Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in New York City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fresco's Grand Cantina

5.0

5 (135)

$30 and under

Mexican

Astoria

About the restaurant

**** Please note this page is for our 28-50 31st St, Queens, New York location.****

Beautiful Mexican-Fusion establishment with old-world accents and very Instagram-able throughout the restaurant. We pride ourselves with fresh locally sourced ingredients for our Authentic & Modern Mexican fare.

Best Happy Hour around from 3pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Friday. The strong & delicious cocktails and amazing service will keep you coming back week after week for any of our numerous events. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.

If you'd like to make a reservation at our other location ( Fresco's Cantina ) located at 12-14 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 - Please call (347) 808-7338.

Thank you!

Top review

NIKITASVIP

Dined on Mar 31, 2025

We enjoyed everything about our visit to Fresco’s Grand Catina. The dishes were beautifully presented, the atmosphere was lively yet relaxing, and the service was top-notch. A complete experience!

The Factory 380

4.9

4.9 (16)

$31 to $50

American

Kips Bay

About the restaurant

"The Factory was a space where high and low, rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight came together as one.”

Now, put yourself back in 1962 NYC - Our “neighborhood bar / restaurant / lounge with hidden speakeasy" is subtly referencing the Andy Warhol movement while showcasing modern artful cocktails and craft beers. The Factory 380 serves market fresh creative eclectic fare, fermented grains and cocktails to rocking DJ tunes in a funky decor.

Top review

David

Dined 4 days ago

No se puede ir mal con una tarde/noche aquí. Buenas bebidas, buenas vibras, y comida rica. You can’t go wrong with an afternoon/evening here. Great drinks, great vibes, and delicious food.

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Amber West Village

4.8

4.8 (334)

$30 and under

Sushi

West Village

About the restaurant

New York's Favorite Neighborhood Pan-Asian Restaurant serving Sushi and Asian Cuisine.

We turn the art of eating, whether by yourself or with a group of friends into an experience which will never be forgotten. The decor, friendly staff together with our cuisine is what has made us a beloved favorite.

Our delicious cuisine combines the bold flavors of Asia with delicate french essences. Our menu is served family style which creates a magical experience.

Top review

Jillian

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Overall, this restaurant was great - good food, service, comfortable, clean bathroom, location! The only thing I hope they will improve on - and this is a big one for people who like sushi - their sushi RICE is not authentic. The fish is great, the appetizers are great, the vegetables, tempura, dumplings, etc. are all great. But the sushi rice is, unfortunately, not really sushi rice.

The Lobster Club

4.8

4.8 (373)

$50 and over

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

The Lobster Club, a Japanese Brasserie by Major Food Group, is a fixture within Midtown Manhattan's iconic Seagram Building. Designed by architect Peter Marino in collaboration with MFG, the dynamic space reflects an outstanding – perhaps extravagant - interpretation of Japanese cuisine. Using classic techniques like tempura, gyoza, yakitori and robata, along with a focus on Teppanyaki and Sushi, The Lobster Club sources fish directly from Tokyo's Tsukiji market to ensure the highest level of quality. Everything on the menu is designed to be shared, encouraging a spirit of informal fun.

Top review

Guendalina

Dined on Mar 18, 2025

70s vibes Excellent wine list Top meat and sushi Especially liked the background music

Deluca's Restaurant - Amboy Rd.

4.8

4.8 (49)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tottenville

About the restaurant

Staten Island's premier fine dining destination. Specializing in fine Italian Food, Superior Service, with an Elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Review for DeLuca's: A Gem of Italian Cuisine on Staten Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re in search of the quintessential Italian dining experience on Staten Island, look no further than DeLuca’s. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that truly feels like home. Having been a loyal patron since the very first day it opened, I can confidently say that DeLuca’s has consistently exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to spot for every special occasion and holiday celebration. The owner, Robert, embodies the essence of hospitality. His passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish, and his commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled. He takes the time to engage with his guests, ensuring that each visit feels personal and memorable. It’s rare to find an owner who is so hands-on and genuinely invested in the dining experience, and Robert does it with grace and charm. Now, let’s talk about the food—oh, the food! The menu is a delightful homage to traditional Italian recipes, each dish crafted with care and attention to detail. The standout for me has to be the meatballs. These are not just any meatballs; they are a revelation! Perfectly seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor, they are served in a rich marinara sauce that’s nothing short of divine. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a main course, they are a must-try that will leave your taste buds dancing. The pasta dishes are equally impressive, with options that range from classic spaghetti carbonara to innovative seasonal specials. Each plate is a work of art, beautifully presented and brimming with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy. The sauces are homemade, and you can truly taste the love that goes into every bite. The ambiance at DeLuca’s is also noteworthy. The decor strikes a perfect balance between cozy and elegant, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and festive gatherings. The soft lighting and

Angelina's Kitchen-Staten Island

4.8

4.8 (63)

$30 and under

Italian

New Springville

About the restaurant

Angelina's Kitchen - serving the finest pizza and Italian cuisine.

Top review

Justin

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

I’ve been a repeat customer for years, but this time they outdid themselves. For my recent reservation for my Ma’s 59 birthday, they made it the most special. The waiters quickly moving furniture around to help with our party of 9 with two wheel chairs. Let alone the service and how speedy the food was, the food was delish. You’ve gotta try their salmon, the bee sting pizza, or even their Chicken Caprese. It’s never a miss!

Bar Kabawa

4.8

4.8 (13)

$50 and over

Caribbean

East Village

About the restaurant

While we do offer reservations each night, we save half the room for walk-ins too. Come on by! | Bar Kabawa is a wine and daiquiri bar from Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku celebrating the flavors of the Caribbean in the heart of the East Village. Drawing inspiration from Chef Paul's culinary journey, the menu features daiquiris, wines by the glass, and a compact list of patties and raw bar bites. Bar Kabawa is a place to relax, enjoy, and feel at home—whether you're dropping in for a casual drink or gathering with friends.

Top review

Ryon

Dined 5 days ago

Exceptional as always. From the food, daiquiris, staff & music. Bar Kabawa never disappoints.

Locanda Verde Hudson Yards

4.7

4.7 (13)

$31 to $50

Italian

Midtown

About the restaurant

Locanda Verde is our neighborhood osteria serving Chef Andrew Carmellini's soul-satisfying urban Italian cuisine.

Our bustling Tribeca corner restaurant has been welcoming New Yorkers morning, noon and night since 2009 with a warm and comfortable atmosphere, leisurely Italian spirit and heartfelt cooking. In 2024, we opened our second location uptown on the prime, street-level corner of 50 Hudson Yards, bringing our downtown sensibilities and iconic urban Italian menu to an exciting new neighborhood.

Top review

fmozerVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Beautiful restaurant. Food is great and good for business meetings. Room is very festive with energy. I would prefer having the option to be seated before the entire party arrives. The bar area gets very crowded.

Boqueria Flatiron

4.6

4.6 (760)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Gramercy Park

About the restaurant

An energetic, Barcelona-style tapas bar serving Spanish favorites, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails in a contemporary space near Manhattan's Flatiron Building and Union Square.

Perfect for a shared meal of small plates, happy hour with the team, a memorable date night, or weekend brunch!

Parties of 6 or more at dinner will enjoy our Classic Chef's Tasting Menu ($52 per person plus beverage, tax, and gratuity).

Please note that by making a reservation through OpenTable you are agreeing to receive marketing communications from Boqueria.

Top review

Melinda

Dined on Apr 2, 2025

Tables are small. The restaurant is relatively noisy. But the food and service were superb. We will go back.

BAAR BAAR

4.6

4.6 (743)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Indian

East Village

About the restaurant

**For groups of 10 or more, please email andy@baarbaarnyc.com.**

Baar Baar, a reimagining of the Indian love affair with all things spirited. A first of its kind Indian Gastro Bar that will challenge your perception of the subcontinent.

Join us for this journey with India-inspired cocktails that pay homage to our beginnings and modern interpretation of regional Indian Cuisine crafted by Chef Sujan Sarkar.

Top review

Amy

Dined on Feb 7, 2025

Went to check it out for restaurant week. Drinks were a bit pricey. Would definitely go back.

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