New York City’s dining scene is always evolving, with fresh openings poised to make their mark in 2025. From interactive dim sum workshops (Nom Wah Test Kitchen) to bold Caribbean flavors (Kabawa) to luxurious caviar experiences (Huso), this year’s newcomers reflect the City’s dynamic culinary spirit. Standout dishes like crispy Zabb wings (Fish Cheeks) and perfectly roasted duck (Cha Cha Tang) are just a glimpse of what’s in store. Keep reading to discover the restaurants we’re most excited about—your new go-to might be the cornerstone of the next big thing in the NYC food scene.
Courtesy, Nom Wah Test Kitchen
The Nom Wah Empire Expands
Wilson Tang knows firsthand what it takes to transform a restaurant into a legacy; his family owns Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which first opened in Chinatown in 1920. After revitalizing the original dim sum parlor, Tang expanded the Nom Wah brand, selling their famous dumplings and sauces nationwide. In January 2025, expect to see the Nom Wah Test Kitchen (10 Kenmare St.), an interactive culinary playground for chefs and the community alike.
“We will invite chefs around the City to collaborate with us,” says Vivian Chen, chief operating officer of the newly founded Chinatown Hospitality Group. “We will also have dumpling-making workshops. [It will] be a place to have Nom Wah classics with a more modern take.”
Courtesy, Cha Cha Tang
Sal Tang’s. Photo: Melissa Hom
The Hospitality Group premiered two new buzzy restaurants in 2024 in collaboration with other celebrated NYC hospitality vets. Cha Cha Tang started off as a spring pop-up with John McDonald of Lure Fishbar and Smyth Tavern, and by late summer, it became a permanent fixture in the West Village. The group closed out the year in Brooklyn with Sal Tang’s, their highly anticipated joint venture with Sal Lamboglia of Cafe Spaghetti and Swoony’s.
Fish Cheeks. Photo: Nick Johnson
Where the Nom Wah Team Will Be Eating in 2025
Tang and his team are excited about NYC’s new hot spots, including the Brooklyn debut of the popular Thai seafood restaurant Fish Cheeks (661 Driggs Ave., Williamsburg), which opens its doors in January.
“Fish Cheeks is one of my all-time favorite restaurants,” Tang says. “They have an awesome oyster happy hour deal. Their crab fried rice is my favorite, and their Zabb wings are next level.”
Chen also has her sights on Huso (323 Greenwich St.), a new Tribeca spot from Buddha Lo, a Top Chef champion. Originally launched as an intimate caviar-centric café on the Upper East Side, Huso is moving downtown in January, with an expanded dining room that will offer a luxurious tasting menu celebrating the art of caviar. Chen describes Huso’s lavish feel as “New York, in the most decadent way”—a perfect mantra for dining adventures in 2025.
Chef Paul Carmichael. Courtesy, Kabawa
Barbados Comes to NYC
Another standout to watch for in February of 2025 is Kabawa (8 Extra Pl.), a new Caribbean restaurant from the culinary empire of Momofuku. Paul Carmichael, Gourmet Traveller’s Chef of the Year in 2020, will debut a prix-fixe menu inspired by his upbringing in Barbados, as well as his global culinary journey. Daiquiris and patties will be offered next door at Bar Kabawa.
Find Thai Art and Cuisine in Union Square
Immerse yourself in vibrant Northern Thai flavors and art at Narkara (5 E. 17th St.). This restaurant will showcase a striking bamboo installation and handmade ceramics from Thai artists, along with creative dishes from chef Sakdiphat Mokkasak, who has been cooking in New York’s Thai food scene for 16 years.
Industry City Gets a Welcome Addition
Nestled in the eclectic hub of artisans within Brooklyn’s Industry City, Confidant (67 35th St., Building #5) is a new all-day restaurant by a pair of best friends and co-owners, chefs Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman, who’ve worked in NYC dining destinations like Aska, Roberta’s and Gage & Tollner. Confidant, opening in January, features an open kitchen that will serve up freshly baked bread and artisanal sandwiches during lunchtime, while evenings will spotlight seasonally inspired dishes.
Chef India Doris and Alex Pfaffenbach. Photo: Natalie Black
Take a Euro-Inspired Culinary Trip in NYC
Come spring, another pair of longtime friends will unveil a new collaboration in Chelsea with Haymarket (326 Seventh Ave.). India Doris, who was executive sous chef at SAGA when it earned two Michelin stars, is teaming up with Alex Pfaffenbach, former director of development at Quality Branded (Zou Zou’s and Bad Roman), to bring inspired flavors of Normandy, London and Spain—all places chef Doris has lived—to the heart of New York City.
Cody Pruitt. Courtesy, La Royale
Meanwhile, in Greenwich Village, Cody Pruitt, the owner of Libertine, will pay homage to New York’s love affair with France at La Royale (205 Thompson St.). Just in time for spring, French wines will flow, along with fanciful cocktails that will be presented tableside. Swoon over La Royale’s stunning emerald bar downstairs, with a dimly lit upstairs dining room, perfect for intimate dinners inspired by iconic (and dearly missed) NYC French institutions like La Grenouille and Lutèce.
