NYC's Hottest Restaurant Openings of 2025: 11 Must-Try Spots

Get ready, foodies! NYC's culinary scene is about to explode with a wave of highly anticipated restaurant openings in 2025. From Caribbean-inspired tasting menus to innovative takes on Korean cuisine and a revamped classic, these 11 spots are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Bar Kabawa and Kabawa (February):

Chef Paul Carmichael returns to NYC, bringing his Barbadian heritage to the former Momofuku Ko space. Expect a tasting menu at Kabawa and a more casual experience at Bar Kabawa, featuring patties and an impressive selection of daiquiris.

2. Bong (2025):

Chef Chinchakriya Un's Cambodian restaurant will finally have a brick-and-mortar location, serving up classic dishes like Kuy Teav noodle soup and Num Pang Paté.

3. Cafe Zaffri, Union Square (February 7):

An all-female team brings Lebanese flavors to Union Square, with a menu ranging from Jerusalem bagels to skewer service.

4. Golden Hof and NY Kimchi (Early 2025):

Sam Yoo's new venture combines a Korean pub (Golden Hof) and a Korean raw bar and steakhouse (NY Kimchi), reviving his family's former restaurant space.

5. I Cavallini, Williamsburg (2025):

The Four Horsemen team expands their culinary empire with an Italian-focused restaurant, featuring wine and cocktails.

6. Maison Passerelle, Financial District (March):

Chef Gregory Gourdet's fine-dining establishment blends New York and French colonial influences, resulting in innovative dishes like Haitian coffee-rubbed NY strip steak.

7. Papa d’Amour, West Village (Spring 2025):

Dominique Ansel's new bakery celebrates his children's heritage, specializing in steamed buns, milk breads, and egg tarts.

8. Papa San, Hudson Yards (February 18):

Llama Inn and Llama San team up to present Papa San, showcasing Nikkei-style izakaya cuisine and cocktails from Buenos Aires' Tres Monos.

9. RAON, Midtown East (January 2025):

Chef Soogil Lim and Sasook Youn's 14-seat chef's counter focuses on kimchi, a Korean staple.

10. The View, Times Square (February):

Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group revamps NYC's only revolving restaurant, offering raw bar specialties, small plates, and supper club fare.

11. Seahorse, Union Square (Spring 2025):

Chef Paul Hargrove's seafood-centric restaurant features a full raw bar and locally sourced produce from the Union Square Greenmarket.