With summer in full swing, we’re making plans far and wide to get out and enjoy the warm weather. Whether your itinerary lands you on the west side of the Hudson, or the East End of Long Island, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 5 new restaurants to check out this summer 2023.
Revitalizing the Restaurant Scene: Blu on the Hudson
Blu on the Hudson is an avant-garde American restaurant in Weehawken, New Jersey, offering an extraordinary dining experience with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The one-of-a-kind 30,000 sq ft space lends itself to both a restaurant and a nightlife destination. Led by Kosta Gianopoulos of Blu Hospitality Group, the restaurant showcases a seafood-focused menu curated by renowned Executive Chef Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega. With menu focuses dedicated to Raw Bar, Crudo, Appetizers, Homemade Pastas, Land & Sea selections, and a top-notch Steak Program, there is something to please every palate. The brunch menu features enticing options like the Vegan Apricot Sticky Bun and the Truffled Mushroom Omelette. Blu on the Hudson also offers a selection of innovative signature cocktails, including the Breakfast Martini and the Chocolate Innocence. Conveniently located near Hoboken and Jersey City, it’s just a short ferry ride from Manhattan through the NY Waterway.
Principe: SoHo’s Latest Seafood-Focused Culinary Destination
Located in the heart of SoHo, Principe is a seafood-focused restaurant that draws from both local and Italian influences. From Chef Abram Bissell (The Nomad, Eleven Madison Park, The Modern) the restaurant brings a vibrant and approachable dining destination to the SoHo community. Bissell incorporated Italian sensibilities throughout the dining experience poised to bring a refined yet approachable culinary destination to New York’s vibrant restaurant community. Whispers of Italian sensibilities are woven throughout Bissell’s cuisine, which showcases shareable plates and thoughtful preparations of simple and fresh ingredients. The menu begins with a vast raw bar featuring composed small bites, such as Oysters with Meyer lemon, black pepper, and chives and Jonah Crab Claws wrapped in mustard leaves, among other seasonal offerings. The in-house pasta program features Italian classics, such as a Brown Butter Basil Tortellini in winter vegetable brodo, and leads into a robust entrée section that includes dishes such as the Charcoal Roasted Turbot & Lobster for Two. Dishes are to be enjoyed family-style – a nod to a communal Italian dining experience.
El Nico: A Mexican Culinary Adventure
Prepare to embark on a thrilling culinary expedition at elNico, the dazzling rooftop bar and restaurant nestled in Penny Williamsburg. Offering breathtaking views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines, elNico entices its patrons with imaginative Mexican cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. Chef Fer Serrano curates an extraordinary menu that reflects her vibrant life experiences in Mexico and her fascinating culinary journey around the world. Complementing the cuisine, Leo Robitschek leads the cocktail program, incorporating fresh, seasonal flavors and locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on agave-based spirits, classic cocktails, and a carefully selected variety of wines. Located at 288 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY, Penny Williamsburg provides limited street parking, while guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s partnership with the nearby iPark lot. Experience the full range of amenities in the hotel’s rooms, featuring pour-over coffee systems, mini fridges, HDTVs with Chromecast, and more. At Penny Williamsburg, pets are more than welcome, and on select days, brunch and dinner are available at elNico.
The Farm Italy: A Rustic Italian Haven
Nestled in Huntington, NY, at 12 Gerard St, The Farm Italy is an enchanting restaurant and bar that brings the essence of local Italian dining to the neighborhood. From the TunneyVision team behind the beloved Besito and The Shed restaurants, John Tunney III’s all-star team has done it again. Embodied by simplicity, beauty, and seasonal freshness, The Farm Italy serves as a charming destination for diverse occasions, whether it be a romantic date, a joyous celebration, or a festive birthday gathering. Step into the warm and inviting atmosphere and indulge in a delightful culinary journey encompassing dinner, lunch, or exquisite cocktails.
The menu at The Farm Italy showcases a tantalizing array of dishes that will awaken your taste buds. Explore the succulent Olives & Parmesan, savor the flavorsome Farm Antipasti, relish the richness of Lobster and Tagliolini, delight in the creamy Burrata and Crudo, or indulge in refreshing salads like Gem and Caprese. Discover an enticing selection of plates and fine meat cuts. Reservations are nearly booked full a month in advance, but outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Mavericks Montauk: Beyond a Steakhouse
Immerse yourself in a culinary sanctuary at Mavericks Montauk, a true gem located in Montauk, New York. Under the leadership of Managing Partner Vanessa Price and Executive Chef Jeremy Blutstein, this extraordinary restaurant celebrates the region’s abundance by collaborating with local farmers, fishermen, and cheesemakers. Prepare to be enthralled by a menu that showcases the finest offerings of New York, featuring an array of diverse flavors and impressive large-format protein options. Mavericks Montauk prides itself on sourcing local, seasonal ingredients, ensuring an unparalleled level of freshness and sustainability. Enhancing the experience further, the restaurant’s breathtaking waterfront location on Fort Pond provides a serene atmosphere accompanied by awe-inspiring views. For those seeking an exclusive dining experience, Mavericks Montauk offers private dining spaces tailored to individual preferences. While currently open for dinner throughout the week, the restaurant plans to introduce lunch and Après Beach offerings shortly. Alongside the exceptional cuisine, Mavericks Montauk boasts an enticing beverage program curated by Vanessa Price, focusing on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Capturing the vibrant essence of Montauk’s food scene, Mavericks Montauk guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.
