15 Best Restaurants In New York To Try In 2026

New York never sits still when it comes to food, and 2026 is shaping up to be a wonderfully adventurous year to eat your way across the city. New openings keep popping up in unexpected corners, familiar favourites continue to refine what they do best, and every neighbourhood seems to have at least one table everyone is quietly talking about.

I have been wandering block by block, pausing at steam-wreathed windows, following good smells down side streets, and scribbling notes about the places that made me smile, linger, or immediately order an extra plate. Some impressed with bold flavours, others with simple perfection, but all of them left a strong enough impression to earn a return visit.

Follow along and I will point you toward signature dishes, useful insider tips, and clear locations so planning a great meal feels easy rather than overwhelming. The list balances buzzy newcomers, enduring classics, and smaller spots that reward patience and curiosity, the kind of places that quietly become favourites once you find them.

1. Lei

Lei serves an elevated take on Chinese-American classics that captures both nostalgia and refinement in one bite. After you sit, I always recommend starting with the steamed buns and a dish that juxtaposes sweet and spicy notes to taste the chef’s restraint and creativity.

Located at 89 Orchard Street, the vibe feels intimate and slightly theatrical without being showy, and the service moves with confident calm.

Expect flavors that are familiar yet reimagined – bright vinegars, glossy sauces, and textures that snap or melt in the mouth. The experience pairs well with a sommelier suggestion or a craft cocktail to balance those umami-driven dishes.

What really sets the place apart is its quietly ambitious wine program, with a deep, thoughtfully curated list that encourages playful pairings rather than rigid rules. Regulars often gravitate toward lighter vegetable dishes like chilled celtuce dressed with gentle acidity, alongside richer plates such as tender braised meats or hand rolled noodles, creating a table that feels balanced, exploratory, and deeply satisfying from first sip to final bite.

2. Smithereens

Smithereens brings inventive seafood to the table with playful presentation and serious technique that surprises regulars and first-timers alike. When I drop by, the small plates are irresistible – each one feels like a carefully told oceanic story, whether a briny crudo or a smoky grilled fish accented with unexpected herbs.

You’ll find Smithereens at 149 W Broadway, and the dining room hums with a friendly energy that’s part bistro, part seafood lab.

The chef’s tasting suggestions guide you through contrasts – acidic hits, cool creams, and crispy elements to keep every bite interesting. It’s a place to linger with wine and share plates until you’re happily stuffed or scheming your next visit.

Regulars often rave about the way the menu shifts with the catch and the seasons, keeping repeat visits feeling fresh without losing the kitchen’s confident identity. The wine list leans bright and coastal-friendly, making it easy to build a table that feels light, layered, and endlessly nibble-worthy rather than heavy.

It is the kind of spot that quietly turns a casual dinner into a memorable evening.

3. Bong

Bong in Crown Heights delivers Cambodian cooking with bold flavors and a welcoming, neighborhood energy that feels like a meal at a friend’s table. I usually opt for a few starters and a noodle dish to share; the herbal notes, funky fish sauce accents, and crunchy textures keep things exciting.

The address is 1237 Franklin Avenue, and the restaurant’s warm wood interiors and chatter make it a comfortable spot for both dates and group dinners.

What stands out is the balance between sweetness and bracing acidity, and the way roasted spices anchor each plate. Don’t miss the house specialties that highlight lesser-known Cambodian techniques and a generosity of portion that rewards hungry appetites.

The menu rewards curiosity, especially if you enjoy letting the table guide the order rather than sticking to the familiar. Dishes arrive generously plated, inviting sharing and easy back-and-forth tasting.

It is the kind of place that feels relaxed yet deeply satisfying, where one good meal quickly turns into a favourite local ritual.

4. ADDA

ADDA serves deeply flavored regional Indian dishes that feel honest and unpretentious while hitting bold, soul-satisfying notes. Once seated, I like to order classics alongside something off-menu to discover the chef’s touch; you’ll notice slow-cooked gravies, bright chiles, and flatbreads that sop everything up beautifully.

The restaurant sits at 31-31 37th Avenue and radiates a friendly, bustling energy that welcomes both families and adventurous diners.

ADDA’s power lies in its technique and seasoning – dishes arrive complex without being fussy, and the layers of spice build steadily. Be ready to share multiple plates and trade bites so everyone gets a taste of the kitchen’s strengths.

5. Kabawa

Kabawa fuses Caribbean flavors with inventive pairings that turn familiar ingredients into joyful surprises on the plate. On a typical visit, I’m drawn to the jerk-spiced proteins and tangy condiments that bring bright, punchy contrasts to richer sides.

You can find this spirited spot at 210 Atlantic Avenue, where the atmosphere matches the food – lively, colorful, and designed for sharing with friends.

The kitchen leans into tropical aromatics, citrus hits, and crunchy textures, creating dishes that feel celebratory without being overdone. Order a few bold mains and side dishes to assemble a communal feast that showcases why Caribbean influences are thriving in the city.

6. Glin Thai Bistro

Glin Thai Bistro captured local attention after its Michelin Guide mention by offering Thai food that’s both comforting and precise, showcasing delicate balances of heat, sweet, and umami. During my visits, the green curry and stir-fried dishes landed as clear standouts – fragrant with basil, lime, and roasted chiles.

You’ll find Glin Thai Bistro at 274 Myrtle Avenue, where the dining room feels intimate and thoughtfully composed.

The chef’s attention to texture is notable – crisp vegetables, silky sauces, and tender proteins arrive harmonized. This is a great spot for date nights or quiet dinners when you want Thai flavors dialed up with refined technique and generous portions.

7. Hungry Thirsty

Hungry Thirsty in Fort Greene brings colorful, exciting Thai cuisine with a neighborhood feel that keeps locals coming back for both classics and creative specials. I usually recommend arriving early to snag a cozy table and ordering a mix of small bites and a signature noodle dish to appreciate the kitchen’s range.

The restaurant is located at 241 Dekalb Avenue, offering a friendly, buzzy atmosphere where plates arrive quickly and boldly seasoned.

Flavors tend to be bright and punchy – think lime, fish sauce, chiles, and crunchy garnishes. It’s the kind of place where you’ll laugh over a spicy bite and immediately order another round to balance the heat.

8. Enso

Enso in Williamsburg is a sushi spot that earned local affection and Michelin Guide attention for its precise technique and approachable omakase options. On visits, I often choose a selection of nigiri to savor the rice temperature, fish texture, and subtle brushstrokes of sauce that elevate each piece.

The address is 125 Bedford Avenue, and the space feels modern and relaxed, ideal for both sushi novices and serious eaters.

The kitchen showcases seasonal fish and thoughtful pairings that highlight natural flavors without overcomplication. Pair a tasting with sake or a light wine, and leave with a clearer sense of how restrained technique can make seafood sing.

9. Sushi Sho

Sushi Sho is a rarefied Midtown omakase experience where meticulous technique and sublime ingredients culminate in a multi-course journey. When I secured a seat at the counter, the service and timing transformed each bite into a small revelation – perfect rice, precise temperature, and fish handled with reverent care.

Located at 20 West 55th Street, the restaurant feels exclusive yet quietly inviting for those seeking a refined sushi moment.

The three-star-level attention to texture and seasoning makes every course memorable, and small details – from a lightly charred finish to a hand-brushed glaze – linger on the palate. Reservations are essential for this elevated tasting experience.

10. Theodora

Theodora has emerged in Brooklyn with Mediterranean-inspired dishes that feel inventive, seasonal, and spirited in a way that draws neighborhood loyalty. I find the small plates especially compelling – bright salads, charred vegetables, and sharing plates that balance smoke and acidity.

The restaurant is located at 87 Wyckoff Street, where the kitchen’s open energy spills into a lively dining room and encourages communal dining.

Flavor combinations often nod to regional Mediterranean cooking while leaning on local produce and contemporary technique. It’s a great pick for a celebratory dinner or a relaxed evening when you want food that’s both familiar and refreshingly modern.

11. Traveler

Traveler sits near Bryant Park and blends Asian influences with approachable fine dining, presenting dishes that feel inventive without being intimidating. During my visits, the balance between delicate flavors and robust technique stood out – think lightly sauced proteins and seasonally inspired sides that complement rather than compete.

You’ll find Traveler at 38 West 40th Street, and the light-filled dining room makes it a pleasant stop before or after a park stroll.

The menu’s cross-cultural touches make for interesting pairings, and service tends to guide selections thoughtfully. It’s an ideal spot for business lunches, relaxed dinners, or a celebratory meal with tasting elements to explore.

12. Lalyn

Lalyn arrived in Midtown with a polished menu that blends modern techniques and approachable flavors, quickly earning acclaim from critics and diners alike. I often suggest ordering a few smaller courses to sample the chef’s range – each dish tends to highlight textural contrasts and precise seasoning.

The spot is located at 450 Lexington Avenue, offering a refined interior that complements the composed plates without feeling stuffy.

Expect seasonal ingredients arranged with confidence and a restrained elegance that rewards attentive palates. It’s the kind of place where you’ll remember a single brilliant bite and plan a return to chase that feeling again.

13. Bistrot Ha

Bistrot Ha offers a French-Vietnamese fusion on the Lower East Side that catches the eye for its playful but disciplined approach to flavor. On my visits, dishes balanced classic French technique with bright Vietnamese aromatics and textures, creating an enjoyable cross-cultural conversation on the plate.

The restaurant is located at 161 Ludlow Street and presents a cozy, slightly bohemian dining room where conversation flows easily.

The menu’s clever combinations – crisp baguette with savory broths or herb-forward salads paired with rich proteins – highlight how two cuisines can lift each other up. It’s a fun choice for date nights or energetic dinners with friends who appreciate bold fusion.

14. Ramen By Ra

Ramen by Ra in the East Village continues to draw crowds with ramen that balances creative touches and satisfying slurpability in every bowl. I usually try a seasonal special alongside a classic tonkotsu to compare how the kitchen plays with broth depth and aromatic oil.

The exact address is 80 St Marks Place, and the intimate noodle bar hums with the focused energy of diners chasing the perfect spoonful.

Broths are layered and silky, noodles springy and well-paired, and toppings add contrasting textures that keep each bite interesting. It’s a spot that rewards patience when lines form, and the payoff is a bowl that feels thoughtfully composed and honest.

15. Ha’s Snack Bar

Ha’s Snack Bar is a tiny Lower East Side institution where bold, fish sauce-forward flavors and playful plates make a big impression despite the storefront’s modest size. I tend to order a few signature items and share, letting the salty, tangy, and crunchy contrasts take center stage.

The location at 123 Rivington Street has a compact dining area, and the energy feels like hanging out in someone’s lively kitchen with excellent taste.

Execution is confident and unpretentious – simple techniques amplify big flavors, and dishes are designed to pair with beers or bright cocktails. It’s a spot where waiting is part of the culture and the food rewards your persistence with memorable, punchy bites.