10 Best New Restaurants in NYC 2025: Explore New Dining Spots

If you're hungry and in the city that never stops opening new eateries, this roundup of the best new restaurants in NYC will help you skip the guesswork. Whether you're after a cozy hole-in-the-wall near Wall Street or bold flavors in Times Square, this list digs into where New Yorkers and students alike are actually eating right now. 

Ready to find your next favorite bite in the Big Apple?Let’s dive right in!

Top 12 Restaurants in New York

Here’s a list of the 12 best restaurants to dine at so you can easily navigate NYC like a local:

1. Lord's

Location: 506 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY 10012
What’s special: Beef Wellington and Lamb Scotch Eggs
Budget: $50 - $100
A refined British bistro nestled in the West Village, Lord’s is one of the top restaurants in New York. Its nose-to-tail menu features bold offal dishes like tongue, tripe, and black pudding, each crafted with intention and depth.
Dishes like steak and kidney pudding and slow-cooked oxtail showcase modern British cooking, while the cocktail list includes classic, well-crafted drinks. Reservations fill fast, so booking ahead is key.

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2. Semma

Location: 60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
What’s special: Gunpowder Dosa and Goat Neck Biryani
Budget: $50 - $100
Semma stays true to its Tamil Nadu roots, offering an authentic experience among Indian restaurants in New York City. Besides the specialties, diners enjoy spicy mutton curry, dosas, and tangy sambar.
With a relaxed, intimate vibe, Semma appeals especially to students and South Asians craving familiar flavors. Committed to authentic and quality ingredients, Semma delivers a rich South Indian culinary journey within the city’s lively energy. 

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3. Le Gratin

Location: 5 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038
What’s special: French Onion Soup and Veal Blanquette
Budget: $100 - $150
One of the more timeless FiDi NYC restaurants, Le Gratin serves up classic French fare in a warm, understated space. Popular picks include duck confit, escargots, and crème caramel, all paired well with a house red.
The relaxed, old-world vibe makes it a hit among law students from Pace and NYU Stern grads who want something reliably good between classes or meetings. Whether you're sipping a house red or ending with crème brûlée, Le Gratin is a neighborhood classic, just with better lighting.

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4. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
What’s special: Braised Oxtail and Egusi Soup
Budget: $100 - $150
Tatiana presents a vibrant fusion of Caribbean and African-American cuisines, skillfully blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair. The menu features comforting favorites like callaloo, jerk chicken, and spiced plantains, each packed with bold, well-balanced seasonings.
A popular choice among Fordham and Columbia students, this lively restaurant near Lincoln Center offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for a satisfying meal before or after classes and performances.

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5. Naks

Location: 201 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
What’s special: The 13-course Filipino Tasting Menu
Budget: $50 - $100
Naks is known for its inventive Filipino cuisine served through a carefully curated multi-course tasting experience. Highlights include bold dishes such as adobo liver mousse and oysters infused with sinigang flavors. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere and exceptional service make dining here truly memorable.
Though on the pricier side, Naks has become a beloved spot for NYU Tisch students seeking memorable post-show dinners, earning its place among the best restaurants in New York.

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6. Urban Hawker

Location: 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020
What’s special: Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa
Budget: $20 - $30
Urban Hawker is the Midtown food hall ideal for quick, flavorful bites. Alongside classics like roti prata and char kway teow, the stalls serve authentic Southeast Asian dishes full of bold, satisfying flavors.
As one of the go-to restaurants in Times Square NYC, it’s known for its convenience and genuine taste. Busy students and theatergoers value its cashless, fast-paced, and lively atmosphere—a perfect spot for a tasty meal on the move.

7. Crown Shy

Location: 70 Pine St, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10005
What’s special: Roasted chicken and citrus salad
Budget: $85 - $120
Crown Shy serves bold, seasonal American fare in a sleek, welcoming space, no tasting menu required, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Serving seasonal favorites like seared fish and braised short ribs alongside their signature house-baked sourdough, Crown Shy balances bold flavors with great value.
Easily one of the go-to Financial District New York restaurants, Crown Shy is especially popular among students who appreciate its great prices, particularly during weekday lunch hours when a full meal costs less than $30.

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8. Rowdy Rooster

Location: 149 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
What’s special: Indian-style Fried Chicken
Budget: $10 - $20
Rowdy Rooster is a cozy spot known for its spicy Indian-inspired fried chicken and spicy sandwiches like the Big Rowdy with pickled onions and mint chutney on a potato bun. You can also enjoy flavorful thali boxes featuring dal, rice, and pickles for a complete meal.
This budget-friendly eatery offers a unique twist on Indian cuisine and shines among Indian restaurants in New York City for those craving bold, affordable flavors.

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9. Laser Wolf Brooklyn

Location: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
What’s special: Salatim spread and Lamb Skewers
Budget: $80 - $100
Laser Wolf Brooklyn is a lively rooftop spot known for its grilled meats and stunning Manhattan skyline. This Philly favorite blends a vibrant party atmosphere with skilled cooking.
On weekends, NYU and Pratt students flock here for the energetic crowd and solid menu, featuring a selection of salatim including baba ganoush and hummus, with mains like lamb kofta and steak shishlik. From bold bites to cozy corners, it’s a gem in restaurants in New York.

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10. Bad Roman

Location: 3rd floor, 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
What’s special: Veal Parm with Hot Honey and House-made Meatballs
Budget: $50 - $75
Bad Roman is the perfect spot for night owls craving classic Italian-American dishes with a creative twist. Alongside its signature veal parm, the menu also has dishes like crispy calamari and creamy rigatoni alla vodka, keeping the flavors exciting.
Students often go here for birthdays or when family is in town and footing the bill. If you also have family coming into town, here’s how to spend a memorable Thanksgiving in NYC.

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11. SAGA

Location: 70 Pine St, 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
What’s special: Foie Gras and Aged Duck
Budget: $180 - $300
SAGA offers an upscale dining experience with stunning East River views that make it worth the splurge. The menu includes refined choices like black trufflerisotto and roasted lamb, all complemented by expert tableside wine service.
The elegant Art Deco setting and attentive service create a memorable atmosphere for special occasions or important business dinners. Among Financial District NYC restaurants, it’s known for its sophisticated ambiance, definitely not for ramen-budget days.

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12. Kubeh

Location: 464 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
What’s special: Middle Eastern Stews and Kubbeh Dumplings
Budget: $25 - $50
Kubeh stands out for hearty Middle Eastern comfort food near NYU, with notable dishes like the Lamb Toast with red tahini and pickles, and the ChickenSchnitzel served with roasted potatoes and a green salad.
The menu also has vegetarian and gluten-free options, which makes it easy for people with dietary restrictions. It’s one of the few restaurants that offer vegan options in NYC.

Stylish & Modern Student Housing in NYC

Navigating the constant wave of new openings in New York can feel like a full-time job. This list of the best new restaurants in NYC filters through the noise to bring you options that aren’t just trendy, they’re worth your time, money, and MetroCard swipe.
But while your taste buds are busy exploring, make sure your housing plans are just as well-curated. For students relocating to NYC, amber offers verified, secure, and conveniently located off-campus housing near NYC’s top universities and iconic neighborhoods. With furnished units, high-speed Wi-Fi, and easy subway access, you’ll always be minutes away from your next great meal or your morning class.

Reserve your stay at some of our top picks today!

1. St. George Towers, New York
2. 81 Sullivan Street, New York
3. Lorimer Williamsburg Home, Brooklyn
4. Williamsburg Meserole Home, New York  
5. 35 East 7th Street, New York 

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