Explore: Best Trendy Restaurants NYC
In the ever-evolving culinary scene of New York City, staying on top of the latest dining trends is a foodie's delight. From innovative fusion eateries to Instagram-worthy plating, the city's trendy restaurants offer a feast for the senses. Join us as we explore the crème de la crème of NYC's dining destinations that set the bar for gastronomic trends and provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these hotspots are not to be missed.
The tyger
4.4
(718)
Cocktails & Asian fusion eats are offered in this industrial-chic eatery with an atrium & a patio.
Reviews:
This a great Southeast Asian restaurant! The atmosphere in the restaurant is really nice and has warm, refined vibes without being stuffy. The service was really good and the food was great. We didn’t really love the green papaya salad; it had good spice but wasn’t that flavorful. The fried chicken is GREAT, would recommend this, but the lime sauce could definitely be better. We loved the lamb ribs, super crispy and the glaze was pretty perfect, but I think a pork rib might have been better. I’d definitely recommend for small and large groups!
Andrew tenBrink
The Tyger does a great job in taking traditional Asian cuisine to an elevated depth of flavor. I had the experience of dining the prefix meal which is only available to parties of 4 or more and is $85 a person. The timing of the courses were spot on and each dish had its own unique twist to it. Everything was cooked exceptionally well from a culinary stand point and I was very pleased with the whole experience. Definitely a great spot for business meetings, date nights, and many more special occasions.
Scott Lee
Just went for cocktails tonight, but everything was gorgeously prepared. And such creative flavors! I got the Divine Image, their take on a margarita with lemongrass and cucumber. The service was warm and patient. The atmosphere is also super cool, with the all the front windows open to the street. Too bad we had already eaten, but I cannot wait to be back for food and to work my way through more of the cocktail menu!
Virginia Cross
Dishes are delicious and tasty, combining the best of Southeast Asian flavors. We shared a bunch of dishes and my personal favorite was the Shrimp Skewer. Cocktails are quite creative, you should skip the wine. Will definitely come back for more.
Amanda L
So many delicious options, not enough time or stomach space to have them all! Topping the list - Salt & Pepper Crispy Snapper Tempura followed by the Singaporean Chili Crab Fried Rice then next favourite would be the Steak & Eggs which I more recently tried off their brunch menu. Service is/was excellent too!
Sandor Panton
1 Howard St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Antique garage soho
4.3
(894)
Mediterranean chow served in a funky, exposed-brick space with antiques & occasional live jazz.
Reviews:
Great atmosphere with live music on a Saturday night. Surprisingly they had open seats and no line. The food was good but not as great as the space would make you believe. We shared the food family style, so I got to try quite a few different ones and I recommend the lamb skewer as it was the best option. The bread was also quite tasty. Would go back for the atmosphere.
Miguel Cunha
We often visit Antique Garage for brunch. This was the first time I visited for dinner. The food is truly delicious and wonderful! You really can't go wrong with any meal.
Heather Dolland Tamam
All of the dishes we ordered (steak, tuna, chicken kebab) were great. Cooked perfectly and flavor packed. To make it even better the ambiance was perfection with a great jazz band. Recommend for a date spot!
Kia Zivari
It’s a Turkish restaurant but it’s so far from Turkish hospitality. I just have been there myself and ordered adana kebab but unfortunately the taste was really bad. When you look at the restaurant from outside it looks so nice but taste is not that good. I think the owner or manager I’m not sure, he was so rude. When I went to use restroom, he was right there and he said there is someone inside so rudely. They should go back to turkey and learn how to run a restaurant.
Tunahan Songür
Fancy Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Soho. Interior design is one of a kind, good food but not super impressive. Staff is very kind and friendly. Art on the walls and the music creates a dazzling atmosphere. We got their Turkish breakfast platter and the mixed appetizer platter, both of which turned out to be yummy. Sucuk was good but we had suspicions about how well the eggs were cooked. Salmon fume asparagus by far our fave. Mixed meze platter comes with cheese rolls, make sure you taste them, they slay. Farmers omelette was just okay imo. Overall great experience, Soho prices. Worth a visit.
Anil Korkut
41 Mercer St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Buddakan
4.5
(4519)
Huge, lavishly decorated restaurant offering a menu of Asian dishes & cocktails.
Reviews:
Everything was perfect. From hostess, our server to every single dish we tried. Everything on the menu is meant to be shared. Place is huge, with different "rooms", a bit dark, but ambiance overall is very nice. Chinese broccoli warm salad (side) was big surprise, must try, as well as short rib scalion pancake. Desserts were amazing!
Tamara Raseta
One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. The ambiance in this place combined with the quality of food is almost unmatched. Start with the oxtail dumplings and rock shrimp and while I normally skip dessert I feel like it is a must here. Be sure to make a reservation. 5/5
Mike T
It was our second time in this place, we love the atmosphere and the general decor which is very beautiful, our table was on time, stuff was friendly and had plenty of knowledge about the food Menu. We got the restaurant week Menu 3, $110 per person, it was a excellent choice, we shared plenty of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Drinks took a little longer of what we expected but nothing crazy. We were a party of 8 and we had such a good experience.
Alexandra Sanchez
The atmosphere is intimate and dark. The staff was super friendly and accommodating despite all the decorations that we have brought in for our celebration. The food was a good portion to share with everyone at the table and it was delicious, finger licking good. The prices are absolutely reasonable and if your ever in NY should ABSOLUTELY stop by. Such a unique experience.
Melissa Roman
One word...Amazing! This place is absolutely a must go to. Fantastic ambiance if you like dining in low light settings which makes for a great date night scene or a night out in the town for the grown and sexy. Family style eating asian-fusion restaurant with a la carte and prefix menus. I highly recommend for any occasion. Nice drink menus consisting of reds, whites, sake, spirits and cocktails.
Leo Castillo
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Lena lower east side
4.4
(290)
Rustic-chic French cafe serving traditional fare including brunch with wine & classic cocktails.
Reviews:
I like the french onion soup, quite deep broth and not too salty, everything here I think in general are pretty good. I like their french 75 cocktail!
Cyn W
I was looking for a decent happy hour with some nice wine and good food and I got that. My evening at Lena was truly pleasant, the staff here are friendly and efficient. I started with a glass of the happy hour white, the marinated olives, and the tomato soup with grilled cheese, which was a delightful adaptation of a comfort food. Incredibly rich tomato soup and grilled cheese served on bruschetta. I would go back just for that. I initially ordered the mushroom risotto, one of my favourite dishes, but I requested a different meal as I found it to be quite bland and disappointing. I thought the pasta was not well cooked and the sauce was not creamy or well-seasoned. I instead had the octopus and shrimps, which were fantastic. The salad with mustard dressing was light and fresh, and the complex seasoning of the octopus and shrimps, contrasted with the sweet hummus was wonderful. I truly recommend this quiet French spot to anyone trying to enjoy a solo dinner, or to a pair looking for a quick and quiet date.
Abigail “Tolu” Owolabi
Wonderful restaurant on the lower east side. Loved the French onion soup, mixed olives, scallops and pork belly. The drinks are exquisite.
Yuriy N
We were at this place on a Saturday evening and it was a straight 10/10. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The food was very, very good (can definitely recommend the duck!). The prices are obviously up there, but i would say it's worth it for what you're getting. Also super nice selection and quality of cocktails and wine. Just overall very cozy and chill atmosphere, with good music playing and some local art on display.
Jan Skrovanek
We went here while waiting for Attaboy across the street. The place has a really good vibe, quick service and friendly staff. The food is good but the drinks were just okay
Kunal Puranik
137 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Estela
4.5
(1122)
Stylish restaurant serving contemporary cuisine in an intimate, informal setting.
Reviews:
After tasting several dishes, all of them surprised me. They were not of my personal preference, but clearly were well designed and executed. The wine list is impressive. Great service. The restaurant is small and gets crowded, reservation is not mandatory but highly recommended. Prices are expensive, as in any other high quality restaurant (and this one has a Michelin ⭐).
Juan J. Moreno
Stumbled on Estele while browsing 2022 World’s best 100 restaurants and the Michelin guide. Definitely worth it and didn’t disappoint. Vibe is casual, relaxed and hip with a small bistro feeling. Place is small and buzzing. Cuisine is new American with European influences I will say. I tried few dishes and there were all tasty and full of flavors. Highlight of the menu, Endive with walnuts and Fried arroz negro with squid and romesco. Cooking and execution was on point. You can hang out by the bar or grab a table with a date or group of friends. Good spot for lunch and dinner. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have some good crafty cocktails.
Eias Murad
We had Celestial spirits, Guava daiquiri, scallops with brown butter and golden potatoes, curd tuna with black pilpil and toast, endive with walnuts anchovy’s and ubriaco rosso , and ricotta dumplings w mushroom and pecorino sardo. It was delicious, four dishes was plenty of food for the two of us and we were starving walking in. The flavors were strong and complexed as well as the service was on point. The tuna can get a little messy. Favorite fish was the endive with walnuts Little tricky to find the entrance but google maps helps Would recommend and would come back
Trevor Maughan
Just the best! Truly one of my top favorites in NYC. Never disappoints year after year. Perfectly curated menu where absolutely everything looks good. Hard to make a decision! Most recently came for my wedding anniversary. Special spot for things like that without feeling overly pretentious. We also had a fantastic waitress who was lovely and very helpful. Don’t skip the endive salad.
Lucy
Estela’s dishes are shared plates. They really need to be shared. While delicious, each dish is so homogeneous, the exact same bite from start to finish, that eating a single plate by yourself will become boring halfway through. Even if you like dining alone, I heavily recommend bringing a few folks to Estela to split the food. Cocktail drinkers: try the Tomato Never Dies. It’s summer. Many places are doing a riff on tomato cocktails. They all felt lacking something except for this drink, where the tomato feels sheer and clarified.
Richard W
47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012, USA
Family meal at blue hill
4.6
(1123)
Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients abound on the American menu served at this townhouse-set spot.
Reviews:
This is what you want in an unpretentious finer dining establishment - focus on ingredients and techniques, pleasant service and a sense of innovation. The four course menu is really a lot more dishes because each course has multiple delicious items, and by the end you will definitely be full. Cocktail and wine menu is pretty impressive as well.
Rovik Robert
Family Meal at Blue Hill is a unique, fun and tasty place. Dinner is a menu-less experience that is in the spirit of a restaurant's family meal. The dishes are all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and the focus is on vegetables and grains, with meats playing a supporting role. The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special dining experience.
Sagi Benbasat
The single best tasting menu I ever had, every dish knocked it out of the park, being both unique and thoughtful. And serving courses family style made the experience of fine dining with others all the more personable and intimate. And the service was spectacular as well with very attentative and knowledgeable staff!!
Arthur Mielnik
This was the best tasting menu I've had in a while. Clearly the main feature of it was the ingredients. The freshest, bestest, absolutely delicious, incredible flavorful vegetables (and other ingredients), and they use them in a very smart way. I also loved that the dishes were "simple". No foams, gels etc, just very delicious and flavorful food
Leonardo Espín
$150/person pre-fixed 4 courses dinner. Each course comes with many dishes. I love the dessert, carrot & steak, and the bread. All dishes are good but not special enough to visit again. The whole dining experience is about 2-2.5 hours. Some dishes are the same with blue hill stone barns, like the dessert.
Xiao Meow
75 Washington Pl, New York, NY 10011, USA
Littlemad
4.5
(268)
Intimate eatery spotlighting reimagined provisions with a Korean twist, plus a large wine list.
Reviews:
What a great way to celebrate any occasion with a great tasting menu. You feel well taken care of by multiple servers who clearly explain each dish and answer all your questions. Also casual conversations with them made the experience feel much more comfortable. The food itself was amazing, we opted for a more seafood heavy selection of the options all of which had some very unique tastes. The value was quite well priced compared to many NYC tasting menus and highly recommend to also have one of their delicious cocktails while there! Cheers!
Kenneth Mitchell
What a delicious little gem! The food was delicious and the service was great. I really like that it’s a tasting menu but you get to choose from a few dishes to make it your own. So if you go with someone else, I would suggest each getting different dishes so you can try double the things! The signature mad toast is the reason I would go back! It was delicious and I could eat that everyday!
Rachel Makowski
5 stars for service. 2 stars for food. I really wanted to like this place. The options sound amazing. The taste, however, leaves much to be desired. The tastes are bland and forgettable. Not sure if the chef has discovered seasoning but might be a good idea to explore some seasoning other than salt. There are SO many better tasting options in the city over this one. I don’t mind paying $95 when the flavor is there but the flavor just wasn’t there. The service is amazing though so shout out to the servers for doing an amazing job. In my honest option big SKIP
Antonella Higa
Had a really wonderful dinner at LittleMad. Early on a Thursday night, they were pretty slow— starting to fill up by the time I finished my meal. Offers a $95 tasting menu of five courses, with all but the first course (a round of small bites) giving a handful of different plates to choose from. I had the yellowtail, mandoo, and beef galbi— all based on recs from the server. There’s some add-on options, but I didn’t find them to be necessary to feel satisfied. Each plate was elegantly presented, and the courses were perfectly balanced. Super fresh ingredients and flavors that pop— Chef Sol really lets every component of the dish shine. Service throughout the evening was attentive without being overbearing; each plate was thoughtfully explained as it was served. I felt I could have used a bit more guidance on how to approach some of the plates — eg in retrospect I think the yellowtail might have been intended to be a large bite a la sashimi, but I went after it with fork and knife… but even if my table manners may have flopped, both servers working that evening were truly outstanding. LittleMad also has an extensive drink menu with signature cocktails, spirits, wines by the glass and bottle, and just two nonalcoholic options. They also offer a wine pairing for the menu. I had the “Oui Chef!” — a savory, fat-washed twist on a negroni that was really delicious— and jumped into the pairings for the last few courses for some great wines.
Hannah Waterman
The tasting menu is devine and well worth the price. The plates are nonstop and plentiful. The wine parings are unique and very interestinf. Loved the vibe. Kudos to the kitcben staff. We'll be back.
Andrew Evermore
110 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA