The Newest Restaurants in Manhattan Worth Checking Out

Manhattan is a culinary epicenter where restaurants constantly emerge, offering everything from classic European to exotic global cuisines.  You'll find both high-end restaurants and casual cafes, with chefs bringing fresh ideas to traditional and modern cooking.

Brass, the latest venture from Wildair and Contra alums Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, located inside the Evelyn Hotel, where they also curate the menu at the Tusk Bar. The space stands out with vibrant murals and a central grand piano. Appetizers feature dishes like a chopped heirloom tomato salad with hearts of palm, while moules frites come served over a chickpea panisse. Main selections include saffron-infused tilefish and pork shoulder a la moutarde. For a lighter drink option, guests can enjoy mini cocktails priced at half of the standard $24.

Borgo is a charming Italian trattoria located at 124 E 27th St., New York, NY 10016. Opened by renowned restaurateur Andrew Tarlow, Borgo is his first new restaurant in a decade. Located at the corner of Flatiron and Nomad, the restaurant features two great rooms connected by a hearth, an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven, a lively bar, and a lush back garden.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/borgonyc/

The menu at Borgo is grower-focused and ingredient-driven, with a strong emphasis on seasonal vegetables, fresh pasta, and wood-roasted meats and seafood. Signature dishes include the Chicories salad, perfect for sharing, and the Timballo de Anelletti with braised beef cheek. The warm, community-centered atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for both locals and visitors.

Heroes, a new addition to Soho from restaurateur Ariel Arce and chef Aaron Lirette, draws attention with its interiors and edgy menu. Known for its adventurous takes on classic dishes, Heroes serves up unique offerings like spotlighting organ meats, spaghetti with blood sausage and beef tongue, and dry-aged fish as its specialties. Cocktails match the daring vibe, featuring unusual ingredients like spiced plum and charred corn, crafted exclusively for Heroes. Upstairs, Pearl Box—a sibling cocktail bar with its own distinct style—provides a stylish setting perfect for an evening out.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/heroesnyc

Eel Bar, brought to life by the same team behind Cervo's, delivers a stylish, inviting experience. Whether you view it as a bar or a restaurant, it’s undeniably a great spot for an enjoyable evening. The menu features a variety of dishes such as Gildas, rainbow trout pil pil, baked oysters, and black rice a la plancha. Eel Bar also boasts a selection of vermouth-forward cocktails, including the Marianito made with Atxa red vermouth, Agricole rum, Curaçao, bitters, and an olive.

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Pho Ga Vang, a popular Vietnamese eatery with spots in Falls Church, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, has expanded to New York’s Chinatown. Joining a block that also houses Golden Diner and Bánh by Lauren, the restaurant brings its renowned pho to the city. Pho Ga Vang's Virginia location was recently named one of Washingtonian’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2024. The menu offers various pho options, but their signature pho is a standout, complemented by some of the city's finest spring rolls. The restaurant is also praised for its rich, aromatic broth and tender chicken, which is often described as a home-cooked meal.

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Photo Credit: instagram.com/phogavang/