These new restaurants and bars are heating up the local culinary and cocktail scene.
Cha Cha Tang’s mouthwatering black pepper steak
BARLUME
LDV Hospitality founder, John Meadow, and partner, Avery Britton, strike again with Barlume, a three-story dining experience offering the New York culinary scene a taste of the Mediterranean. The menu celebrates fresh cuisine complemented by a creative blend of drinks that both intrigue and reminisce. 900 Broadway,barlumenyc.com
CHA CHA TANG
After a successful seven-week popup, Mercer Street Hospitality debuts Cha Cha Tang at the iconic Hancock St. A collaboration between John McDonald and Nom Wah owner Wilson Tang, it has quickly become a local favorite with its playful take on Hong Kong-style cuisine. 257 6th Ave.,chachatang.com
CHEZ FIFI
Serving as the ultimate family affair, brothers Joshua and David Foulquier opened Chez Fifi as a tribute to their late mother. At the helm of the kitchen is chef Zack Zeidman, who blends traditional French flavors with touches from the Basque region in a charming townhouse. With dishes like Clam Rice and Croquetas, each meal embraces a communal dining experience. 140 E. 74 St.,chezfifinyc.com
ELVIS
The brains behind the Nines and Le Dive and Eric Kruvant and Darin Rubell of Paradise Projects present Elvis, a Parisian-style natural wine bar that reimagines the iconic Great Jones Café. The menu, crafted by executive chef Nicole Gajadhar of Golden Age Hospitality, includes homemade charcuteries and French bites. 54 Great Jones St.,elvisnyc.com
HEROES
From the creators of Tokyo Record Bar and Niche Niche, Heroes serves shared plates and intimate cocktails, honoring everyday heroes. Owned by Ariel Arce, Aaron Lirette, and Kenneth Crum, it’s housed in an old carriage house with Pearl Box, a cozy 1970s-style bar on the third floor. Together, they offer delicious bites, drinks, and a warm, communal vibe. 375 W. Broadway,heroesrestaurantnyc.com
indulge in luxurious bites like caviar and oysters at Le Bar Penelope PHOTO: BY EVAN SUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
LE BAR PENELOPE
The brainchild of The Avra Group, sip and savor the moment at Le Bar Penelope. Situated next to Avra, the experience is enhanced by the lounge’s interior design (think custom furnishings, hand-blown Italian glass fixtures and murals). Indulge in luxury with caviar, raw bar delights and a fusion of American and Chinese dishes available in the private dining room washed down by inventive cocktails and an extensive list of wines and champagnes. 14 E. 60 St.,lebarpenelope.com
SUSHI BY SCRATCH
Led by culinary duo Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, this 17-course omakase-inspired menu offers more than food—it’s an experience. Dishes range from Japanese eel with matcha to Spanish bluefin tuna, paired with curated Japanese sake and whisky. 922 Broadway,sushibyscratchrestaurants.com
WAITING ON A FRIEND
Raise your glass to a night of elegance at Waiting on a Friend, where NYC nights come alive with every pour. Reimaging Garret East with a lounge-like allure, this East Village hot spot crafts stellar pours and unforgettable experiences. “The best bars offer a dynamic range—whether it’s a laid-back cocktail setting or an energetic dance scene—and that’s what Waiting on a Friend will be,” says Alec Mitchell, strategic partner. 206 Ave. A,waitingonafriendnyc.com
Photography by: BY SUZI PRATT; COURTEESY OF GOLDEN AGE HOSPITALITY; PHOTO: BY DAN AHN
