New York is kicking off the year with a fresh wave of restaurant openings this January. The latest additions bring a mix of familiar chains and new independent concepts to the city. These eateries reflect the city’s evolving dining scene, including flavors from across the world.
Seven New Restaurants Arrive in New York
From Chinese to Greek and Australian flavors, diners in New York can look forward to multiple new cuisines with the new openings in January. Here is a look at the restaurants that opened their doors last month:
Isla & Co.
Isla & Co draws from the Australian dining culture, reflecting the region’s multicultural influence. The menu highlights include Kimchi Sambal Scramble, Pulled Pork Hash, and Strawberry Cheesecake Waffles. Other picks are Kung Pao Fried Cauliflower and the staple “OG” Burger. Besides a wide dinner menu, the restaurant also offers beverages that draw from Australian cafe culture.
Some of the drinks include Aussie iced coffee, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Other cocktail offerings are the Cheeky Negroni, the East Side Spritz, and the Margot Robbie. More details are available here.
When: January 1, 2026
Rulin
A family-run restaurant, Rulin draws from traditional Chinese cooking techniques and regional flavors. The restaurant is run by husband and wife Lane Li and Chris Wang, who aim to bring an upscale take on Chinese comfort food in Manhattan.
Some of the menu specials are Lanzhou Style Beef Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodles, Shiitake Mushroom Skewers, and Country Duck Canapés. More details on the restaurant are available here.
When: January 20, 2026
Gyro City
The opening of Gyro City has introduced a higher-quality alternative scene to the fast-casual Greek concept in Manhattan. Focused on quality, the restaurant menu offers USDA organic produce, time-honored preparation methods, and consciously sourced protein.
Founded by three partners, two of whom are Greek and one is an Italian, the eatery emphasizes traditional preparation in a fast-casual setting. With their pitas and bread sourced directly from Greece, their menu favorites are chicken gyro pitas, lamb and beef gyro pitas. More information on the opening is available here.
When: January 17, 2026
Tacos by Fonda
New York City-based Mexican restaurant, Tacos by Fonda, has launched a new store in Time Out Market Union Square. The new location has seven kitchens, a stage, and a bar, with communal seating for 300 guests and 70 seats on an outdoor terrace.
The menu is designed for casual dining, and it offers items like tacos, Jack cheese quesadillas with a range of side options, and Crazy Fries topped with cotija cheese and chipotle powder. The menu also has a wide selection of desserts and cocktail options. Details for the restaurant are available here.
When: January 23, 2026
Aperitivo by CARTA
Day-to-night cafe, Aperitivo by CARTA has made a debut at 101 West 10th Street. During the day, the eatery functions as a cafe serving ceremonial teas like matcha and turmeric, specialty coffee, and pastries like pain au chocolate and pistachio pain.
It also offers healthy breakfast options and transforms into a lunch spot with soups, salads, and sandwiches. By evening, the space turns into a 24-seat wine bar featuring shareable plates in the evening menu, coupled with heavy mains. Read more details on the opening here.
When: January 15, 2026
Charlotte Patisserie
Greenpoint bakery-cafe Charlotte Patisserie debuted its first Manhattan location in January. Located at 78 7th Avenue, the bakery garnered praise for its traditional French goods made entirely in-house. Guests can enjoy a rotatory selection of cakes with flavors like Black Currant Lemon, Duet including hazelnut crunch, milk and white chocolate and Bourbon Chocolate Pecan.
The location will also introduce a French dessert ritual offering curated bite-sized sweets. The experience is served with espresso, allowing guests to sample multiple desserts. More details are available here.
When: January 15, 2026
Chubby Skewers
Bringing Northeastern Chinese barbecue to Queens, Chubby Group launched Chubby Skewers this January. The eatery features a menu for shared meals with street food-inspired offerings and cold drinks.
The restaurant, open till late at night, offers skewers at affordable prices. Some of the menu highlights are Signature Wagyu Skewers, Chicken wings, seafood, Mala tang, fried instant noodles, and Spicy cold noodles, among others. More details about the restaurant are available here.
When: January 25, 2026
The January openings underscore New York City’s continued growth as a global dining capital.
