2022 brought us some of the buzziest New York City bar and restaurant openings. It is safe to say that the fresh wave of new hotels, restaurants and bars bring about a “renaissance.” Here is our list of places you should be paying attention to, and start reserving right now.
Ritz Carlton Nomad
Among the new crop of luxury hotels in New York City this year is Ritz Carlton, a 50-story Nomad property. Here is where you can come to experience Mediterranean cuisine by the renowned Michelin-starred chef José Andrés. On the ground level of the hotel you will find Zaytinya (“olives” in Turkish), a stylish place designed by Rockwell Group, offering Turkish, Green and Lebanese cuisines. Eating here feels like a vacation. The interiors are sleek, but warm, and the mezze-style menu makes this the ideal place for group outings. On the 50th floor of the hotel is Nubeluz, combining Spanish words for “cloud” and “light”, by José Andrés. The swanky rooftop venue features back-lit panels at the bar, 132 indoor seats, two terraces, and 270-degree views of the city. The incredible views and posh atmosphere make this an ideal place for a date. Ritz Carlton is not done yet, expect an additional José Andrés opening in the hotel this winter, called Bazaar.
Photo at the top of this post: Jason Varney; Photo above by Bjorn Wallander for Nubeluz
Ritz Carlton Nomad, 25 W 28th St (betw 6th/Broadway)
Le Rock
New Yorkers will never go out of their way to visit an area with a tourist attraction, unless they are promised dinner at a really good restaurant. Le Rock at Rockefeller Center is among the newest restaurant openings this year, and this new brasserie oozes elegance. Nothing says roaring 20s like art deco interiors, especially when they match the building’s art deco facade. The new restaurant opening at 45 Rockefeller Plaza was brought to the center by Tishman Speyer, Rockefeller Center’s real estate company. The goal is to revamp the area, making Rockefeller center a culinary destination. Le Rock is among the first to arrive. The “very french” menu offers traditional options like Bison au Poivre and Duck aux Epices, combined with an impressive selection of natural wines. We look forward to coming back for the lively atmosphere and to try more dishes. So far we’ve just popped in for a glass of wine and the Falafel with Cucumber Yogurt. Christmas at Rockefeller Center is about to get a lot more festive.
Le Rock, inside Rockefeller Center at 45 Rockefeller Plaza (50th St)
Holywater
Ahoy Holywater! Hospitality experts, Crew hospitality group, might be known for their waterfront restaurants, but this time they managed to create a nautical escape on land. Entering Holywater feels like you are descending into a submarine, with lots of stairs leading to a cozy bar, restaurant, and lounge (if coming during light hours, it will take some time for your eyes to adjust!). Crew hospitality group is known for their dedication to the craft of mixology, and so we made it our mission to try their famous Holywater cocktail. It is made with five-year aged Guyanese rum, cognac, lemon, grapefruit, Angostura bitters, Demerara sugar, and lastly, fire. This ceremonial drink, friendly service, plus the eclectic interior make this place a winner in our book. Come here for cocktails or dinner. We opted for cocktails, (the Paddy’s rum punch!) but you can be sure we will be coming back to try the food and to marvel at the layer upon layer of nautically-themed art that covers the space from top to bottom.
Holywater, 112 Reade St. (betw Church St/W Broadway)
Figaro Cafe
For us, one of the most exciting re-openings is Greenwich Village’s famous Figaro Cafe La Figaro Café first opened its doors in 1957, and while it was often frequented by famous customers like Jack Karooucac and Bob Dylan, the place was more of a community hangout and a good place to get an espresso. The name, location and wallpaper stayed, but the menu has had a major overhaul. The classic Village hangout now serves creative dishes like cauliflower steak and a seared ahi tuna sandwich, and also some well-known options like oysters and burger. Open for brunch and dinner, come see the Figaro comeback. We hope they stay for a long while. Make sure to get the pull apart bread, and vegans should opt for the mushroom “scallops.” And do check out the bathrooms for your Insta photo of the night.
Figaro Cafe, 184 Bleecker St. (SE corner MacDougal St)
Lord’s
Lord’s, from chef Ed Szymanski and general manager Patricia Howard, is unlike anything else in the city. Affable Hospitality Group, the team behind Dame, aimed to create an authentic English style bistro experience, and they succeeded. While Dame might be known to be a fun seafood destination, Lord’s is its grown-up, and far more elegant, sibling. This new venture is sure to please meat-eaters, and anyone looking to try traditional English cooking that is not fish and chips. Lord’s offers classics like curried lamb scotch eggs, pig’s head terrine, and meat pies, all served on pretty china. The timing could not be more perfect, as British cuisine offers some of the most coziest dishes ideal for cold weather.
Photos by Evan Sung
Lord’s, 506 LaGuardia Pl (Bleecker/W Houston)
Tin Building
Tin Building is a fascinating new venture by Jean-GeorgesVongerichten. The sprawling 53,000 square-foot destination is a foodie paradise. Tin Building is housed in the former South Street Seaport’s Fulton Street Market, has two stories, six full-service dining venues, retail section, and for those who miss it, the traditional Fulton Fish Co. counter eatery style option. Come here to get spoiled, because the interiors are stylish and the variety of options make this a one-stop-shop for all your dietary needs. We recommend coming here to roam the retail options, eat alone at the counter, or bring a day date. This buzzy place has endless opportunities for hanging out or shopping. Think of this place if you need to bring something special to a dinner party or hostess gift. We popped into the French Brasserie for a healthy bite of salmon.
Tin Building, 96 South St (Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport)
