to honor food traditions while making them his own, embracing the spirit of reinvention intrinsic to Southern cooking. He handles classics with care but isn't afraid to riff, knowing that's how new traditions take root. So far, his delicate balance of paying homage while moving forward hits the mark.
Lifelong Southerners call his food "just like mama's" while Yankees say Down Home taught them what Southern cuisine can be at its best. The community-focused vibe fosters an environment where both comfort food devotees and adventurous eaters feel equally at home.