New Yorkers are always on the go, and so are the city's chefs, who open new restaurants at a dizzying pace. From cozy neighborhood hideaways to splashy rooms tucked in hotels, there's always somewhere new to indulge. These 10 new eateries, opened in mid to late 2013, are some of the hottest reservations in town.
By Kate Donnelly
Toro
This new sibling of Boston’s Toro—opened in September—sits in an airy, high-ceiling industrial space of reclaimed wood, featuring an open plancha bar and a wall of ivy. Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette deliver perfectly shareable tapas from the comfortable traditions (croquettas and an excellent Iberian ham) to the adventurous (sea urchin and mashed chicken livers). Everything washes down well with a glass of house-made sangria concocted with brandy and tarragon essence.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Villard Michel Richard
The historic New York Palace Hotel houses Villard Michel Richard in a landmarked 19th century neo-Italian Renaissance room Marie Antoinette would have envied. Fans of Chef Michel Richard’s creations flock to his signature lobster burgers while the fish and chips are a nice surprise at an affordable price. Deserts are generous, so consider splitting the decadent profiteroles. The gold-hued space, opened in October, hums with unexpected tunes from the likes of Neil Young and showcases a glass-encased wine cellar of 920 bottles.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Charlie Bird
Chef Ryan Hardy’s hip, boisterous Italian-accented Charlie Bird opened in May, perched on the outskirts of SoHo. Raw (razor clams, fluke), small (chicken liver pate), and large (roasted chicken, skate) plates are transported to the tables by a vigilant waitstaff. The music is cranked high, but be sure to listen to sommelier Robert Bohr run down his diverse wine list. Bonus: Lunch is now served Friday through Sunday.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Minton’s
Culinary Harlem is all the rage right now and Chef Alexander Smalls makes certain nobody leaves hungry at Minton’s with his smoked Berkshire pork chop and sinful lobster and shrimp casserole. The famed, moody space where jazz greats (Parker, Monk) once played was resurrected in October, and is adorned with white tablecloths and a warm rust palette. It’s a great spot to have a dressy date night while enjoying the delicious cuisine and sweet tunes. Nurse a handcrafted cocktail (the “Lady Day” is a riff on the whiskey sour) and let nostalgia beckon once the house band takes stage and the ghost of Dizzie Gillespie struts out.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Juni
Michelin-rated Chef Shaun Hergatt's Juni, which debuted in August, presents vibrant, highly seasonal cuisines in a handsome, neutral room of warm earth tones peppered with pops of greenery. The focus, of course, is Hergett’s inventive and flavorful menu, which leans on refined creations like salmon, flounder, and glazed beef cheeks. Stunning, delicate plating lends itself to culinary art and deserves its own merit, as does the fairly priced three-course lunch.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Kingside
Chef Marc Murphy (of Landmarc) has nestled into Kingside, a New American spot inside the new Viceroy Hotel, which opened in October. The retro room resembles a well-worn Polaroid of bistro blacks and whites, leather banquettes, antique-style lights, and subway tiles. The Kingside burger (with soppressata and white cheddar) and roasted chicken (for two) are approachable and pair well with the salt and pepper fries. Cocktails, courtesy the Gerber Group are tops, but don’t overlook the local beer selection.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Le Bilboquet
In October, the small, Upper East Side eatery, Le Bilboquet, recently relocated three blocks away to a spot four times its original size. Inside, Chef Julien Jouhannaud (an Alain Ducasse alum) famously dishes out a taste of Paris with bistro classics such as fire-roasted meats a la the hanger steak au porivre, a lush beef stew, and a sinful croque monsieur. The elegant, Art Deco room melds nicely with bright expression pieces by local contemporary artist Robert Lambert.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Rotisserie Georgette
In November, former Daniel Boulud PR maven Georgette Farkas and Daniel chef David Malbequi debuted Rotisserie Georgette, a grand, high-ceilinged shrine dedicated to the art of French comfort food. Spit-roasted meat like a seven pepper grass-fed NY strip and farm (air-chilled) roasted chickens are served with your choice of sauce (provencal, diable, and grande mère). Ask the sommelier to introduce you to lesser-known French wine producers. Top kitchen voyeurism award: A seat at the chef’s table.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Skal
Only in New York City could you find a quaint Icelandic cottage-inspired spot situated on a corner in Chinatown. Inside Skal, which opened in August, wooden tables meet school-desk chairs and hanging vintage china. Chef Ben Spiegel draws on unique techniques like hay-smoking, pickling, and fermenting. The menu offers Angus hangar steak and a lamb saddle for two (cooked rare). Skal means cheers in Iceland, so sip the full-bodied Icelandic stout, Lava, to embrace the restaurant's convivial spirit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Bo’s Restaurant
Chef Todd Mitgang's 70-seat Bo's pays loving homage to the Big Easy. Opened in October, and named after the son of the New Orleans civil-rights activist, Andrew “Bo” Young III, the dining room employs exposed brick, mosaic tiles, and gilded mirrors. The menu features Southern starters from an audacious crispy alligator to the more accessible roasted oysters. Main dishes like split pea fried catfish and a Louisiana redfish are sure-fire crowd pleasers. The comprehensive cocktail menu gives martini lovers a special nod as well.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide