Sarah Iandoli

With 365 possibilities for a good meal in 2023, Time Out New York editors ate and drank around New York City with gusto. We dine out so frequently in this capital of cuisine that we’re able to pinpoint what makes a good dish, cocktail or dessert—and love to share it with you. Below, we’ve identified eight amazing dishes we loved this year. Some are from NYC’s best new restaurants of 2023, while others are mainstays or just really good spots for a meal that have gone above and beyond in a particular dish.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in NYC right now

Tempo by Hilton Times Square sits on 47th Street and 7th Avenue, just seconds away from busy Times Square—but as soon as you walk through the lobby, you’re transported to a relaxing, warm and modern space.  The doors of the hotel lead to elevators that take you up to the 11th floor, which is where the lobby, bar, restaurant and coffee shop are. After a seamless check-in, I decided to walk around the lounge area and grab a Bluestone Lane coffee from their cafe. Guests are given $10 each day to spend at the cafe, which was a nice surprise! The lounge area has giant floor-to-ceiling windows, TVs, tables, and chairs and comfortable couches to sit at.  I stayed in the King Corner room which has stunning views of Times Square, Central Park South and the Hudson River. The room has a giant window with sheer drapes and blackout curtains to keep the light from Times Square out at night (which is definitely needed considering how bright Times Square is). The room and bathroom were extremely spacious and comfortable, which can be rare at New York City hotels. There was also a large TV in the room that had access to cable and streaming services, like Netflix.  My favorite part of the hotel was Highball, its bar and restaurant. The bar is comfortable and cozy—nestled towards the back of the lounge area but its extensive drink menu with intricate cocktails caught my attention, including the Amalfi Toast—made with vodka, white cranberry juice, Aperol and orange bitters. They also offer alcoh

Having opened its doors in October 2023, Kimpton Hotel Theta offers a calm, relaxing space just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The 364-room hotel is located on 8th Avenue and is walking distance from the Theater District, Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen and Central Park South—making it the perfect launch point for exploring all of midtown. Only a nine-minute walk from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, it’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting during the holiday season.  From the moment I walked through the doors into the warmly lit lobby, I felt relaxed. Kimpton Hotel Theta’s lobby was filled with comfortable furniture, beautiful decor, lush plants and curtains that keep you separated from the business of 8th Avenue. The design is inspired by the Theta brainwaves that are most present in moments of meditation, which was clear upon entering.  The lobby includes a marketplace with snacks, drinks and hotel merchandise—like comfortable robes and reusable bottles, as well as a coffee window that serves freshly brewed coffee and breakfast pastries. It also has a gym with weights and Peloton bikes, as well as bikes you can rent and use to explore the city. Every evening, from 5pm to 6pm, the hotel offers a complimentary wine hour where guests can enjoy a glass before catching a Broadway show or grabbing dinner, which is exactly what I did before heading to John’s of Times Square.   When walking into my room, the first thing I noticed was the size.