Buzz-Worthy Restaurant Openings in New York in 2025

From Madras Dosa and Yamada to Casasalvo and Ayah, New arrivals reinforced New York City’s reputation as a constantly evolving dining destination.

Written By Saheba Khatun
News Writer
Storefront image of Ayah (Source: Yelp)

In 2025, New York City’s dining scene welcomed a wave of new restaurant openings. The list includes notable names like Madras Cafe, Yamada, and Buttermilk’s Farmhouse.

Fresh Lineup of Restaurants Opened Across NYC in 2025

New restaurant openings shaped New York City’s dynamic dining scene this year. From Japanese ramen to bold Indian flavors, New York has become a hub of iconic restaurants and continues to push the boundaries.

1. Madras Dosa

Madras Dosa storefront
Storefront image of Madras Dosa (Source: Yelp)

A Boston-based South Indian restaurant chain, Madras Dosa, opened its first New York location in Times Square. The restaurant plans to open additional locations across the region, including Manhattan, Park Slope, Astoria, and Long Island City.

When: January 2025

2. L&L Hawaiian

L&L Hawaiian BBQ storefront
Storefront image of L&L Hawaiian BBQ (Source: Yelp)

L&L Hawaiian BBQ brings the comfort and uniqueness of Hawaiian-style food and is expanding in New York City. In New York City, the Hawaiian restaurant chain is expanding across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Each location of L&L Hawaiian BBQ offers its classic and original dishes like Hawaiian Plate Lunch, Chicken Katsu, Hawaiian BBQ mix, and more.

When: Early 2025

3. Yamada 

In 2025, Kooth Hospitality and Chef Isao Yamada brought an authentic Kaiseki Chef’s experience to Manhattan. The restaurant, Yamada, offers a seasonal multi-course tasting menu. The idea of this dining experience is inspired by seasonality (shun), harmony (chōwa), and mindfulness (ikigai). The upscale restaurant offers a high-quality, seasonal tasting menu; most of the ingredients are sourced from Japan.

 

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When: April 2, 2025

4. Casasalvo

Casasalvo storefront
Storefront image of Casasalvo (Source: Instagram @Casasalvorestaurant)

A Mediterranean restaurant, Casasalvo, founded by Sicilian Chef Salvo Lo Castro, found its home in SoHo. The chef is well known for preparing meals for fashion icons, global leaders, and two popes. Chef Castro launched three cafes across Manhattan; the menu includes traditional Italian dishes like Spaghettone with lobster cream and tomato, Ravioli Ragù Mediterraneo, and Paccheri Guanciale and Pistacchio.

When: July 20, 2025

5. Mommy Pai’s 

Mommy Pai's storefront
Storefront image of Mommy Pai’s (Source: Yelp)

This August, a Thai chicken spot, Mommy Pai’s, was launched in New York’s Nolita neighborhood. The restaurant serves Purple Sticky Rice and Lettuce Wraps, Coconut Rice & Beans in Banana Leaf, and Waffle Fries. The restaurant also offers refreshing tropical drinks like Mango Coconut and Spicy Tamarind Orange.

When: August 8, 2025

6. Buttermilk’s Farmhouse

Buttermilk's Farmhouse's storefront
Storefront image of Buttermilk’s Farmhouse (Source: Yelp)

Beloved breakfast and lunch joint, Buttermilk’s Farmhouse, opened a second location in Bay Shore, Long Island, after its success in the Patchogue location. The eatery offers a wide range of breakfast options, including French toast, pancakes, waffles, and more. For the kids, the restaurant features a special ‘Calves Menu’ that includes pancakes with a choice of toppings, from bacon to strawberries and chocolate chips.

When: August 29, 2025

7. Narkara 

Narkara storefront
Streetview image of Narkara (Source: Yelp)

Narkara, another Thai restaurant, has opened in Union Square. The restaurant offers dishes inspired by Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine, including soup nor mai, kanom Krok Pu, Gaeng Kradang, and Samrub Sai Ua.

When: September 2, 2025

8. Chick-fil-A

Bellflower Welcomes First Chick-fil-A Restaurant
Storefront image of Chick-fil-A (Source: Official)

One of America’s popular fast food restaurant chains, Chick-fil-A, has opened a new location in Forest Hills. The chain features dine-in, carry-out, and a third-party delivery service.

When: September 4, 2025

9. Mexi

Mexi storefront
Storefront image of Mexi (Source: Yelp)

A new Mexican spot opened as a casual spot for date nights and casual dinners in the Financial District. The spot offers vibrant Mexican food, including tortillas, fajitas, and more, served with organic chipotle sauces and chicken tinga.

When: September 4, 2025

10. Angelina Bakery 

Angelina Bakery's storefront
Storefront image of Angelina Bakery (Source: Yelp)

A popular Italian bakery, Angelina Bakery, offers light lunch and breakfast options like pastries, coffee, and gelato. It also serves Italian-American-style signature pizza.

When: September 8, 2025

11. Ayah 

Aesthetics of Ayah
New Moroccan-inspired restaurant, Ayah arrived in Soho (Source: Official)

Another upscale SoHo restaurant started serving traditional Moroccan flavors. Ayah’s creative menu is created by chefs Geoffrey and Aïcha Sbaih and features classic Moroccan dishes with modern twists. From Tajines to chhiwates, it serves authentic Moroccan small plates.

When: September 10, 2025

12. ofCorsica 

Operated by Executive Chef Andrew Minitelli, ofCorsica serves dishes made with expert cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients, with bold coastal flavors. Along with the restaurant, it serves an extensive wine selection.

When: September 15, 2025

 

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13. Yasubee Authentic Ramen

Yasubee Authentic Ramen storefront
Storefront image of Yasubee (Source: Yelp)

Yasubee Authentic Ramen, a popular Japanese ramen chain, opened its first-ever location in New York. The menu features spicy ramen bowls and Tokyo-inspired drinks such as Yuzu Ale and Match IPA. The restaurant also offers the iconic Tsukemen dish, in which noodles are served on the side of the broth.

When: September 25, 2025

14. Miru 

Pier 57 welcomed two new restaurants this year, one is ofCorsica, and another is Miru. Miru’s innovative menu is crafted by Executive Chef Rick Horiike. With plush interiors and intimate rooftop seating, the restaurant offers an upscale dining experience.

When: September 2025

 

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A post shared by Miru (@miru.nyc)

15. Coffee Project  

Storefront of Coffee Project NY
Coffee Project NY storefront image (Source: Yelp)

An independent coffee roaster and retailer, Coffee Project New York, has recently opened a new coffee bar in Hell’s Kitchen. Apart from freshly brewed coffee items, the cafe also serves Apple Toast, Mochi Ube Waffle, and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, among others.

When: December 2025

The extensive restaurant openings in New York this year showcase its continued growth as one of the country’s most diverse dining markets.

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Saheba Khatun is a journalist and content writer with a strong academic background in English literature and a deep passion for storytelling. She has produced a wide range of work spanning news, features, and human-interest stories, often highlighting the voices and experiences of everyday people. Known for her people-focused, thoughtful, and relatable approach, Saheba aims to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections through her writing. With an eye for detail and a commitment to integrity, she believes in the power of words to spark dialogue, shift perspectives, and create lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring literature, culture, and community narratives, which continue to fuel her creative process and broaden her worldview.
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