At a time when fad foods seem to be reinventing themselves and popping up on every corner of New York City (cough cough – frozen yogurt), Sandwell has managed to carve out a niche of its own in the sandwich scene. With locations in Gramercy and on the Upper West Side, the self-described “healthyish” sandwich shop focuses on high-quality ingredients, unique recipes, and flavors that feel both comforting and novel.
Perched along the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront, Kiwami offers the kind of omakase experience that feels elevated and intimate, but still casual enough to feel welcoming.
The intersection between comfort cooking and elegant dining
Salumeria Rosi bursts onto the scene in East Village, offering a lively scene to brighten up the avenues. As the second location of this beloved UWS staple, they’re debuting some exclusive offerings such as the café menu and extended bar hours as the warmer months take over.
Returning to BLACKBARN for dinner felt like revisiting a version of New York dining that many have missed. In the evening, the restaurant offers an escape, briefly transporting guests out of the city and into something closer to a ski-town retreat. It’s a dinner experience marked by assurance, the kind that comes from a place comfortable with its own pace.
Dumbo gets a brand new hometown spot this November! Ziggy’s Roman Cafe, founded by Employees Only alums Helen Zhang and Igor Hadzismajlovic, will be serving “roman classics with a twist” on the East River waterside starting November 15th.
Walking into Port Sa’id, you’re greeted by a warm, lively energy. A refined Mediterranean escape in the heart of downtown, just west of Soho, Port Sa’id’s sprawling venue includes a stage with live musicians playing cool, subdued tunes throughout your meal. But it’s not distracting; it blends well with the effortless vibe of the place: rustic wood, soft lighting, and a buzz of conversation.
Malka in Dumbo offers an elevated respite from the busy tourist-filled cobblestone streets right under the bridge. Started by Chef Eyal Shani of one of our favorite wine bars, Shmone Wine, Malka is an Italian-inspired, kosher-certified restaurant that is guaranteed to impress on a date night or evening with coworkers.
Kebabishq, a new East Village gem from the creators of Ishq and Gazab, recently opened on 2nd Avenue. We stopped by to chat with the founders about their vision for the restaurant, and of course, to sample some of their delicious kebabs.
At first glance, Shmoné Wine Bar feels like a new entrant into the Greenwich Village dining scene, but a closer look reveals its long-standing reputation for quality and luxury. The latest venture by acclaimed chef Eyal Shani and SAGA alumni Yonatan Chaitchik, Shmoné Wine is an intimate wine bar right next to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Shmoné, in Greenwich Village. Opened in February 2025, they offer an exclusive selection of small batch wines and inventive small plates in a cozy, refined setting.