NEW YORK’S NEWEST TABLES
Contributor - Lindsey Friel | Lifestyle Consultant • 9/24/26
September has a knack for making New York hungry again. Fall is back to dining for all our summer city-fleers. The new openings are plentiful, each with a distinct perspective that keeps palates piqued. Thai, Portuguese, and French are the front runners for this season. And just like that, New York is back to dining with an impressive repertoire.
Here, a curated list of the new and noteworthy.
The Astor | NoHo, American
Tucked away in The Public Theater, The Astor is reminiscing on old-world charm and theater escapades. Dinner and a show has new meaning here, where both food and entertainment are top notch. It’s a perfect Friday night outing.
Must order: Devilish Eggs and Steak Diane.
Hommali | West Village, Thai
What may be one of the dandiest, charming openings of the fall. Thai is having a moment in the city and Hommali does its best to honor the way. The bi-level dining room is layered and feels like a mood board for cool. The small but mighty menu pairs beautifully.
Must order: Panang Curry Beef Cheek and Banana cocktail for something unexpected.
Cafe Charmant | West Village, French
It’s from the Catch Hospitality restaurant group, so the team already has plenty of pedigree. Add in an Eleven Madison Park chef, and, well, you have yourself a dream team. Imagine a jaunt to a coastal French town where Basquiat had a stint and caviar topped croques were plentiful.
Must order: King Crab Croque and Razor Clam Spaghetti.
hed | Chelsea, Thai
A curated Thai spot with a design forward approach. The menu is provoking, either tasting menu or a la carte, with standout curries. The extensive wine program is a lovely surprise that compliments perfectly.
Must order: Grilled Scallop with Thai Rice Noodle and Southern Thai Crab Curry.
Legion | West Village, New American
A refined take on New American nestled in the West Village. With a la carte or price fixe option, the menu is small but touches all the points. Legion is a place to try new stories of ingredients.
Must order: Commit to the tasting menu to get a bite of all.
148 Noble St | Greenpoint, European
It’s a spot that feels like a deep breath. It’s not over-pompous or pretentious but rather streamlined and restrained. It feels like a neighborhood spot that’s been there for years, where locals flock casually.
Must order: Crab Claws and Red Snapper and the dessert crepe.
Galo | West Village, Portuguese
A unique opening whose menu mirrors Portugal from sea to land. A real journey of home cooking with tapas as the transport. The space is dark and cool, a welcomed new outing in the West Village, perfect for date night. Plus, an impressive wine program.
Must order: Portuguese Steak Tartare and wine to spare.
Faux | Tribeca, French
Think of this as the offspring of Balthazar, Pastis, and Minetta. Quite literally. It comes from Keith McNally’s son, George, and toasts to a new era of the dynasty. The menu is familiar, where the apple does not fall far from the tree. No complaints, of course.
Must order: Steak Frites and Paccheri paired with a martini.
AND THOSE COMING SOON…
Mili | Lower East Side
A new restaurant from a former executive chef at Estela. They have been playing around with pop-ups and collaborations in preparation for the opening.
Humm | West Village, New American
From the dream team behind Eleven Madison Park comes a new concept in Humm. In New York City, when Daniel Humm speaks, we listen loudly. The menu will be a la carte takes on New American cuisine.
Romy | SoHo, American
From the mastermind behind Cucina Alba and Lucali, comes a new steakhouse in SoHo. It’s a late night sexy spot, so expect a cool crowd and Instagramable bites. A new hotspot in the making.
Contributor — Lindsey Friel | Lifestyle Consultant
Originally from Pennsylvania, studied hospitality at Boston University but learned the most by wandering through the nooks and crannies of the industry itself. I spent time writing for small publications, highlighting lifestyle and hospitality through storytelling — my favorite medium. Admittedly, my love of the field has grown into an insatiable curiosity: always chasing the newest and coolest, the biggest and smallest, the in-betweens and overlooked. Now based in New York City, I remain enamored with the endless ways people gather, connect, and create experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
