New York City continues to reinvent itself, and every year brings new venues that remind us why this place never stops inspiring. Restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they are cultural touchpoints that re-energize neighborhoods, spark conversation, and define the city’s creative pulse. I watch New York not just through what’s on the market, but through the spaces that shape it.
Photo: Golden Steer
These are the openings I’m most excited about in 2026—each one promising to bring fresh energy, distinctive flavor, and memorable design to our landscape.
Golden Steer — Greenwich Village
Cuisine: Elevated American Steakhouse | Opening: Now Open (January 2026)
Photo: Alex Stanilof
Kicking off the year, the legendary Las Vegas icon has finally landed at 1 Fifth Avenue. Taking over one of the most storied dining rooms in the Village, Golden Steer blends mid-century steakhouse nostalgia with a refined New York edge. It’s a masterclass in heritage storytelling, honoring the neighborhood’s history while offering a high-energy, “see-and-be-seen” anchor for the downtown market.
Or’esh — SoHo
Cuisine: Live-Fire Levantine | Opening: February 2026
The Eighty Six team is opening a new restaurant, Or’esh. Photo: The Eighty Six/Official
SoHo continues its culinary renaissance with Or’esh. Led by Michelin-trained chef Nadav Greenberg and the Catch Hospitality Group, this space centers on a custom live-fire grill. Expect wood-roasted seafood and vibrant, vegetable-forward dishes inspired by Israeli and Moroccan traditions. With its dramatic open kitchen and refined atmosphere, Or’esh is already the neighborhood’s most coveted reservation.
Straker’s — SoHo
Cuisine: Contemporary British/American | Opening: Spring 2026
Photo: Aleksandra Boruch
Occupying the legendary former Lucky Strike space on Grand Street, Thomas Straker brings his viral “butter-forward” philosophy to NYC. This isn’t just about the food; it’s about the revival of a classic SoHo corner. Straker’s is poised to be a quintessential neighborhood table—where impeccable technique meets a design-forward, approachable setting.
Cleo Downtown — West Village
Cuisine: Modern Rotisserie | Opening: Spring 2026
The interior of the Margot restaurant. Photo: Ronan LeMay/Margot
From the visionaries behind Margot, Cleo Downtown arrives on Hudson Street with a fresh perspective on the “fancy-casual” anchor. Moving away from heavy pastas, this concept focuses on the art of the rotisserie—heritage chickens and market-driven sides served in a space that feels like a polished European bistro. It’s exactly the kind of “new classic” that re-energizes a historic block.
Selene — SoHo
Cuisine: Modern Greek | Opening: Summer 2026
Photo: Kyma
Located within the ModernHaus SoHo, Selene by Kyma is the ultimate transportive escape. The draw here—beyond the pristine Mediterranean seafood—is the memorable design, featuring a retractable-roof atrium that perfectly captures the city’s summer energy. It’s a sophisticated destination designed for both power diners and those seeking a refined, airy retreat.
Ambassadors Clubhouse — NoMad
Cuisine: Elevated Punjabi Social Dining | Opening: Summer 2026
Photo: Ambassadors Clubhouse
Bringing the electricity of London’s “party mansion” dining to NoMad, Ambassadors Clubhouse is set to be the social heartbeat of Midtown. With a focus on high-energy Punjabi flavors and impeccable cocktail craft, it blends old-world esprit with a modern, inclusive club culture. It’s a bold addition to the NoMad dining landscape that feels uniquely electric.
Oriana — Nolita
Cuisine: Elevated American, Live-Fire | Opening: Winter 2026
The restaurant, Babbo, on Waverly Place in Greenwich Village will re-open with Chef Marc Ladner. . (Photo by Michael Appleton/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images). NY Daily News via Getty Images
The team behind The Noortwyck brings a live-fire-driven concept to Mott Street. Oriana focuses on wood-fired proteins and layered, seasonal flavors in a space that balances polished sophistication with Nolita’s effortless charm. With its strong culinary pedigree, it’s already generating buzz as 2026’s most promising Michelin-track contender.
Why We Keep Falling for New York
What I love most about this wave of openings is how they reflect our ever-evolving palate—rooted in global tradition, yet grounded in a distinctly local spirit. These spaces aren’t just new additions to the map; they are the narratives that keep us inspired and remind us why we fall in love with New York, again and again.
