New York's Best Young Chefs dish on their favorite brunch spots and hidden gems

This week, we proudly announced Time Out New York's 2025 class of Best Young Chefs, featuring three chefs that dish out top-notch food and are committed to excellence: Haley Duren of Cadence, Rasika Venkatesa of Mythily and Tony Yarema of Bakery By Textbook. 

Given their pro status, we absolutely had to ask the chefs about their go-to eats around New York, from top restaurants to their favorite brunch spots and must-mention hidden gems.

Read what they had to say:

RECOMMENDED: Time Out’s Best Young Chefs in New York City right now

What is your favorite go-to spot in the city? 

“I like everything from grabbing tacos at Taqueria Ramirez to getting Semma’s masala dosa. Place des Fetes' well-executed menu hits a variety of flavor profiles that I also have been loving lately.”—Rasika Venkatesa

“My favorite go-to spot in the city is either Spicy Moon (I went there last night for dinner) or any of the Overthrow [Hospitality] locations like Soda Club or Al Andalus. I visit them often because I genuinely enjoy the food in the company!”—Haley Duren 

“Himalayan Yak in Jackson Heights. They have the best momo in NYC, and the platters are great. I usually get the vegetarian one—they keep refilling your dal and sides as you eat, just like in Nepal."—Tony Yarema

What is your favorite brunch spot?

“I love Win Son Bakery in Brooklyn for an early bite. Their soy milk is to die for.”—Duren

“I haven’t had the chance to go out for brunch in the city much yet. My version of brunch is getting late morning baked goods from Radio Bakery in Prospect Heights!”—Venkatesa

“Buvette. They make amazing scrambled eggs in an espresso machine, and you can’t go wrong with steak tartare early in the day.”—Yarema

What are your favorite hidden gems in the city?

“Sobre Masa. It’s gotten some attention, but honestly, it should be packed every day. The freshly ground, freshly made tortillas smell unbelievable. The nopales are great, the sauce flight is incredible—especially the chile de árbol—and their flan is the best I’ve had. I get it every time for dessert.”—Yarema

“I adore Seitan’s Helper Vegan Deli, a worker-owned vegan deli in Bushwick. They make the BEST sandwiches and in-house seitan, and I am their biggest fan.”—Duren

“Lore in Park Slope! Chef Jay does some incredible stuff at Lore and the food there is just delicious!”—Venkatesa