New season, new restaurants. And autumn is consistently particularly exciting time for New York City restaurant openings. In 2024, plenty of intriguing spaces are opening across the city, including expansions of popular restaurants, new innovations by beloved restaurant groups, and completely unique concepts adding even more intrigue to New York’s progressively diverse and delicious dining scene. Here are the eateries to look forward to as they open this fall.
For Multicultural Neighborhood vibes: ACRU
79 Macdougal St., September 2024
Executive Chef and Partner Daniel Garwood (previously the Sous Chef at two Michelin-starred restaurant Atomix) is opening is first restaurant, ACRU. Envisioned as a neighborhood spot, the menu is inspired by Chef Garwood’s Australian roots, plus global techniques and flavors gleaned from his decade of cooking in kitchens around the world including Sweden, Italy, Denmark and South Korea. The restaurant is in partnership with NA:EUN Hospitality Group, which is behind some of New York and the world’s most renowned concepts, including Atomix, Atoboy, NARO, and Seoul Salon.
For Underrepresented Fujian cuisine: Nin Hao
609 Dean St., Brooklyn, September 2024
Get a taste of Fujianese cuisine at Nin Hao in Prospect Heights. Signature dishes include the classic Fujianese Bian Rou Wonton Soup and Ban Ban Rice Noodle, and Fujianese Immigrant Oyster Seafood Pancake, as well as twists on classic recipes like General Tso’s Whole Chicken and homestyle inspired food like Sauteed Tomato Egg twisted with Thai Curry prawn. Cocktails draw inspiration from various regions of China, crafted to represent a different Chinese city or province, from the Sichuan peppercorn-infused baijiu in the “Chengdu” cocktail to the rich osmanthus and plum flavors in “Hangzhou.” Expect playful beverage elements such as pickled chicken feet, scallion pancakes, and yogurt-washed aperitifs.
For Asian-American Hybrid Fare: Bananas
174 First Ave., September 2024
Bananas is the new Asian-American restaurant opening in the East Village from Managing Partners Chris Ng (previously of Blue Ribbon and Bond St) and Zachary Hoffman, alongside Executive Chef Kyaw Lwin (previously of Michelin-Starred Shmone). The creative menu will include shareable dishes like Miso Caesar Salad and Shrimp Wonton Etouffee. The beverage program will feature an expansive wine selection, sake flights as well as sake and shochu based cocktails. The warm, welcoming space features minimalist design elements as well as pop of pattern and color.
For Scandinavian Vibes: Smør Clinton Hill
1826 Putnam Ave., Brooklyn, September 2024
Get hygge at Smør Clinton Hill, the newest venture from Sebastian Perez and Sebastian Bangsgaard. The Danish duo opened Smør in the East Village circa 2019 and expanded with a bakery in 2022. Smør, meaning “butter” in Danish, will bring its signature Scandinavian cuisine to Clinton Hill. In a converted warehouse, a minimalist Nordic designed space can accommodate approximately 50 guests. By day, it will function as a table service restaurant with a bakery counter, transitioning to a wine bar with small plates in the evening, with a strong emphasis on natural wines and beer. During breakfast and lunch, diners can enjoy cardamom buns, crispy shrimp sandwiches, and alternating smørrebrød. Dinner offerings will include seasonal crudos, trout toast with trout roe, and a Danish street dog.
Smør Clinton Hill
For Domestic Wines and Seasonal Plates: Cora
20 Cornelia St, September 2024
From the same team behind Silver Apricot and Figure Eight, the West Village’s Cora will be all about local specialties. To eat, a heavy emphasis on seasonal ingredients from local greenmarkets and purveyors. The extensive wine program will feature over 20 selections of wine by the glass and one of the largest menus in New York City primarily focused on domestic wines.
For a Brooklyn pasta Party: Pasta Night
575 Vanderbilt Ave., September 2024
James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur, pastry chef and cookbook author Renato Poliafito (who also owns nearby daytime café and bakery Ciao, Gloria) will unveil an elevated sister restaurant this fall in Prospect Heights. The “fine casual” menu will feature classic pastas with a twist, small plates and a few mains, plus a variety of Italian pastries and desserts. A true Italian aperitivo hour will offer mid-afternoon specials. Pasta Night will also have an alimentari at the front of the restaurant with imported Italian goods, oils, pasta and more available for purchase.
For Specialty Kaiseki: Yamada
16 Elizabeth St., October 2024
Head to Chinatown’s Canal Arcade, a passageway connecting Elizabeth St. and the Bowery for a trio of Japanese gastronomic experiences. Joining nearby Nakaji and Kono, Yamada will be Kooth Hospitality’s third venture on the block, helmed by Chef Isao Yamada. Yamada will host two nightly seatings at his intimate 12-seat counter, serving a seasonally-driven tasting menu rooted in traditional kaiseki customs, while incorporating some European touches – a unique style shaped by his decade-long tenure at Manhattan’s Brushstroke. The 10-course menu will progresses through distinct cooking methods typical of kaiseki cuisine – like frying, grilling, steaming, and simmering. Expect antique and custom plateware crafted by Japanese ceramicists and a space that embodies the Japandi design style.
For Southeast Asian Feasts: Pig & Khao Upper West Side
433 Amsterdam Ave., October 2024
Pig & Khao is expanding uptown from its original Lower East Side Spot. Chef Leah Cohen and her husband and partner, Ben Byruch promise a second location celebrating vibrant flavors and dynamic energy of Southeast Asia , along with some fun new twists, including an extensive beverage menu to pair with food incluenced by the culinary traditions of the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The couple’s collection of vintage finds sourced from Thailand and Vietnam including lighting, plates, vintage signs and more will decorate the space.
Pig and Khao will expand to the Upper West Side
For Creative Kaiseki: Yamada
16 Elizabeth St., October 2024
Head to Chinatown’s Canal Arcade, a passageway connecting Elizabeth St. and the Bowery for a trio of Japanese gastronomic experiences. Joining nearby Nakaji and Kono, Yamada will be Kooth Hospitality’s third venture on the block, helmed by Chef Isao Yamada. Yamada will host two nightly seatings at his intimate 12-seat counter, serving a seasonally-driven tasting menu rooted in traditional kaiseki customs, while incorporating some European touches – a unique style shaped by his decade-long tenure at Manhattan’s Brushstroke. The 10-course menu will progresses through distinct cooking methods typical of kaiseki cuisine – like frying, grilling, steaming, and simmering. Expect antique and custom plateware crafted by Japanese ceramicists and a space that embodies theJapandi design style.