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“Let Me Tell You” is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Food & Drink Editor Morgan Carter told us how the sausage got made at this part-butchery, part-class in Prospect Heights.
We’ve finally reached the new year and what better way to celebrate a new you than by finally whittling down that list of restaurants you say want to visit? I get it—the weather outside hurts your face, mine too. But with a slew of classic establishments alongside some of the city’s best participating in Restaurant Week right around the corner, I implore you to dig out that scarf and get exploring.
If that wasn’t enough, a new class of restaurants is set to land this year. So perhaps it’s best to visit at least one restaurant to make room for the new spots coming down the road. From a Caribbean-inspired tasting menu to Dominique Ansel’s latest bakery, here are 11 restaurants I am looking forward to in 2025.
1. Bar Kabawa and Kabawa
Opening: February
Chef Paul Carmichael was cooking Caribbean at the highest level, albeit in Australia at the now closed Momofuku Seibo, the first Momofuku restaurant outside New York City. Now, the chef is coming back stateside to take over the former Momofuku Ko space in the East Village. His restaurant will showcase his upbringing in Barbados via a tasting menu, but for a more casual fete, Bar Kabawa will be home to patties and many (many) daiquiris.
2. Bong
Opening: 2025
Chef Chinchakriya Un attracted quite the following over the past eight years, popping up all around New York State to bring Cambodian food to the masses. While the space is still being built out, the casual restaurant will focus on Cambodian staples, like the noodle soup Kuy Teav and Cambodia’s version of a bánh mì, Num Pang Paté.
3. Cafe Zaffri, Union Square
Opening: February 7
The all-female team from Raf’s and the Michelin-starred The Musket Room is set to open Cafe Zaffri inside The Twenty Two. Here, the team will explore chef Mary Attea’s Lebanese heritage, from Jerusalem Bagels in the mornings to Skewer Service in the evenings.
4. Golden Hof and NY Kimchi
Opening: Early 2025
Of Golden Diner fame, Sam Yoo’s next act is going back, way back. Housed in his family’s previous restaurant space, Yoo’s two in one concept will include a Korean pub, Golden Hof, and Korean raw bar and steakhouse, New York Kimchi (which also bears the same name as his family’s closed restaurant).
5. I Cavallini, Williamsburg
Opening: 2025
With a decade of service coming up, The Four Horseman decided it was due time to stretch their wings. Just a few skips down the way from their home base on Grand Street, the team will soon open I Cavallini. Nick Curtola will also lead the kitchen, this time leaning on Italian cuisine with wine and cocktails to come.
6. Maison Passerelle, Financial District
Opening: March
Top Chef finalist and James Beard Award winner chef Gregory Gourdet is coming back to his native home of New York City to open Maison Passerelle as part of Printemps, marking the French luxury retailer's first US outpost. Powered by Kent Hospitality, the fine-dining restaurant will bridge New York to France’s colonial legacy, peppered in with Gourdet’s world-class inspirations. Think, dry-aged NY strip steak rubbed in a blend of Haitian coffee and spice and West-African stews topped with duck confit.
7. Papa d’Amour, West Village
Opening: Spring 2025
Dominique Ansel has continued to wow New York’s pastry scene (and really, the world), first with his invention of the Cronut, following up with cookie shots. His next project is a personal one, dedicated to his kids’ Asian and French heritage. Landing in the West Village, his coming bakery will focus on steamed buns and milk breads with a huge focus on egg tarts.
8. Papa San, Hudson Yards
Opening: February 18
Juan Correa and chef Erik Ramirez have been bringing New Yorkers a taste of Peruvian cuisine, first with Brooklyn’s Llama Inn, following up with Peruvian Nikkei cuisine at Llama San. Their latest, Papa San, will explore Nikkei-style izakaya cuisine paired with cocktails imported from the team behind the Buenos Aires-based punk bar, Tres Monos.
9. RAON, Midtown East
Opening: February 2025
Husband-and-wife team chef Soogil Lim and Sasook Youn have already created a name for themselves with their Korean contemporary restaurant, Soogil. Adding to their repertoire comes RAON. The 14-seat chef’s counter will be dedicated to one of Korea’s favorite dishes, kimchi.
10. The View, Times Square
Opening: February
The View is one of the few remaining vestiges of the past, holding the title of New York’s only revolving restaurant. As reported last year, Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality will be giving the restaurant a much needed revamp. Soon to be spinning this February, the new restaurant will feature raw bar specialties, small plates and supper club eats that draw on American nostalgia.
11. Seahorse, Union Square
Opening: Spring 2025
Lure Fishbar’s little sister is soon to make a splash at the W New York - Union Square Hotel. Formerly of Daniel and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, chef Paul Hargrove will steer the ship here, specializing in seafood with a full raw bar complemented with produce sourced from Union Square Greenmarket.