The NY Life agrees with Resy’s Hitlist of best new restaurants to debut in 2019. Check out the list below, all content courtesy of Resy.com!
BY EMILY WILSON DECEMBER 10, 2019
Say what you will about Los Angeles or London, but this year’s new crop of New York restaurants prove the city’s worth as one of the world’s best dining destinations. From bringing back bygone eras to ushering in a new wave of modern cookery — and, lest we forget the revival of the slice shop — the last year of the decade was full of hits, and it isn’t even over. Before we dive into 2020, it’s time to take stock. Without further ado: The 2019 Hit List.
1.Pastis
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Because just in time for the turn of the decade, Pastis is back. With the reopening of this iconic Meatpacking brasserie, the legendary restaurateurs Keith McNally and Stephen Starr proved that a redux is, indeed, possible — gold glow, restored subway tiles, steak frites, and all.
2.Llama San
LOWER MANHATTAN
Because chef Erik Ramirez’s distinct brand of Nikkei cuisine is worth setting an unreasonable amount of Resy Notifies for. The third, and most serious, addition to his Llama-minded restaurant group doles out innovative Japanese-Peruvian plates like duck breast nigiri and chicken thigh maki under mustard-yellow ají amarillo in a clean, blonde-wood setting.
3.Rezdôra
FLATIRON DISTRICT
Because dio mio, Emilia-Romagna is alive in the Flatiron District. In a city brimming with excellent Italian restaurants, Rezdôra stands out for its regional roots and chef Stefano Secchi’s exceptional pasta-making. Spring for the pasta tasting, or keep it a la carte and be sure to order the gnocco fritto, draped with three types of charcuterie.
4.Momofuku Kāwi
HUDSON YARDS
Because chef Eunjo Park hit a homerun with her foie gras terrine kimbap, Wagyu ragu rice cakes, and so much more. Pro-tip: Make an excuse for a business lunch here and you’ll be treated with Kawi’s lunch sets, which range from protein and rice (soy-glazed mackerel, spicy pork belly) to raw over rice (salmon and roe, scallop) — all served with soup and salad.
5.Red Hook Tavern
RED HOOK
Because a nostalgic nod to the past combined with a firm footing in the present makes Red Hook Tavern a lovely place to dine. Add to that the best new burger of the year and an all-natural wine list dotted with steals, and your reasons are plenty to make the trek to Red Hook.
6.HaSalon NYC
HELL’S KITCHEN
Because HaSalon is a wild ride, and especially if you book the late seating — which starts off as dinner and ends as a full-blown dance party. Eyal Shani arrived in New York with Miznon several years back, but the opening of HaSalon signaled the true Manhattan debut for the avant-garde chef. Dishes named “The best tomato in NY is naked” and prices listed “per human” get to the core of this Israeli sensation.
7.Wayan
NOLITA
Because Cedric Vongerichten shines in his first solo venture, a love letter to Bali with a dose of French flair. The chef, who previously ran kitchens at several restaurants in the Jean-Georges group, teamed up with his wife Ochi — who is of Indonesian descent — to bring this vibrant and flavor-forward restaurant to life.
8.TAK Room
HUDSON YARDS
Because 2019 was the year of Hudson Yards, and to experience the development’s grandeur in restaurant form is to dine at Thomas Keller’s TAK Room. You’ll enjoy views of the Hudson amidst a playful vibe, have Caesar salad prepared tableside, fettuccine Alfredo with black winter truffles, and prime beef short rib Wellington for two. Don’t miss the cheeseburger either, which is served only at lunch.
9.Gotham Bar and Grill
GREENWICH VILLAGE
Because much to many people’s shock — and now, delight — chef Victoria Blamey came to shake things up at this decades-old mainstay. Instead of tuna tartare, there’s yellowtail crudo with purple radish and smoked avocado. Her plates are multi-colored and ceramic, as opposed to stark white china. And for those that nab a seat at the bar, Vic’s Burger comes dripping with bone marrow, crispy shallots, mango barbecue sauce, and American cheese.
10.Anton’s
WEST VILLAGE
Because the breakout restaurant from a chef with serious chops delivers on every front. Named for Nick Anderer’s great, great grandfather, Anton’s pays tribute to New York’s culinary history with a deep menu of European-influenced dishes. Red aubergine purée on burnt toast, spinach ravioli with sage butter, and grilled pork rib chop with apple sauce are several of many hits.
