New York City is gearing up for a wave of new restaurant openings. From upscale concepts to global cuisines, the city’s dining scene continues to expand with fresh energy and innovation.
NYC Welcomes a Fresh Lineup of Restaurant Openings
From wine bars and cozy cafés to international eateries and modern sports bars, NYC is preparing for a diverse lineup of openings. This roundup highlights all the planned restaurants WhatNow uncovered last week.
Kaia Wine Bar
South African restaurant Kaia is expanding to the Upper East Side with a new location at 1446 First Avenue. Currently under construction, the upscale spot will serve South African-inspired dishes such as peri-peri deviled eggs, lamb burgers, and Capetonian street food. Learn more about the restaurant here.
The Pocket
The Pocket, a new American-style bar and restaurant, is set to open soon in New York City. Geoffrey and Julian Dawson and Bennett Genovesi are working on this new concept, and the spacious spot will include 18 indoor tables, a bar, and a back patio.
The owners have experience running successful D.C. bars like Astro Beer Hall and Penn Social. An opening timeline has yet to be announced. Learn more about the concept here.
Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar
Las Vegas-based Carver Read Hospitality is bringing its popular concept, Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, to Pier 17 in the Seaport District. The bar is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2026. The East Coast flagship will join the existing locations in Las Vegas, Glendale, and Salt Lake City.
Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar will feature signature steaks, burgers, fresh seafood, and classic cocktails. Explore more information about the opening here.
Madame Bonté Cafe
Another NYC favorite, Madame Bonté Cafe, is set to open its fourth location at 450 East 81st Street. The cafe is known for its coffee, matcha, and pastries like danishes, croissants, and kouign amann.
The menu features delicious sandwiches, including caprese panini with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and pesto on ciabatta; avocado toast; a ham and cheese croissant; and jambon-beurre with brie, which includes Parisian ham with double cream brie cheese on ciabatta. Additional details are available here.
Friedman’s & Suram Sushi + Ramen
Food image from Suram Sushi (Source: Official)
Friedman’s is planning to open a new Tribeca location at 378 Greenwich Street, introducing its Japanese sister concept, Suram Sushi + Ramen. Launched in 2021, Suram offers ramen, sushi, and sashimi alongside sake, wine, and beer.
The restaurant has not announced an opening date yet. Learn more about the upcoming opening here.
La Piovra
La Piovra (“the octopus”), located at 145 East 61st Street in Lenox Hill, will showcase a menu blending Italian and Mediterranean influences.
The menu will blend rich and bold Italian and Mediterranean influences, featuring dishes inspired by southern Italy, Malta, and Greece, with creative global touches like South American peppers and Japanese citrus. Read more about the restaurant opening here.
With new concepts spanning casual cafés to refined dining, New York City’s restaurant scene continues to strengthen its reputation as a global culinary destination.
