Morgan Carter

Choosing a favorite restaurant in New York City is a joyful task with myriad possibilities depending on the occasion, mood and even the time of year. Your favorite dive, fine dining destination and neighborhood favorite might all occupy top spots on your personal best list in spite of their disparate qualities.  Our list of NYC’s 50 best restaurants is the same, spanning each of those categories and more to comprise a catalogue of all the places we wish we were at right now. They don’t have to be the newest or the most recently reviewed, just places that we’ve been to and want to return to again and again, and that we think that you will, too.  RECOMMENDED: NYC’s best bars right now Updated May 2025: In this most recent update, we updated our entry for Bunna Cafe after a recent visit and added in Cote's world's best designation. We also removed Di Fara Pizza and added Una Pizza Napoletana.  Note: Many of the city’s best chefs, restaurants and concepts have been welcomed into the Time Out Market. Because that is the highest honor we can award, establishments related to the market have not been ranked here, but you can see them below.  Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.

I often get the question: What's your new favorite restaurant on the scene? And oftentimes, that question alone is enough to make my head spin. Not for lack of trying, but attempting to stay up-to-date with the rotating door of restaurants that make their debut, month after month after month, can be quite the endeavor. So, we've decided to collect some of the latest and greatest on this list of the best new restaurants in New York, for my peace of mind, and so that you, the reader, can get out there and try it yourself. And who knows, maybe a few of these might make it to our best restaurants list by the end of the year. May 2025: As of this month, the current list of the best new restaurants in NYC includes a kimchi tasting menu, an all-day cafe from a master of the baking scene and an Italian supper club that reopened for its second act. So get out there and eat!

The only places that offer even better views than New York City’s best waterfront restaurants are our water-top restaurants: yes, we're talking about those scenic boat bars and floating eateries that give off that breezy yachting lifestyle—but without the high price and pesky barnacles that stow away on an actual watercraft. Mostly only open seasonally, they’re peak spring and summer destinations with the warm-weather menus to match, all with a side of real-deal seafaring. So ahoy! New York's best boat bars will rise the tide for all your going-out plans this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 27 best outdoor bars in NYC Updated May 2025: We removed North River Lobster Company and La Barca as the company permanently closed in 2024. We also removed Pilot as the boat is currently undergoing renovations. 

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays.

Sure–celebrating Cinco de Mayo satisfies any South-of-the-Border craving, but why reserve the city’s best margaritas in NYC for just one day? It's always time for tequila, especially when shaken up with a hit of spice or swirled with sweet watermelon. Hit NYC’s best Mexican restaurants for some serious agave spirits, or down them alongside some of Gotham's best tacos. Fair warning, though: You're gonna want a pitcher.   RECOMMENDED: Full guide to cocktails in NYC Updated May 2025: We added Gueros Brooklyn, Fresco's Cantina, Oyamael and Superbueno. We removed the Black Ant as it closed, La Contenta, La Loncheria and Kokomo. 

The one thing you’ll catch New Yorkers being humble about–self-deprecating, even–is our Mexican food. NYC locals will demure to west coasters before muttering under our breath about the pizza, bagels and inimitable tap water that’s said to make this city’s food so great. But our very own Mexican culinary landscape has gone from good to great and then some over the years, and we, too, have plenty to boast about. Here’s where to find the very best Mexican food in NYC right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC April 2025: We added Carnitas Ramirez, Mariscos El Submarino, Mayahuel and Nene's Taqueria. We removed Dos Toros, Empellón al Pastor and Molé. 

Sure, there's nothing stopping you from frequenting the best outdoor bars in NYC year-round, but spring and summer are prime time for open-air imbibing. Those sunny days are longer, the temperatures are warmer and fun-loving frozen drinks reenter the mix all around town. With scenic appearances by floating boat bars, cloud-skimming rooftops and bloom-filled secret gardens, these are our favorite places to sip beer, wine, cocktails and all manner of boozy consumables outside in NYC this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in NYC right now Updated April 2025: We added TALEA Beer Co. and Frog Wine Bar. We removed Bandits and Parklife. We also temporarily removed Frying Pan, Grand Banks, Gowanus Yacht Club and Tacoaway Beach since they are still closed for the season. Lastly, we removed Gran Electrica, Island Oyster and Leyenda as they are now closed. 

“Cheap” has a unique meaning in NYC. There are people in other parts of the country (or at least on the internet) who will try to tell you that they can get a whole house, college education or town hall bribe for $10 where they’re from. This is, of course, untrue, but the five boroughs are certainly more expensive than most places. That’s why satisfying “cheap eats” for $10 and under are noteworthy in New York. In a city where it costs $5.80 just to get to work and back by subway, finding something to fill you up for a little less than twice that much can be a cheerless relief. If said item is also actually tasty, it reintroduces some levity back into the occasion. So the next time you’re choosing between a four-bedroom in Anytown, USA or excellent slices, sandwiches, or tacos, have a look below and know that you made the right choice.  Updated April 2025: We added A&A Bake and Doubles, Charles Pan Fried Chicken, NY Dosas, Eight Jane Food and Maya's Congee Cafe. We removed Arepa Lady, Paulie Gee's Slice Shop, Smør and Taqueria Al Pastor. We also removed Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch as the restaurant is closed and opening a street level cafe .  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Growing up, a shelf-stable sandwich was a constant cast member in my brown bag lunch, from the reliable turkey with a squirt of mustard to the simple yet satisfying peanut butter and jelly variety, all of which was prepared by my loving mother. But as I've grown, so has my imagination as to what I can slide between two halves of bread.  The mighty sandwich is really a vehicle for all. Carnivorous appetites call for hunks of brisket and barbecue to pastrami-stacked creations. Yet sandwiches sprouting with veggies and vegetarian-forward ingredients can be just as satisfying if not more. And no matter what, a sandwich beats a sad desk salad, any day. When the hankering calls for a carb-laden lunch (or breakfast or dinner, we don't care), thumb through this list and discover your new favorite sub. Editor's note: We removed Bonafide Delicatessen and Cafe, Ciao, Gloria, Henry Public and Rowdy Rooster. We added Bark Barbecue, Calyer, Daily Provisions, Ends Meat, Ollin, Win Son Bakery and The Bonnie.  RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

One in two Time Out readers dine out at least once a week, according to our research, and if you know New Yorkers, it's probably safe to round up. All this dining out takes a toll, but not in the way you might think. The restaurant industry is an ecosystem of farmers and ranchers, restaurateurs and servers, and yes, customers—all of whom make their own impact on our planet. So where you choose to spend your coin matters. If we want to continue to support the restaurant industry and our world at large, we must support those who are doing it right. A number of restaurants here in New York City are pushing the envelope when it comes to sustainability, from responsibly sourcing meats and produce to reducing food waste—and diners are taking notice. According to our study, 68% percent of respondents said they would choose restaurants with locally-sourced ingredients, while 67% stated they would make choices based on whether venues reduce their food waste. So in honor of Earth Day, Time Out is shining a light on sustainability in the scene with our latest stamp. Our green mark of approval, our "Sustainable" stamp, will recognize restaurants and bars who are serving us while saving the planet. In this way, we hope that this helps you, the reader, make better decisions for your plate and the future.  To put our stamp to good use, we've rounded up 11 restaurants found right here in NYC that are working toward a greener future, from offering sustainable, seafood-forward selections to pr

There’s so much to eat, drink and do at Time Out Market New York that you might as well start planning your followup visit as soon as you walk through the door. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to experience our editorially curated dining destination in DUMBO—including grabbing a table, queuing up takeout or ordering delivery from the comfort of your couch (no shame in that). Take a look at your options and start plotting out your next order. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Time Out Market New York Dining In & Ordering Takeout at Time Out Market New York If you’re dining with us in DUMBO, there are two ways to pay. You can use a credit card at any of our kitchens or bars or you can purchase a Time Out Market (TOM) card with cash at the bar. (Hey, they make great gifts, too.) Better yet? You can enjoy contactless ordering via your smartphone from anywhere in the Market. That means you can hit up the bar, order a drink, grab a table and decide what you want to eat at your own pace. All you need to do is scan the barcode on your table. This will bring up Time Out Market New York’s online ordering page on your phone’s browser. Then, select how you want your food delivered—“deliver to table,” “counter pickup” or “to go.” Then type in your table number if you’re getting food sent directly to your table (each table in the Market is numbered).  Choose from the market’s vendors (Wayla, the Maiz Project, Okiboru, Pastrami Factory, Jacob’s Pickles, Ivy Stark Mexology, Felice Pasta Ba

Every drink seems ideal when you're at the perfect bar. Your dive’s beer is frosty, rooftops send you soaring toward the clouds and cocktail destinations shake and stir myriad ingredients into ideally calibrated glassware—leaps above what you try to craft at home. The options are unending, the ice is nicer and you aren’t just drinking, you’re at the spot.  Whether you're dabbling in low-ABV libations, making your way through dedicated martini menus or collecting passwords for pseudo speakeasies, there is an ideal location for every taste, tolerance and occasion. Find them among the 50 best bars in NYC right now. Updated April 2025: In this most recent update, we added Sunn's and updated Experimental Cocktail Club after a recent visit. We also removed Apotheke. Time Out has instituted a sitewide policy change. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out "How we review at Time Out." 

Indian cookery has carved its own lane in America. Over the years, countless Indian chefs, restaurateurs and bartenders have come to redefine and challenge the cuisine, all while honoring India's vast and differing regional varieties. Lining up with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, New York's finest restaurateurs, bar innovators and storytellers are coming together to celebrate the past, present and exciting future of Indian food.   On June 12, the Asia Society will host the panel, "Culinary Crossroads: Innovating Indian Cuisine in New York City." Moderated by The Culture Tree's Anu Sehgal, the panel will include Roni Mazumdar, founder of Unapologetic Foods (Adda, Dhamaka, Masalawala & Sons and Semma); Maya Kaimal, author and founder of Maya Kaimal Foods; and Hemant Pathak, head of bars and general manager of Junoon and Jazba. The evening will discuss unique challenges Indian restaurants face, creativity in the kitchen and how these culinary legends are representing tradition amidst an ever-changing landscape. The panel will follow with bites and drinks from Andaaz, Junoon, Rowdy Rooster, Maya Kaimal and Rupee Beer.  Tickets to the event are $25 for non-members, $15 for members. Reserve your spot here. 

New Orleans has a special place in my heart. Yes, my first visit in my twenties was marked with three-for-one drinks and frozen slushies dispensed in bars, malls—really, anywhere I could find get one. But in my subsequent travels down south, I’ve been more focused on how locals actually live, and more importantly, eat. While you can’t truly define the cuisine of New Orleans in one sentence, Creole cookery, warming bowls of gumbo and all the oysters for the plucking is most definitely part of the story. So when Strange Delight made its debut last summer, I was more than happy to see a bit of New Orleans make its way to New York.  Even from the street, the restaurant makes itself known with a greenish tiled facade and shutters that perpetually stay open and welcoming. Walking inside, the front room almost reads like a diner, with cream tiled walls, soft globe lights and a squat marble bar with stripes of blue, brown and yellow. The counter provides the best shot of the expo kitchen, where you can catch chefs frying extra-large catfish nuggets, while others spoon generous hunks of seasoned butters onto oysters before they meet the fire of the oven. The back room is more formal and farthest away from the clanks of the kitchen, with turquoise booths, an illuminated back bar and even a skylight on the ceiling. While the back is probably the best for families and those who like quiet while they eat, those who appreciate the rhythm of the kitchen will appreciate the bar near the entr

Since 2022, Puerto Rico's Chef's Garden has carried on with a simple ethos: "del huerto a tu mesa" or "from the orchard to your table." Day in and day out, chef Josiah Hernandez carries this mission forward, utilizing ingredients found in the Caribbean fused with the tropical tastes of Latin America. Since its inception, the restaurant has received notable awards, many of them in sustainability, including the Food Made Good certification from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and best sustainable restaurant in Latin America & Iberian Peninsula from Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía. And now, this celebrated restaurant is coming to New York for a special pop-up dinner. From May 22 to May 24 at LUME Studios, Chef's Garden is bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to NYC. To give the full breadth of the cuisine, chef Hernandez will be joined by fellow Puerto Rican chefs: acclaimed pastry chef Alexa of Trigo Artisan Bake House and chef Dejanaira Torres of Claudia PR. Starting with a cocktail hour, the evening will continue with a seven-course menu, with the option to pair with wine or other non-alcoholic options. The meal will finish with a ceremonial tea service, complemented by a chat from the chef himself. Early bird tickets are $165 and go up to $250 per person. Reserve your tickets here. 

For six years, Anthony Ha and Sadie Mae Burns ran the pop-up circuit with their Vietnamese concept, Ha’s Đặc Biệt. It gained quite the following during the pandemic era, exciting us with egg-scallion bánh mìs and cabbages stuffed with pork shank. Making the rounds all around NYC, the duo even landed a residency in Paris and caught the eye of the The New York Times. But the ultimate goal was always to get four walls to call their own, and as of 2025, the couple has finally settled down in the Lower East Side with a new name: Ha’s Snack Bar. A chalkboard lays out the specials of the day, which wax and wane with the moods of the chefs, and have thus far included snails bubbling in tamarind butter to bass crudo showered with nuoc cham. Plenty of wines lay behind the bar, cooling in ice buckets, ready to be paired with it all. 

Pizza Party Alert. Blackbird Presents: The F&F Pizza Sessions is throwing the ultimate pizza party all summer long. Hosted by acclaimed chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli of F&F Pizzeria, the summer-long pizza party will feature US and international talent all trained in the art of sauce and dough. Kicking it off on May 20, the winner of Food Network television series "Food Network Star" and owner of Gabagool Shop, Christian Petroni will be cooking in the kitchen with Mark Iacono of neighboring Carroll Gardens eatery, Lucali. For the evening, F&F's back garden will be transformed into a pizza enthusiast’s dream, featuring an epic lineup of pies alongside specials straight from the restaurant, from salads to their signature arancini. Cocktails, wine and beer are also included.  Looking to plan your summer? Here's the full lineup: May 20: Christian Petroni (Gabagool Shop) and Mark Iacono (Lucali) June 9: Carola and Victoria Santoro (Ti Amo Pizzeria) and Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco)  July 15: Frank Pinello (Best Pizza) and Ryan Gray (Elena) August 19: Dan Richer (Razza) and Marc Vetri (Pizzeria Salvy) Tickets are $175 and include food and drinks. Reserve yours here. 

Championship ribs are the name of the game at Rib King NYC, the annual BBQ festival celebrated on the heels of Memorial Day weekend. But for 2025, this all-you-can-eat and drink fest has even more to, well, eat.  On May 24, Rib King NYC returns to Industry City. Thirteen top chefs from across NYC will battle it out for the title of best ribs in the city. Returning faces include defending champion Vincent Mangual of Empire BBQ, 2024 runner-up Anthony Scerri of Smoke Sweats and People's Choice winner Darlene Lawrence of Sands Jerk Hut. New competitors include Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Oak Marprasert of KAM RAI THAI and Gavin, Jamie and Chris Farella of Brothers Barbecue.  Back from that big fryer in the sky, Jimmy's No. 43 is returning for one day only. Known for its robust beer and cider collection, the once beloved East Village restaurant will fire up plant-based options throughout the day. The festival will also include a Masienda station to cook up freshly made sopes and tortillas made with masa harina. But beyond unlimited eats, there are also unlimited drinks, with pours from a handful of NYC-based distilleries, including The New York Distilling Company, Upstate Vodka, Brooklyn Gin and Fort Hamilton Distillery. As an added plus, a handful of zero-proof options will also be available. And if you still have room for a sweet treat, MuMsKitchens NYC, Tipsy Scoop Boozy Ice Cream and Aurelia Gelato will be there to satiate your second stomach.   Tickets range from $50 for general adm

Juan Correa and chef Erik Ramirez's latest, Papa San, continues to tell the tale of its sister restaurants (Llama Inn and Llama San). The story? The fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine known as Nikkei. Now, they are sharing their story at Hudson Yards. Papa San leans more into the casual nature of izakayas in a space that exudes a casual cool with concrete walls, plants that hang from the ceiling and a sleek neon light fixture that reads "Papa San" that circles the bar. You'll want to come with a few friends to try all things shareable, be it the warm Blue Crab Maki roll encased in a bouncy, tempura crust and the mushroom-heavy Eel Pizza that almost encourages you to devour it, as the heap of bonito flakes on top waves you in. Buenos Aires-based punk bar Tres Monos took over the bar here, shaking sake with garlic and mango and crowning martinis with heady passionfruit foams.

Waterfront views? Thirty-plus pizzerias? And all the slices your heart could ever desire? Yes, yes and yes. This spring, the annual Pizza on the Pier is back on Sunday, May 18. Hosted by Fornino at their Pier 6 location at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the annual charity event is gathering 30 of the cities finest pizzamakers for a party like no other. Each pizzeria will be baking a specialty pie just for the day, and for the first time ever, there will be plant-based and even gluten-free pies for eating. Guests can nosh on unlimited slices from F&F Pizza, Kesté Pizza e Vino, Rubirosa, STRETCH Pizza and more. But beyond just eating (is there such a thing?), you can also catch a pizza-making lesson from Ooni Ambassadors, win prizes, and more. The event benefits Slice Out Hunger's Pie it Forward program, which purchases pizzas from independent shops to be donated to shelters and soup kitchens around the city.  Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 on the day of the event. Buy your tickets here.

Ten years ago, Rawia Bishara of Bay Ridge's beloved Tanoreen shared her Middle Eastern upbringing, history and treasured family recipes in her first cookbook, "Olives, Lemons and Za’atar." Now, Rawia is sharing a new story, and you are invited to get a first look. On Saturday, May 17, join the founder of Tanoreen for the launch of her latest cookbook, "Tanoreen: Palestinian Home Cooking in Diaspora," at Time Out Market New York. Her second book shares the cookery of Palestinian cuisine across the diaspora, alongside her inspirations gleaned from her journeys abroad. Alongside the launch, there will be a conversation with Rawia and her daughter and partner at Tanoreen, Jumana Bishara. Together, they will speak about the latest cookbook and the inspiration behind the recipes, from traditional dishes to inventive creations. For a true taste, the duo will be cooking recipes straight from the book, showcasing just how Tanoreen has become a culinary landmark, 27 years running.  Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Middle East Children's Alliance, a nonprofit organization which works to protect the rights and improve the lives of children in the Middle East through aid, empowerment and education. General admission tickets are $5. $40 tickets will grant guests admission and a signed cookbook. Reserve yours here.

Within a year of its opening, Shota Omakase earned its first Michelin Star. And while that accolade is enough to draw customers to this far-reaching Williamsburg restaurant without complaint, it is chef Cheng Lin's passion that will keep you coming back for more. Here, chef Lin is ready to feed and educate you, readily sharing how his bluefin tuna is sourced within a 10-kilometer radius of Southern Japan and why three months is the perfect time to age ponzu sauce. It all culminates in a one-of-a-kind, transportative experience that will get you moving to Domino Park, time and time again. 

The second venture from husband and wife team, chef Soogil Lim and his wife Sassok Youn, RAON grounds itself around a staple of Korean culture: kimchi. Here, the couple digs even deeper into their shared Korean heritage, with all roads leading back to the iconic dish. You'll find white kimchi, bluefin tuna and caviar in the Tuna + Caviar, while the aged jang kimchi in the Uni Gimbap gives a more umami bite, once you can talk yourself over destroying such an artful piece of food. Sommelier Hak Soo Kim (formerly of Per Se and Jungsik) has sourced a menu of premium soju wine and beer for the partaking, while head bartender Mario Castro has drummed up a tight cocktail menu of kimchi-washed martinis and gochugaru-infused tipples.

Pastry chef Renata Ameni has cooked pastry at some legendary locations in the nation, including Jean-Georges and Eleven Madison Park, to developing the pastry program at Crown Shy and Saga (hello, sticky toffee pudding!). Under Kent Hospitality, chef Ameni now has her own to call home, found in the old Domino Sugar factory in Williamsburg. Her all-day cafe and bakery includes a sturdy bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and a rotating cast of pasrtries inside the glass counter, from Strawberry Coconut-Cheesecake Danishes and pizza croissants to dishes that nod to her heritage, such as Pao De Queso and Alfajores. For more all-day eats, the cafe has Italian dip sandwiches and grain bowls for the taking. 

Another New York day, another Wagyu burger.  Just last week, we notified you that Manhattan welcomed a Wagyu-only burger joint: NADC Burger. Now, yet another (award-winning!) Wagyu burger has entered the villa, traveling all the way in from Westchester.  RECOMMENDED: The 17 best burgers in NYC right now Fresh off their soft opening this weekend, Deux Luxe (384 Broome Street) is officially open as of today. The burger concept comes from sisters Charlotte and Carrie Denoyer—second-generation NYC restaurateurs, the siblings also run Café Deux, an all-day cafe in Harrison, New York. While known for its French American classics, the cafe gained some local notoriety with its Wagyu burger. Earning the esteemed title of "Best Wagyu Burger in Westchester" last year from Westchester Magazine, the mag nodded to its “75/25 ratio of lean-to-fat meat” and its “double dose of sunlight-hued tangy cheddar and creamy aioli.” Now, the sisters decided to bring their prized cow down south, hoping to capture the hearts and stomachs of Manhattan. Behind the grill is executive chef Alex Aparicio (formerly of Dovetail and Avante Garden), who cooks up a menu of classics, including burgers, sandwiches and fries. If you’d rather keep it simple, try the Classic with a Wagyu beef base, topped with cheddar cheese and garlic aioli on a soft bun. But if that isn’t enough to arrest your appetite, the Big Deux certainly will. With double the patties and three sesame buns, this jumbo sandwich is stacked high wi

When it comes to the art of kaiseki, the traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, chef Isao Yamada is truly a master. Studying Japanese tea and honing his craft among various restaurants in Japan, including the three-Michelin starred Kitcho, chef Yamada went on to open his own in his hometown of Fukuoka—Kaiseki Hanaei. The chef moved stateside in the early 2010s, invited to work alongside a trailblazer of the New York scene, David Bouley. As executive chef of Tribeca’s Brushstroke, chef Yamada served one of the earliest kaiseki meals in the city, earning two stars from the Michelin Guide and two stars from The New York Times. After it shuttered in 2018, chef Yamada went on to man a 600-square-foot counter in midtown, Kaiseki Room by Yamada, before it too closed. Earlier this month, the chef returned to the scene with a new concept two years in the making.   RECOMMENDED: These 16 NYC restaurants were just added to the Michelin Guide Simply known as Yamada (16 Elizabeth Street), the kaiseki tasting counter opened its doors on April 2. Channeling the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, or beauty in simplicity, the interior keeps it minimalistic with a chef counter made of hinoki wood, elements of black and gold marble to model kintsugi, or the Japanese art of fixing broken items with gold, and a sunken kitchen where guests can watch the chef at work. Photograph: Evan Sung| Interior of Yamada Chef Yamada centers his 10-course meal around three principles: seasonality (shun), har

When I think of chef Phillip Frankland Lee, his Michelin-starred tasting menus come to mind, be it sushi in a speakeasy setting at Sushi by Scratch or multi-course, scratch-made pastas at Pasta Bar. But for the past few years, chef Lee has been dipping his toes in the fast-casual realm, jumping on the smashburger trend. But for Lee, his joint has only one burger on the menu, and one burger only—and that burger is Wagyu. And as of today, New York has 'em too.  Today, NADC Burger is making its debut in Soho. The eatery, which stands for “Not a Damn Chance,” comes from a seemingly unlikely duo, as chef Lee teamed up with professional skateboarder Neen Williams. The longtime friends who bonded over skateboarding and eventually cooking, the duo first brought the concept to Austin back in 2022. Now, the mini burger chain has locations in Chicago, Denver and Fort Worth, Texas, with the latest to land right here in NYC.  “What started as two friends chasing the ideal burger has grown into something bigger, and bringing it to New York, a city with so much devotion to food, feels unreal. We can’t wait for New York to taste what we’ve built,” said Neen Williams, co-founder of NADC Burger, in a press release.  Only two burgers exist on the menu here: the NADC Burger and a kid's version. The signature smash uses two Wagyu patties with onions pressed right in, layered with American cheese, a swirl of house-made sauce, plus pickles and jalapeños on a toasted potato roll. The kid's version s

For over 15 years, Ray Martinez, known as DJ Ray Suave, has been spinning Caribbean, soca and Latin tunes on the nightlife circuit. Three years ago, he brought his talents to Time Out Market New York, and it's been a party ever since.   One of Brooklyn’s best nights of the week is on a weekday thanks to Salsa Thursdays. Once just a night of music, the weekly party has evolved into a full-on salsa dance party. Alongside Martinez—award-winning salsa champion and professional dancer, who was a featured dancer in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights 2021 film—Marlene Veras teaches free, 30-minute lessons to dancers of all abilities. With a career that includes performing at the Billboard Latin Music Awards as a teen, percussionist Jessica Rodriguez is also a fixture of the Thursday night party, playing everything from congas and bongos to maracas to keep the rhythm going.   This Thursday, May 15, Salsa Thursdays is celebrating its third anniversary of dancing, rhythm and fun. The anniversary party will include free dance lessons from Veras, a set from DJ Willie Sabrosura and more. We spoke to the band to hear how it all got started, their upcoming milestone and how they’ve kept the party going strong three years later.  Time Out: How did you get involved with Salsa Thursdays at Time Out Market?  Ray Martinez: I got involved with Time Out Market through musician Ronnie Roc [that] I've worked with for more than 10 years.  Marlene Veras: I got involved in May 2022 when musician Ronni

For the month of May, Time Out New York is celebrating the culture and contributions of Asian Americans across the diaspora for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. To that end, we are highlighting some of our AAPI vendors at Time Out Market New York. So far, we got intel from owner and head chef Matthew Lim of Okiboru on how we should be eating ramen's bolder cousin. This week, we chatted with the culinary legend himself: Masaharu Morimoto of Mori Mori. We spoke with the “Iron Chef” to hear about his comfort foods, a cooking tool he can’t live without and how he ushered in AAPI Month at one of the largest Japanese cultural celebrations in New York.  This year, you ushered in the 4th annual Japan Parade and Street Fair as the Grand Marshal. What did that mean to you? Masaharu Morimoto: It’s a big honor for me to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Japan Parade. I’ve spent many years sharing Japanese food and culture in America, so this feels very meaningful. It’s a great chance to celebrate Japan with the New York community, and I’m excited to see everyone and be part of this special event. How are you continuing to celebrate your heritage during AAPI Month and beyond? MM: Through my restaurants, cooking and teaching people about Japanese cuisine. During AAPI Month and beyond, I highlight authentic Japanese ingredients and techniques in everything I do. It’s important, to me, to honor tradition while also introducing more people to the flavors of Japan. What i

Since 2019, chef Erik Ramirez has been cooking up his interpretation of Nikkei cuisine at Llama San in the West Village. Not just a favorite among various media outlets, the restaurant was also credited with the boom of Peruvian flavors on a worldwide stage (per the New York Times). Yet among all its accolades and fanfare, the team announced yesterday that it would be coming to an end. In an Instagram post, the Llama San team announced the closure. “They say all good things must come to an end. After almost 6 years in business Llama San will be closing on Saturday June 7,” the announcement read. “It's been a wonderful ride and a great pleasure to serve you while showcasing Peruvian ingredients and the magic of Nikkei cuisine.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Llama San (@llamasannyc) Following the very successful Llama Inn in Brooklyn, the team took to the city in 2019 to open a sister spot Llama San. Continuing the exploration of chef Erik Ramirez's Peruvian-Japanese heritage through Nikkei cuisine, the restaurant was a clear hit from the beginning, nabbing a three-star review from the New York Times and was named Eater's “Restaurant of the Year” in 2019. Time Out New York gave it a four-star rating, praising chef Ramirez for his interpretation of Nikkei cuisine, even calling the scallop ceviche “one of the best dishes we’ve tasted in 2019.” According to their PR rep, the team is "focused on closing out these last few weeks of service and spendi

At last, night market season has arrived. The annual crop of night markets seem to reward us for trudging through cold days all winter—and now enduring sweltering days not quite perfect for dining outdoors.  A bevy of open-air night markets will pop up around town this summer, from the upper reaches of the Bronx to Queens. We've rounded up details on all of them, so grab some cash and make plans to eat locally—and deliciously.  Photograph: Courtesy Gillian Todd Bronx Night Market First day April 26; Last day October 25; Runs on the last Saturday of the month Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen.  Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to. Photograph: Courtesy of Uptown Night Market Uptown Night Market First day April 10; Last day October 9; Runs on the second Thursday of the month The massive foodie f

New York’s Urimat Hospitality is all about sharing the essence of Korean cuisine—so much so that the newly formed hospitality group announced three Korean concepts set to land in NYC this year, all housed in a tri-level, 30,000-square-foot space that borders NoMad and Koreatown. The first to kick it off was HOWOO, a high-end Korean BBQ restaurant where grills sizzle with USDA prime, dry-aged beef and A5 Wagyu. Last month, the second restaurant made its debut. But instead of meat, the story is all about tofu. Indicative of the name, DubuHaus (dubu translates to tofu) is dedicated to all things tofu. Located a level below HOWOO, the bean curd-based restaurant is minimalistic in nature, inspired by hanok, or traditional Korean homes. The resulting 100-seat dining room features a handsome, wood-heavy interior with natural stone floors and floor-to-ceiling partitions made of wood and glass. The open kitchen runs the length of the room, giving guests a front row seat to the making of dubu. Photography courtesy of DubuHaus| Interior of DubuHaus Every morning, the kitchen’s tofu “atelier” starts with organic, non-GMO soybeans sourced from South Korea. From there, the atelier soaks and grinds down beans and tends to massive metal pots that boil with bean curds and water. It all culminates at the tofu press, where the chef forms and slices the bean curds into classic, jiggling squares. As you can guess, tofu is heavily weaved throughout the menu. Seven varieties of Soondubu jjigae (o

For the month of May, Time Out New York is celebrating the culture and contributions of Asian Americans across the diaspora for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. To that end, we are highlighting some of our AAPI vendors at Time Out Market New York. This week, we spoke with the owner and head chef of New York’s popular tsukemen shop, Matthew Lim of Okiboru, about his comfort foods, which food across the Japanese diaspora deserves more shine and how he celebrates the month.  Photograph: courtesy Okiboru| Matthew Lim, owner and head chef of Okiboru. What is your comfort food? Matthew Lim: Omurice. It’s simple, nostalgic and reminds me of late-night meals growing up—fluffy eggs, seasoned rice and that sweet-savory ketchup sauce. Pure comfort in every bite. What is a cooking tool you can't live without? ML: Our noodle strainer baskets. It might sound basic, but getting the noodle texture just right is everything. We time and strain each batch with care to hit that perfect chew.  What is a dish that you could eat every day without getting sick of it? ML: Tsukemen, hands down. Dipping the noodles and building each bite your own way keeps it fun and satisfying. The flavor profile shifts just enough each time to stay interesting. What is a Japanese dish that is overrated in American culture? ML: Overloaded sushi rolls. Sushi is incredible, but in the U.S., it’s sometimes turned into more of a spectacle—piled high with sauces and toppings that can drown out the si

Louis Skibar is getting a bit of a name for himself for taking what’s old and making it new. In 2021, he updated the Upper West Side luncheonette Old John’s Diner, and last year he brought Williamburg’s 100-year-old diner, Kellogg’s Diner, back from the other side (its second life topping our best new restaurants of 2024). Just a few blocks up from Kellogg’s, Skibar has done it yet again, this time turning an old dive into a hub for Italian comforts.  RECOMMENDED: This new cocktail bar in FiDi is an ode to 'Moby-Dick' As of May 2, JR & Son is open yet again for business. Located on the corner of Lorimer Street and Metropolitan Avenue, this is the third act for the space, which was once a supper club named Charlie’s before becoming JR & Son, a semi-friendly neighborhood hang where all used to gather (and we really mean all as the bar was known to seat mob members in its various booths). Yet, the bar closed in 2020 due the pandemic. Nico Arze and Matthew Maddy, who also revamped Kellogg’s Diner, refurbished the 90-year-old space while maintaining its spirit, keeping the decorative tile ceilings and unveiling the black and white tile flooring that was once hidden under linoleum floors. Memorabilia from the dive era has found its place back on the wall, with black and white photos of actors and starlets of yesteryear, next to a fair amount of boxing memorabilia.  Photograph: Nick Johnson| Black and white images of boxing memorabilia and actors from yesteryear hang on the wall

You may not be familiar with the name Bryan Schneider, but if you've knocked back a pepperoncini martini at Bad Roman or a handful of Bangkok screwdrivers at Twin Tails, he’s certainly treated you to a drink. Tending bar since 2005, Schneider has shaken and stirred at some of New York’s most beloved drinking establishments starting with Daniel, eventually overseeing the aforementioned bars while working as the beverage director of Quality Branded. Like many in the industry (and really, most of us out there), Schneider always envisioned owning his own bar. But for him, it wasn’t a lofty, unobtainable thing. Instead, his vision was a modern, maritime meeting place, ripped from the pages of Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby-Dick. “While reading the novel a decade ago, I took about ten pages of notes for a Moby-Dick-inspired bar,” Schneider told Time Out New York, also describing how he was taken by the book’s ties to New York and the vivid description of the smoke-laden, whaling tavern in chapter three, named The Spouter Inn. Ten years passed before Schneider serendipitously came upon his prized find, a bar space near the waters of the Hudson River. And so he decided to harpoon his own catch.   Last Friday, Quick Eternity opened its doors at the South Street Seaport in the Financial District, bringing forward Schneider's interpretation of a seaside whaling tavern through a modern lens. The name of the drinking den is drawn directly from chapter 41 of Moby-Dick: “...to chase

Leading up to Cinco de Mayo, we are sharing the food, culture and stories of Mexican New Yorkers for Cinco to Celebrate. So far, we have featured how this musician uses mariachi to connect with his culture and how to support this longtime Mexican folk art store that is in danger of closing. Today, we are sharing the story of Mayahuel, a family-owned, first-generation Mexican immigrant-run eatery that grinds and mills its own corn in the basement for its masa-centric fare. Leonila Cazares and her husband Carlos Vazquez can often be found underground in an Astoria basement. Over a two-day period, they boil down dried kernels of corn, before straining it and grinding it, all to make the cornerstone of Mexican cuisine: tortillas. But this isn’t the inner workings of a tortillería. This is just the day-to-day operation of the Mexican restaurant Mayahuel.  Opened in 2022, Mayahuel is a family-owned and -operated restaurant in every sense of the phrase. The restaurant was dreamt up by Leonila and Carlos’s sons: Ivan and Marc Vazquez. As a child, Ivan grew up in restaurants, watching his parents work various jobs after they immigrated from Mexico to New York, landing in Astoria and then moving to Jackson Heights. His parents eventually became the owners of Puebla Seafood, a deli-turned-restaurant which they’ve operated for 26 years. Watching them work seven days a week at a time, Ivan remembers it was their love for hospitality that kept them going.  “My mom used to always say that