In 2024, NYC foodie and content creator Kaitlyn Lavery of @kaitlyneats indulged in everything from date nights and birthday parties to Easter meals and more. Here’s a roundup of her favorite spots from the year, all easily bookable on OpenTable.
LessThis East Williamsburg gem is the definition of a neighborhood restaurant. Nearly a decade after its opening, it's still doing some of the most audacious and exciting Taiwanese American in the city. Dishes like minced pork and rice lou rou fan and the shrimp and mortadella Nutritious Sandwich are non-negotiable, but after that, the playful menu is your oyster.
Fabián von Hauske-Valtierra and Jeremiah Stone brought Paris's neo-bistro phenomenon to the Lower East Side at this trendsetting New American spot. Inventive but always tasty snacks, like sausage-stuffed fried olives with mornay sauce, showstopping desserts, and one of the city's best steaks are accompanied by rare natural wines that will leave you swooning.
Falansai in Bushwick blends vibrant Vietnamese and Mexican flavors in a menu created by Chef Eric Tran. Featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the innovative dishes include confit duck necks, shaken beef, and autumn rolls. With a serene backyard pond, it’s the perfect spot for intimate dinners or a culinary adventure.
Moody Tongue Sushi, from the two-MICHELIN-starred Moody Tongue Brewery, offers an elevated, hyper-seasonal sushi menu by Executive Sushi Chef Hiromi Iwakiri, paired with seasonal beers curated by Brewmaster Jared Rouben. Highlights include the Shaved Black Truffle Rice Lager, Pressed Asian Pear Saison, and a variety of IPAs and Belgian ales. The menu also features vegetarian and vegan options, plus a curated list of wines and cocktails.
Bistro di Marino in Sewell, NJ offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a full bar, craft cocktails, and a curated wine selection. Known for its signature gnocchi, the restaurant is a labor of love from four generations of the Marino family. Guests are invited to savor both the food and the passion that goes into every dish, making each visit a special experience.
Fossetta, a natural wine bar and restaurant in the Lower East Side, offers a menu of sourdough focaccia, antipasti, and house-made pastas inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean. Curated by Charlene Santiago and Josh Even, the wine list features small-producer natural wines. With large garage doors creating a casual indoor/outdoor vibe, Fossetta is perfect for a glass of wine, a full meal, or a special celebration.
Hawksmoor, located in Gramercy’s historic United Charities Building, is a steakhouse focused on all-natural, pasture-raised beef, dry-aged and cooked over live charcoal. They offer sustainably sourced seafood and small-farm produce, plus a classic Sunday Roast. Award-winning cocktails, including NYC's coldest martini, and a curated wine list complement the menu.
Located in Williamsburg, Montesacro offers a taste of Rome with its signature Pinsa, a light, crispy flatbread made with a unique blend of flours. The menu also features traditional Italian dishes like antipasti, pastas, and seasonal specials. The restaurant’s enclosed garden, with a retractable rooftop, provides a year-round setting for romantic dinners, casual gatherings, or private events. Montesacro combines authentic Roman flavors with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
This cozy Upper East Side café blends comfort with a welcoming vibe, featuring soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu invites guests to personalize their meals, offering a choice of meats, pastas (including house-made), and sauces, from classic marinara to rich carbonara. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and a mix-and-match philosophy, it’s perfect for any craving. For dessert, enjoy a cappuccino or decadent chocolate tartufo. The friendly service adds to the charm.
Café Chelsea is an all-day French-American bistro at the iconic Hotel Chelsea, marking the hotel’s first restaurant opening since El Quijote in 1930. Operated by Sunday Hospitality and Charles Seich, the café brings a fresh culinary experience to this historic landmark.