The Citiblog

Each year Cititour announces its Top 45 restaurants of the year. They range from neighborhood spots to some of the most elegant restaurants in the city. They all have one thing in common. They all maintained a top rating since opening. Some of the newer spots had 5 stars.

Selections are based on restaurant industry rankings from Yelp, Google, Resy, OpenTable and others. Each restaurant achieved a ranking above 4 stars in at least two listings. The restaurants are provided in alphabetical order. There are many more we wish we could have added!

Photo: Aromi

Aromi - 552 Court St, Brooklyn, NY (347) 529-5752

This neighborhood spot in Carroll Gardens continues to draw raves for its wood-fired classic Italian dishes, fresh-baked focaccia and pizzas. Think slow-braised meatballs, meat sauce lasagna, and a charred grilled sirloin, all served up in a cozy setting.

Photo: Bjork Cafe

Bjork Café - 58 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Swedish chef Ulrika Bengtsson, and partner Sabina Lindmark, are bringing healthy Nordic cuisine to Midtown with Björk Cafe & Bistro at Scandinavia House, including their crowd-pleasing Swedish meatballs with lingonberries. You may recognize the name from Ukrika’s formerly on the Upper East Side.

Photo: Brooklyn DOP

Brooklyn DOP - 237 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (347) 599-1913

Pizza aficionados Thomas Gian Ardito and Jason D’Amelio take their pizza very seriously. In Italy, “DOP” stands for the Protected Designation of Origin. It’s a symbol of this duo’s strict standards when cooking up classic Italian pies made with the freshest ingredients.

Photo: Casa Carmen

Casa Carmen - 114 Franklin St, New York, NY

Two brothers, the grandsons of revered Mexican cook Carmen "Titita" Ramirez Degollado, are the forces behind Casa Carmen in Tribeca serving traditional Mexican recipes from Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. The amazing space was designed by Mexican interior designer Luis Enrique Noriega.

Photo: CASA TuLuM

CASA TuLuM - 229 Front Street, New York, NY (212) 433-5800

Newly opened CASA TuLuM, led by Chef/Partner Rodrigo Abrajan, is already getting high marks for its its flavors of the Mexican coast. The restaurant, located in the Seaport District, is in a space designed to feel like a luxurious Tulum beach house. Abrajan got his start operating a taco cart in 1993.

Photo: Chanson Le Salon

Chanson Le Salon – 355 Greenwich St, New York, NY (646) 930-2272

This Tribeca spot draws its inspiration from 1930s French style with intimate booths and a sweeping Calacatta Viola marble bar. Guests can enjoy freshly-made baked goods, flavorful refreshments, and refined French cuisine with options like Crispy Pork Belly, Filet Mignon au Poivre and Duck à l’Orange.

Photo: Claud/Teddy Wolff

Claud - 90 East 10th Street, New York, NY

Inspired by 1950s English pubs and Northern Italian cafés comes Claud. Chef Joshua Pinsky and Wine Director Chase Sinzer, who met at Momofuku Ko, are showcasing dishes in the simplest form alongside an extensive wine program at this popular East Village spot.

Photo: Daddies/Cititour.com

Daddies - 450 Hudson St, New York, NY (212) 420-0010

Daddies, from the folks behind Lil Frankies, is drawing a huge crowd to its pizzeria on Hudson Street. The centerpiece is silver and gold, wood-fired oven used to make its mouthwatering pies such as Pizza Salsiccia with house made fennel sausage, Pizza Prosciutto di Palma, and Pizza Polpettini with baby meatballs.

Photo: Dept of Culture

Dept of Culture - 327 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY

At Dept of Culture in Bedford Stuyvesant diners can get up close to traditional north-central Nigerian cuisine while also getting a sense of community. Each week diners are presented with a different menu of traditional Nigerian dishes and street foods in an intimate setting designed for conversation.

Photo: NYCRestaurant.com

El Cartel

El Cartel Tapas Bar and Restaurant is bringing the flavors of Colombia to Hell’s Kitchen in a vibrant setting. One of the specialties of the house is Cazuela de Mariscos, a seafood casserole made with a secret family recipe. There are cocktails and Aguila, the top selling beer in Colombia.

Photo: Essential by Christophe/Liz Clayman

Essential by Christophe - 103 W 77th St, New York, NY

Newly opened Essential by Christophe is already getting high marks for its “unfussy” French cuisine and luxe design. The restaurant, located on the Upper West Side, is led by Chef Christophe Bellanca who has worked in the kitchens of fine dining establishments L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Le Cirque.

Photo: Ferdi/Brianna Balducci

Ferdi - 15 7th Avenue South, New York, NY

Ferdi is a family affair led by sibling partners Aida Scarpati and executive chef Fernando Scarpati. The West Village restaurant is drawing rave reviews for its shareable plates and fresh pasta dishes, many from a collection of family recipes. The space has the feel of an authentic Italian café.

Photo: Filé Gumbo Bar

File Gumbo Bar - 275 Church Street, New York, NY (646) 851-0810

Filé Gumbo Bar, in Tribeca, draws its inspiration from filé - ground sassafras leaves used as a thickening agent in gumbo. The signature dish is Tiny’s Gumbo named after Chef/Owner Eric McCree’s grandfather. Most of the gumbo ingredients are flown in daily from Louisiana adding to the authenticity.

Photo: FONDA Tribeca

FONDA Tribeca - 139 Duane Street, New York, NY (917) 261-6950

FONDA, the popular Mexican spot by Chef/Owner Roberto Santibañez, is getting high marks at its newest location in Tribeca. The beautifully re-designed space builds on the brand’s festive colors with offerings such as Enchiladas de Mole, Birria, Seared Jumbo Shrimp, Crispy Fish Tacos and classic margaritas.

Photo: Hakata TonTon/Daniel Ahn

Hakata TonTon - 35 W 35th St, New York, NY (917) 261-6536

HAND Hospitality revived Hakata TonTon which originally opened in the West Village back in 2008 as a Japanese soul food destination. Longtime chef Koji Hagihara also returned to lead the kitchen which is offering foods from Hakata, a melting pot city in Southern Japan with influence from China and Korea.

Photo: The Food Network

Hav & Mar - 245 11th Ave, New York, NY (212) 328-8041

Celebrity Chef and Food Network Star Marcus Samuelsson and Chef Rose Noël have opened Hav & Mar, a seafood centric restaurant in Chelsea. The restaurant celebrates Samuelsson's Swedish and African roots with dishes like Corn Wrapped Snapper, Cheeks Lasagna and H&T Roasted Chicken.

Photo: Jaz/NYCRestaurant.com

Jaz - 813 9^th Avenue, New York, NY

Jaz is exploring the flavors of northern India in Hell’s Kitchen. The menu includes such delicacies as Shrimp Balchao, pan-fried shrimp in a spicy onion-chili sauce; a Tandoori Platter, which includes Chicken Tikka Masala, Ginger Chicken and Sheikh Kebab; and Bhindi Masala, a stir-fried okra dish.

Photo: Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Jupiter - 20 West 50th Street, Rockefeller Center, Lower Level

The team behind King is breathing new life into Rockefeller Center’s food scene with the arrival of Jupiter. The 140-seat restaurant is serving Italian favorites such as zucchini fritti, beef carpaccio sott’olio with horseradish, and crab toast with fennel in a welcoming setting adjacent to the ice rink.

Photo: Kono/Ben Hon

Kono - 46 Bowery, New York, NY (646) 524 6838

Located in the Canal Arcade, a passageway connecting the Bowery to Elizabeth Street in New York City’s Chinatown, is Kono, a kappo-style yakitori omakase. Chef Atsushi "ATS" Kono is the force behind the new restaurant bearing his name. The centerpiece is an intimate 14-seat chef's counter.

Photo: Kru

Kru - 190 N. 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Kru, a Thai restaurant located in Williamsburg, is run by husband-and-wife team, Chef Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap. Together, they are serving dishes once enjoyed by Thai royalalty including Cured Pork Jowl simmered in coconut cream, and “Kaeng Kua” made with Lobster, pineapple and chili paste.

Photo: l'Abeille/Nicole Franzen

l’Abeille - 412 Greenwich Street, New York, NY (212) 542-3898

Veterans of Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon and Per Se are taking French cuisine to new heights at l’abeille, a sophisticated new Tribeca restaurant specializing in French 'bistronomy,' a cross between haute cuisine and NYC bistro style. A six-course seasonal prix-fixe menu is offered along with a la carte options.

Photo: La Marchande/Liz Clayman

La Marchande - 88 Wall Street, New York, NY

Chef John Fraser is winning praise for his French brasserie, La Marchande, in the new Wall Street Hotel, which sits on the site of the original New York Stock Exchange. Menu options include Grilled Lobster, an interpretation of Lobster Ameìricaine made with coconut milk; and Steak au Poivre prepared in a wok.

Photo: Lashevet

Lashevet - 1663 First Ave, New York, NY (646) 559-1560

Lashevet, an intimate spot for Middle Eastern cuisine on the Upper East Side, draws its influence from Israel, Morocco, and Lebanon with a taste of Provence, France. Chef Majid (Jay) Moulay Alami (formerly of Wallsé) was born in Casablanca and spent part of his youth living in Marseille, France.

Photo: Le Rock/Gentl + Hyers

Le Rock - 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

Le Rock burst onto the scene at Rockefeller Center from chef-owners Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, who also operate Frenchette. Look for French classics like Steak Haché, Cote De Boeuf, Bison au Poivre, escargots and plenty of seafood. A playful "plateau de dessert" served tableside caps off the meal.

Photo: LumLum

LumLum - 409 West 49th St, New York, NY (646) 684-4618

LumLum in Hell’s Kitchen has perpetual line out the door for its authentic Thai cuisine, including fried pork belly with spicy tamarind sauce; fried taro fritters with peanut and sweet chili sauce; and Crying Tiger, a Thai-style grilled ribeye marinated with raw egg and served with garlic rice and fried shallot.

Photo: Manero's

Manero’s of Mulberry - 113 Mulberry St, New York, NY

Manero’s Pizza in Little Italy has transformed into a proud red sauce joint for both food and drink. The restaurant gets its name from Tony Manero, John Travolta’s character in Saturday Night Fever and is transporting guests back to that disco era with new takes on classic Italian dishes and cheeky cocktails.

Photo: Mino Brasserie

Mino Brasserie - 225 W 12th St, New York, NY (845) 272-2342

Mino Brasserie will whisk you away to Paris with its bright and airy space lined with massive antique mirrors. Chef Éric Briffard, the force behind St Tropez Wine Bar, is serving up classic French cuisine, including Boeuf Bourguignon, PEI Mussels & frites, and French sandwiches like the Croque Monsieur.

Photo: Monsieur VO/Andrew Bui

Monsieur VO - 104 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Monsieur VO is described as a love letter to Vietnamese men - including fathers, uncles, brothers - and the dishes they love to eat. It’s based off of Saigon’s constantly evolving gastropub culture in the Vietnamese tradition of ăn nhậu, where meals are shared amongst friends along with plenty of beer.

Photo: Naro/Charissa Fay

Naro - 610 5th Ave, Rink Level, New York, NY (212) 202-0602

Naro, from the husband-and-wife team behind Atomix, is offering dishes rooted in Korean History utilizing traditional techniques. The prix-fixe meal features Kalguksu, a knife-cut Korean noodle soup with oyster mushrooms; and Hobak Jjim, a stir-fry with pine nut rice, Korean pear and chopi; among others.

Photo: Nonna Dora's/Tess Mayer

Nonna Dora’s - 606 Second Avenue, New York, NY

Addolorata Marzovilla, who came to the United States in the 1970s, is Nonna Dora. She’s also been nicknamed the “pasta machine” for her Puglia-style pastas which include amazing orecchiette, cavatelli, and malloreddus. Nonna Dora's pastas take center stage at this sleek pasta bar in the heart of Kip’s Bay.

Photo: One Fifth/Evan Sung

One Fifth – One Fifth Ave, New York, NY

Marc Forgione’s newest restaurant located in the former Otto space in Greenwich Village draws its influence from Forgione’s Italian heritage with a focus on local ingredients from the Union Square Market a few blocks away. There are Roman-style pinsa (similar to pizza), Italian-inspired cocktails and wine.

Photo: Peachy Keen/Cititour.com

Peachy Keen - 321 West 44th St, New York, NY

70’s inspired Peach Keen in Hell’s Kitchen is about as loud as a tie-died shirt with vibrant blues, greens, pinks and oranges filling the space. There are just as vibrant cocktails and bar bites, including Smoked Chicken Wings with peach bourbon glaze, Truffled Mac & Cheese, and Crab & Corn Beignets.

Photo: Ramen Misoya

Ramen Misoya West Village - 535 Hudson St, New York, NY (646) 368-1101

Tucked away underground in a landmarked West Village building with a small sign leading the way is Ramen Misoya. Chef/Owner Norimitsu “Nori” Nishida opened the original Ramen Misoya in the East Village in 2011 as the only NYC restaurant dedicated exclusively to miso ramen.

Photo: Ramerino Italian Prime

Ramerino Italian Prime - 16 East 39th Street, New York, NY (646) 880-7885

Restaurateur Sammy V. Gashi (Antica Ristorante, San Marino’s SoHo) opened this new concept called Ramerino Italian Prime with his take on rural Tuscan cooking. All of the dishes are prepared simply, using olive oil rather than butter, with prime meats and fish, vegetables, and house made pastas.

Photo: Rana Fifteen/Michael Tulipan

Rana Fifteen - 209 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (347) 599-1525

Rana Fifteen in Park Slope, Brooklyn is showcasing the foods of the Aegean and Western Turkey. Diners can order a la carte or family style with Rana’s Table feast of fifteen dishes served in the traditional Çilingir Sofrasi or “Locksmith’s Table” made up of numerous meze and light plates meant for sharing.

Photo: Reyna/Steven Branco

Reyna - 11 East 13th Street, New York, NY

Toronto’s splashy Mediterranean snack and cocktail bar, Reyna, is getting lots of attention at its Union Square location. Industry veteran Nicki Laborie calls Reyna a “labor of love.” Visitors will discover small plates of Lamb Baklava, Lebanese flatbread tacos, and Manchego & Cauliflower Croquettes, among others.

Photo: Rowdy Rooster/Paul McDonough

Rowdy Rooster

From the team behind Dhamaka comes the Rowdy Rooster, a tiny spot in the East Village specializing in Indian Spiced Fried Chicken. The restaurant is celebrating India’s chicken frying history from Chicken Pakoras in the North to Chicken Bezule in the South with spice levels ranging from “little tickle” to “knockout punch.”

Photo: Slutty Vegan

Slutty Vegan Brooklyn - 690 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

Atlanta-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, founded by Pinky Cole (above), is being well received at its landmark location in Downtown Brooklyn. The plant-based burgers and sandwiches come with colorful names like the One-Night Stand, the Fussy Hussy and Hollywood Hooker.

Photo: Sushi Lab

Sushi Lab East Village - 320 E. 11th Street, New York, NY

This intimate space features an eight-seat natural wood omakase bar with royal blue flashlight-shaped light fixtures overhead to give every piece of sushi its proper lighting. The room also features a four-seat sake bar. A 13-piece omakase is offered for $65; a 15-piece option for $100 per person.

Photo: The Noortwyck/Evan Sung

The Noortwyck - 289 Bleecker St, New York, NY

The Noortwyck, by former Eleven Madison Park alums, continues to draw a crowd in the West Village. Diners can expect dishes like Peeko Oysters with cucumber mignonette; BBQ Duck Breast with apricots & greens; and Smoked Hanger Steak with spring onion and tamarind, along with an extensive wine list.

Photo: The Porch/Michael Tulipan

The Porch Harlem - 750A St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY (646) 895-9004

The Porch, a destination for BBQ, drinks and live music in Harlem's Sugar Hill neighborhood, is serving American smokehouse classics with Cajun influences. The menu features house smoked salmon and cod, jerk salmon, Bluefish Pate in season, and more. The restaurant also serves as a community gathering space.

Photo: The Wesley/Teddy Wolff

The Wesley - 310 W 4th Street, New York, NY

Executive Chef Santiago Astudillo (previously of Le Bernardin and Daniel) teamed up with Mulberry Hospitality to launch The Wesley, a “produce driven” restaurant in the West Village with sustainable beverage program focusing on locally-made spirits, and a wine list of predominantly female producers.

Photo: Tonchin

Tonchin Brooklyn

Tonchin, the popular Japanese restaurant specializing in tonkotsu ramen, is getting rave reviews at its newest location in Williamsburg. Tonchin – which means ‘to come together’ in Japanese - is known for its signature ramen with house-made thick, wavy noodles, tonkotsu broth and assorted toppings.

Photo: Towa

Towa - 36 West 26th Street, New York, NY

Towa, led by Chef Masaya Shirai (formerly of Michelin starred Sushi Azabu), is celebrating Japanese kaiseki with a technique-heavy, multi-course Japanese dinner. The omakase menu features fried, grilled, raw, and boiled options, all important elements of Kaiseki cuisine.

Photo: Xolo/Melissa Hom

Xolo - 29 Dunham Place, Brooklyn, NY

Xolo is an all-day, bright and airy Mexican café in Williamsburg where you can start the day with breakfast tacos. Also on the menu - Chicharrones with chile, lime & salt, Chalupas Poblanas, Mini Meatballs “Al Pastor,” and Baja-Style Fish Tacos. Guests can also take in unmatched views of the East River.

We can't wait to get a taste of what 2023 has to offer. Happy Eating!!