New York’s vibrant dining scene continues to evolve, and from this fall to next year, the city will see several notable restaurant concepts making their move into the market. This roundup highlights all the planned restaurants WhatNow uncovered last week.
A Fresh Wave of Restaurants Headed to New York’s Dining Scene
From SoHo to Brooklyn, New York’s culinary landscape is welcoming a fresh wave of restaurant openings. These upcoming concepts are preparing to launch in the coming months.
Croft Alley
Los Angeles-based Croft Alley is set to open its first New York City location this fall in SoHo at 210 Sixth Avenue. The space, formerly home to Lola Taverna, will feature 17 tables with seating for 52, a 12-seat bar, and an outdoor café area. The opening marks a notable addition to SoHo’s evolving dining landscape.
The menu will mirror the Los Angeles original, featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites like avocado toast, burritos, bowls, and sandwiches. Find out more about the restaurant here.
Pura Vida Miami
Pura Vida Miami, a health-focused café, has signed a lease for a 4,000-square-foot space at 79 Front Street in Brooklyn. This latest New York location is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026.
The brand was launched in South Florida in 2012 by Omer and Jen Horev and has several outlets in the city. The menu features superfood smoothies, acai bowls, all-day breakfast, wraps, and other health-conscious bites. Check out more details here.
Didi’s Pizza and Wine Bar
Didi’s Pizza and Wine Bar is expected to open in early 2026 on the ground floor of a new eight-story building at 203 Jay Street in Brooklyn, which will occupy the 3,300-square-foot space.
The casual dining concept comes from restaurateur Nick Semkiw, the leading force behind concepts like Chica & The Don.
Bond St Coffee will be among the restaurant’s neighboring tenants. Further details are available here.
Varith
The team behind the popular Thai spot Valla Table, led by chef-owner Chuck Valla, plans to debut a new concept near Union Square in Manhattan.
Varith will open at 13 East 13th Street, spanning roughly 6,500 square feet across three levels.The space will seat about 90 guests across 16 tables and feature a 16-seat bar.
The concept builds on Valla’s signature Thai flavors, featuring dishes like Goong Sarong, Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao, and Massaman curry. Varith will also have a creative cocktail menu with Thai-inspired cocktails, with details mentioned here. The restaurant will operate every day with lunch and late-night services.
Chacha’s
Fish Cheeks’ team is expanding its portfolio under 55 Hospitality, which is a cocktail-centered restaurant named Chacha’s. The new Nolita spot will feature inventive cocktails and a focused menu of small plates, including beef tartare and smoked trout salad.
The space aims to create a casual yet upscale vibe inspired by New York’s downtown nightlife. With Fish Cheeks already a staple in the local dining scene, Chacha’s marks the group’s next step in expanding its culinary and cocktail footprint across the city. Check out more details here.
These upcoming openings highlight ongoing investment in New York’s neighborhood dining scene.
