The best new restaurants in NYC you need to try

What is it? A sequel from the Agi’s Counter team in Red Hook. 

Why we like it: Jeremy Salamon’s self-described “joyful mess” makes us feel right at home with old lady plates mounted on the walls, tongs that look like chicken feet and multi-colored light fixtures seemingly lifted from all of our favorite Applebees. What does that say about us? We don’t know. But what we do know is that the smokey and tangy vinaigrette that swims around the tuna crudo and that pancake souffle sparks joy, making for our best new restaurant of the year. And in this economy, we will take it. 

Time Out tip: Speaking of the souffle, it takes 40 minutes to prepare and is only served on the weekends. So if happen a visit on a Saturday night, make sure it is one of the first things you order. 

Address: 347 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 

Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–9:30pm

What is it?

Why we love it: Before you DM us—yes, we know that Adda existed in Long Island City in 2018 and it isn't necessarily the newest thing from the Unapologetic Foods group(that might go to Kebabwala that sits in our market). But one sip of an herbacious and floral onion chutney martini and swipe of partha through the bubbling red lamb with a stir of lamb butter might make you feel brand new. 

Time Out tip: The Butter Chicken Experience has to be planned in advance, meaning you  where poultry is cooked with butter and even smoked with the woodchips of your choosing.

Address: 107 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–10pm

What is it? A Caribbean tasting menu courtesy of the Momofuku group.

Why we love it: Kabawa was one of our most anticipated openings of the year (as was its sister bar, Bar Kabawa) and it certainly delivered. Chef Paul Carmichael has introduced not only the food of his native Barbados to the fine dining sphere, but the spirit of the Caribbean. Because in this house, it is common to find a little tableside whine to the soca music while swiping up pepper jam chutneys with a buss up bread service. But this isn't to say that the food at Kabawa isn't any less serious, which you'll certainly get a taste of Carmichael's finesse within the first course. The favorite goes to the raw royal red shrimp, blushing red with a dusting of hibiscus and as plump and buttery as can be. But it is the dollops of pepper oil that truly tie it together, as the bright orange rounds of sauce bring toe the sweet and heated line of the Scotch bonnet pepper. 

Time Out tip: Arrive a bit early? We wouldn't fault you for getting a nitro daiquiri at Bar Kabawa.

Address: 8 Extra Pl, New York, NY10003

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–10pm

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What is it: Anthony Ha and Sadie Mae Burns's roving Vietnamese pop-up has finally found a home in the Lower East Side.

Why we love it: After six long years of popping up in some of New York's finest restaurants—and even landing a residency in Paris—this pandemic-era favorite has finally found a permanent home in the Lower East Side. Ha's Snack Bar, previously Ha's Đặc Biệt, is run by Anthony Ha and Sadie Mae Burns. Initially meeting on the line at Mission Chinese Food, the chef couple cook Vietnamese-inflected dishes that shift on the daily, as a recent visit yielded raw oysters in a bright green chili nuoc mam sauce and Ouef Mayo with Trout Roe. Wines are part of the deal too, so snag a glass or two. 

Time Out tip: If the tamarind butter snails are available, make sure you add them to your order. 

Address: 297 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Mon and Tues closed; Wed—Sat 5:30–10:30pm 

What is it? The second location of the Thai restaurant shines just as bright with larger digs in Long Island City.

Why we love it: Soothr's East Village restaurant became a favorite for dry and wet noodles and recipes sourced from all around Thailand. The sultry new location has already found a foothold in Long Island City. Part of it is the interior, seamless cycles through a sultry lounge in one corner, and a zen-like garden in the next. But it is the food that will keep you returning, particularly the dungeness crab karee whose beaming red head hides a tender flesh tossed in a silky curry. Get an order of rice to soak it all up.   

Time Out tip: The weekdays turn out to be one of the best days of the week at Soothr, as live jazz reminiscent of Old Shanghai starts at 7pm.

Address: 204 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–3:30pm, 5–10pm

What is it? While it looks like it's been plucked out of the space race era, this steakhouse down the way from Madison Square Garden is as modern as they come. 

Why we love it: The Dynamo Room is the kind of place that could easily please the suit-jacketed C-suite as it could the Knicks-clad crowd. Oysters are chilled, as is the lobster with deviled egg filling to spoon on, and the selection of dry-aged steaks and strips is wheeled to the table so you can personally eye the marbling details for yourself. But the rather spacious outdoor patio plays host to the comings and goings of MSG ticketholders, ready to please with a dry-aged burger that comes with a ladle of prime rib jus right at the table. 

Time Out tip: Don't skip the sweets here. The seasonal Cherries Jubilee is a sundae you will initially want to spoon with our sweetie before you keep it all for yourself, as the ice cream comes with layers of fat cherries and sweetened chunks of brown sugar. 

Address: 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10121

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–9pm; Sat, Sun 4–9pm; the restaurant stays open until 10pm on game days at Madison Square Garden