Our Favorite Restaurants of 2018
Melinda Kauffman / December 13, 2018
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2018 was an amazing year for us here at EatingNYC, and we can’t believe it’s coming to a close. Upon reflecting on the year, we’d like to take a moment to call out some outstanding new restaurants. From Missy Robbins’ new homemade pasta spot, Misi, to one of NYC’s first Persian restaurants, Sofreh, here are our favorite new restaurants of the year.
Misi
When Missy Robbins opened Lilia in 2016, NYC was taken by storm and even now in 2018, reservations are hard to come by, but definitely worth it. It comes as no surprise that her new concept, Misi, made our list of favorites this year. Located in South Williamsburg Misi boasts simple Italian cooking fresh pasta dishes along with great veggies to pair them with. All the pasta here is made in house daily behind the glass kitchen walls, turning the art of pasta making into a true spectacle.
Manhatta
USHG’s newest venture, Manhatta, located sixty floors up above Manhattan, quickly became a top dining destination upon opening this summer. Here, executive Chef Jason Pfeiffer serves seasonal, French inspired cuisine with dishes like roasted duck and Wagyu Bavette. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu, hospitality included, which allows you to choose from six dishes for each of the three courses served to you. They also serve a great French Onion Burger at the bar.
Sofreh
PC: @eatdrinkyasNasim Alikhani is the chef and owner of Sofreh, NYC’s first modern Persian restaurant. In Farsi, a “Sofre” is a piece of cloth that represents bringing people together, especially during meal times. Sofreh serves as a tribute to the flavors of Iran, offering an elevated take on traditional Persian dishes like homemade lavash bread, chicken with barberries and Saffron Basmati Rice.
La Mercerie
Located inside of the Roman and Williams Guild in Soho, La Mercerie is a contemporary all-day cafe restaurant by Stephen Starr. Executive Chef Marie-Aude Rose studied at the Sorbonne and brings traditional yet refined French cuisine to this stunning space. Whatever you go with, make sure to have an order of the smoked salmon pancakes on your table.
Studio
All-day hotel restaurants were definitely a trend this year, and Studio, located on the second floor of the Freehand Hotel, was another great execution of this concept. Whether you’re looking for a midday coffee and pastry, drinks with friends or a seriously great burger, we’ve loved all our visits here in 2018.
Westbourne
Camilla Marcus aimed to bring the fresh flavors and some LA cool to NYC and she does just that with her all-day cafe and restaurant, Westbourne. Expect vibrant veggie-focused salads, sandwiches, bowls and more at this Soho hotspot.
Chez ma tante
Chez ma tante’s pancakes are hands down one of the best things we ate in 2018. This neighborhood spot in Greenpoint was started by Canadian-American duo Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber who figured out perfect familiar dishes – like their incredible caesar salad and belgian style fries.
Mamma’s Too!
Yes, this is the famous slice shop that earned a star in the Times, and for good reason. Frank’s secret? He primes the raw pizza dough with olive oil, covers it with cheese and tomato sauce and then bakes it to perfection and finishes it off with 2-year old basil leaves. So try a slice – (or two…or three) we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Atomix
PC: @atoboynycChefs and couple Junghyun and Ellia Park of Korean favorite Aotoboy opened their second spot, Atomix this year, which was an instant hit. Feast on ten course tasting menu featuring traditional Korean cuisine in a contemporary and sleek setting that seats fourteen.
Frenchette
PC: Time OutRiad Nasr and Lee Hanson (previously of Balthazar) combine traditional French decor with contemporary food at their new bistro, Frenchette, in Tribeca. We love how the menu here offers both traditional classics along with a modern take on some favorites including a Duck Frites, an omelette souffle with sea urchin and the Gnocchi Parisienne.
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