For some New Yorkers snagging a reservation to a coveted restaurant is like an olympic sport. Luckily, there is always a new restaurant to draw a hungry crowd and a strong opinion from the critics. Below find the newest and hottest new restaurants that opened this past spring and summer 2024, and start making that reservation in advance.
Since its opening this past spring, Bungalow has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city, which means snagging a reservation can be hard. Star chef Chef Vikas Khanna is certainly deserving of the praise and attention. In fact, we have been fond of the chef for years. Our Editor-in-Chief, Ellen Swandiak, collaborated with him on one of his cookbook designs, and we continue to have pleasant memories of our private tasting at Junoon. The Michelin star chef, along with restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, and designer Shaila Rizvi, have managed to create a swoon-worthy destination that evokes nostalgia for India’s lavish social clubs. The vintage-inspired space transforms you to a different world and time with striking details, rich woods, chic fixtures, and beautiful wallpaper. It is a feast for the eyes and the senses.
Since the restaurant is meant to be a celebration of Indian culture, make sure to order with an open mind and adventurous spirit. From street food inspired dishes, like Purple Sweet Potato Chaat with green mango sauce, to the Indian-favorite German Chocolate Cake, the entire menu looks delicious. According to reviewers, you should be ordering Ammi’s Lamb Chops and Yogurt Kebab, and of course, the Naan. Come here with someone who is well-traveled and enjoys fine-dining. If you yearn to try it now, you can always get a seat at the bar. Full review to follow. Main image by courtesy of Bungalow, by Alex-Staniloff.
Bungalow, 24 1st Ave (betw 1/2nd St) East Village
Thai food is having a moment, and while we may have a lot of choices, there are only a few spots that hold our attention. KRAAM (indigo or organic dye) is among our list of exciting summer openings for its menu alone. In fact, throw out everything you know about Thai food and expect the unexpected. KRAAM’s owner and chef, Pongsathorn Thinnuch, is an alumnus of JoJo’s and Hutong. It is no wonder then that he knows exactly how to take a classic dish and give it a special twist. The elegant restaurant features outdoor dining, a stylish bar, and two small dining rooms. We were especially awe-struck by their collection of vintage porcelain and milk glass. Above all, it is the coziness of the place and the friendly staff that makes you feel welcomed at KRAAM.
When ordering, make sure to study the menu and try to be adventurous. Menus will be guided by season and there are plenty of options designed for sharing, this way you get to find your favorite dish. Among KRAAM’s reinvented classics is the Grilled Sweet Corn addition to their Papaya Salad, giving it extra crunch. The most surprising dish was the Muek Yang Grilled Marinated Baby Squid with Asian pear, but the clear winner at our table was the Confit Chicken Khao Soi – a Northern Thai curry dish made with chicken thighs, egg noodle, crispy noodle, shallot and vegetable relish. This comforting dish was seriously satisfying.
For drinks, KRAAM offers a well-curated drink menu, featuring an international wine list, Sake and Soju cocktails, and even Thai beer. Our favorite drink ended up being the Plum Martini, which was shaken with sake, Soju, plum wine, and plum bitters. Come here with someone who enjoys Thai food and excellent cocktails. It is the ideal spot for food before a big night out, or a delicious lunch with parents visiting from out of town. From their pleasant contemporary interior and unique cocktails, to reinvented mouth-watering dishes, this modern Thai restaurant knows how to please a New Yorker. If you don’t want the night to be over, we recommend stepping into the glamorous Fifth Avenue Hotel next door.
KRAAM 254 Fifth Avenue, (betw 28/29th St) NoMad
Korean fried chicken and champagne make quite the pair, and you can have both at Coqodaq. Simon Kim of Gracious Hospitality Management (who is also behind the Michelin starred Cote Steakhouse) has managed to open a restaurant that is fresh and unlike anything else in the city. The buzzy restaurant aims to hold the record for offering patrons the most extensive champagne list in America. We recommend pairing your champagne with Coqodaq’s Bucket List ($38 per person,) and the classics, like mac and cheese and coleslaw.
If you came across Coqodaq on Instagram, you already know that the chicken nugget topped with caviar is a must. Coqodaq celebrates indulgence, and truthfully it sounds like heaven. Snagging a reservation is hard, unless you are willing to dine at 11pm, but we hear the food, chic decor and ambiance makes it worth it. They even have a luxurious hand washing station, which you will need to use after eating your bucket of finger-licking chicken.
Coqodaq, 12 East 22nd St (betw Broadway/Park Ave S) Flatiron
The opening of Beefbar in Tribeca could be a signal that the New York hospitality industry is ready for opulence and back to the office power suits. Beefbar is an internationally known brand, and can be recognized by their beef-centric menu, and penchant for aesthetics. The New York outpost is set inside a 1920s Tribeca building, which you might recognize as Nobu’s original location. The beautifully done interior can be credited to a French studio, Humbert & Poyet, and can only be described as lavishly elegant. The subdued colors and natural elements give this spot a relaxing feeling. Then there is the quirkiness of Beefbar, like their artful meat display by the kitchen. We cannot think of a better place to occupy the historic space. It almost seems like a place that should have had an outpost in New York all along. Yes, New York already has plenty of steakhouses, but none can compare to the elegance of Beefbar. We do applaud them for their style and creativity. While we want to tell you to come here with someone who loves steak, there are plenty of vegetarian and fish options on the menu to please just about anyone.
Beefbar New York, 105 Hudson St (betw Franklin/Moore St) Tribeca
One of the most intriguing cafes opened in 2024. Do not let the name fool you. Conwell Coffee Hall is no mere coffee shop. This art-deco style cafe is inside a historic bank building that features a sophisticated interior, and a menu that features a full bar. While the building has an extensive history, the Conwell Coffee Hall states on their website that the space was used by the legendary Life And Trust Bank. The cafe is named after the bank’s CEO, J.G. Conwell. From the gilded-age style entrance to the bank teller ordering station with a 1920’s WPA-era style mural, this cafe can only be described as an immersive experience. Much of the interior has been preserved, like the marble pillars. We do appreciate a business that respects old New York. As a side note, the space might look familiar to fans of the movie Inside Man.
You order by walking up to the teller windows and you are provided with a table number. The manu offers small breakfast items like croissants to lunch items like a Waldorf Salad and Summer Gazpacho Soup. If you should stay a while, they do offer a whole pot of coffee. The large bank space offers plenty of seating, which includes Bar Height Tables for standing, and comfy leather couches. Come here with someone who loves coffee and architecture, as it is a sight to behold.
Conwell Coffee Hall, 6 Hanover St (betw Beaver St/Exchange P) Financial District
