1. RedFarm
In a city with countless amazing Asian-cuisine options, it takes a true expert to stand out and open something special. Ed Schoenfeld's newest venture, RedFarm (backed by Jeffrey Chodorow), featuring Chinatown Brasserie's Chef Joe Ng, will delight clients with enticing flavors and an easy menu full of mix-and-match starters and Dim Sum. Favorites include the chicken salad, pork & crab soup dumplings, and three chili chicken. An earthy, chic, rustic space, RedFarm is sure to please.
Now open.
RedFarm, 529 Hudson Street (at Charles street); 212-792-9700.
2. Frankies 570 Sputino
With two locations, in addition to Prime Meats and Cafe Pedlar, you would think the two Frankies (Castronobo and Falcinelli) have their hands full—but, no! There is still more to be explored with these masters of casual Italian food gone gourmet. The new West Village location will feature pitchers of cocktails, an all Italian wine list, and favorites like sausage and meatball parmigiana. For those gorgeous fall days, remember Frankie's 570 for their outdoor seating!
Now open.
Frankies 570 Sputino, 570 Hudson Street (at 11th Street) 212-924-0818.
3. Café de La Esquina @ Wythe Diner
Chef Akhtar Nawab's menu brings the best of Mexico to Brooklyn, including Ceviche Acapulco, Tostadas de Tinga de Pollo, and Albóndigas Mole Rojo. Set in the iconic Wythe Diner (think '50s retro modern) with a outdoor garden, La Esquina Williambsurg is open for business. And, yes, you should expect it to be just as busy as the Kenmare location.
Open Now.
La Esquina Williambsurg, 225 Wythe Avenue (between Metropolitan Avenue and North 3rd Street); 718-393-5500.
4. Isa
Set on a lovely Brooklyn corner with a quaint "modern yet primitive" look (think: Scandinavian design meets the Woods), Taavo Somer (of Freeman's and Peels) brings natural cuisine to his newest project. An organic garden on the roof provides veggies for former Il Buco Chef Ignacio Mattos, who charms diners as he displays his talents in the open kitchen.
Now open.
Isa, 348 Wythe Ave (between 1st and 2nd streets); 347-689-3594
.
5. Parm
Torrisi quickly became the quiet spot that is now one of the best restaurants in New York and Parm falling suit rather quickly. For their second restaurant, Parm, the Torrisi team— including Rich Torrisi, Chef Mario Carbone, and Jeff Zalaznick—take it to the next level with a 35-seat, Torrisi-adjacent location. The lunch and dinner menu will now include hot plates inspired by old-school Italian-American dishes, as well as classic cocktails.
Opens mid-September.
Parm, 248 Mulberry Street (between Prince and Spring streets); 212-993-7189.
6. Catch
No surf-and-turf here! Brick walls and modern fixtures give way to the Season Three Winner of Top Chef, Chef Hung Huynh’s, seafood hotspot. Located above Sephora in the Meatpacking District, this new offering from the EMM Group (Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum of Abe & Arthur’s, SL, and Tenjune) will feature dishes such as the Dungeness Crab Tagliatelle. Don’t miss the glass-enclosed garden lounge on the third floor.
Opens September 19.
Catch, 21 9th Avenue (at 13th Street); 212-392-5978.
7. The Crown
Taking the throne for best preview opening of the year, VIPs and celebs got a glimpse of John DeLucie's new Upper East Side restaurant—the location of the official Vogue Met Ball after-party—back in May. But on September 9, The Crown (finally!) opened to the masses, serving American classics like roast chicken and dry-aged steak. And lucky for us plebes, The Crown will be more accessible than past DeLucie projects (Waverly Inn, The Lion), having a listed phone number (!) and no other marquee name investors.
Now open.
The Crown, 24 East 81st Street (between 5th and Madison avenues); 646-559-4880.