NYC News

Sami & Susu co-owners Jordan Anderson (left) and Amir Nathan (right)/Photo: Briana Balducci

Shifka (324 Bowery; Summer 2025)

Shifka is the new pita shop in NoHo from the duo behind Sami & Susu, the Michelin-Bib Gourmand restaurant and wine bar on the Lower East Side. Two years ago, Sami & Susu started experimenting with pitas during lunch—quickly garnering neighborhood buzz and selling out daily. Fast forward to Summer 2025, the team is opening the new pita shop featuring pita sandwiches, dips, bowls, and soft serve ice cream. Channeling the rebellious spirit of the 60s-70s rock and roll era in the Middle East, Shifka's design will feature bold vintage-inspired design, built-in seating, and natural wine kegs lining the walls. Amir Nathan and Jordan Anderson are the team behind Sami & Susu, the Lower East Side restaurant and wine bar inspired by family recipes, memories and flavors of the Mediterranean.

Haymarket (Chelsea; Spring 2025)

Haymarket is the new restaurant from Chef India Doris (previously Executive Sous Chef at two Michelin-starred SAGA) and Alex Pfaffenbach (previously Director of Development at Quality Branded’s Zou Zou’s, Bad Roman, etc), who met ten years ago while working at The NoMad as Chef de Partie and Head of Food & Beverage, respectively. Opening in Chelsea this spring, Haymarket's menu is inspired by India’s time spent living and working throughout Europe - ranging from a brasserie in the northern Normandy city of Caen and small local restaurants throughout Spain, to acclaimed London institutions such as La Trompette and Bibendum at the Michelin House. Haymarket boasts an upscale dining experience with a lively, vibrant atmosphere, and marks the first solo project for both India and Alex.

Chateau Royale (205 Thompson Street; Spring 2025)

Chateau Royale is the new French restaurant opening in spring 2025 from Cody Pruitt, owner of Libertine in the West Village. A complement to sister-restaurant Libertine, Chateau Royale is a contemporary love letter to the grand New York French restaurants of yore, accompanied by an all French wine list highlighting a mix of natural and old-guard producers and a tableside-presentation-centric cocktail program, both of which are curated by Pruitt. A dual-level concept, Chateau Royale is housed in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Greenwich Village. Upon entering, there is the bar room inspired by renowned European cocktail bars like Kronenhalle in Zurich and Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, with dark green leather booths and an emerald marble bar, ideal for drinks and snacks. Upstairs is the 50-seat dining room with a menu and design inspired by iconic New York French restaurants including La Grenouille and Lutèce in Midtown, punctuated by velvet banquettes, vintage accents, and dim lighting.

Narkara (5 E 17th St; Late Spring 2025)

Narkara is a new Thai restaurant from Kinnaree Hospitality Group (V{IV} Thai Restaurant, Aqua Boil, and THEP Thai Restaurant) set to open in early Spring 2025 at 5 E 17th Street in Union Square, NYC. Drawing inspiration from the Mekhong Delta region, it will spotlight the rich, lesser-explored flavors of Northern and Northeastern Thailand. The 150-seat venue will feature artistry from renowned Thai artisans, including custom bamboo installations by Korakot Aromdee and contemporary woven art by Patapian, blending tradition with modern design. The dining experience will be elevated with custom-made tableware from esteemed Northern Thai ceramic studios, Prempracha and Earth and Fire Ceramics. Chef Sakdiphat Mokkasak, who brings 16 years of experience cooking in notable NYC Thai establishments like Pongsri, Pye Boat Noodle, Esanation, and THEP Thai Restaurant, will helm the kitchen.

Le Chêne (76 Carmine St., Spring 2025)
Le Chêne, the new French restaurant and first solo project from acclaimed chef Alexia Duchêne (previously of Margot, Frenchie in London, Passerini and Taillevent in Paris), and her husband Ronan Duchêne Le May (previously of Café Boulud) - opens in the West Village this Spring [76 Carmine Street at 7th Ave]. Alexia will helm the kitchen, serving traditional refined French recipes with a twist highlighting seasonal ingredients. Ronan will oversee the front of house and beverage program, including an extensive wine list featuring over 4000 bottles, including rare vintages and hidden gems. The intimate, inviting space is designed by Frederique Mortier, and features a curated collection of fine art.

Mama Mezze (1123 Broadway; Summer 2025)

This June, Mark Barak (La Pecora Bianca) opens Mama Mezze, a new all-day Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, in the heart of Nomad. Renowned Chef Einat Admony (Balaboosta Moondog HiFi Taïm) has created the menu, which features a large selection of classic spreads and small plates, meat and fish skewers, and large format dishes such whole Moroccan fish and lamb tagine, all coming from the wood-fired grill and oven. Mama Mezze offers a lively, welcoming dining room with bright, jewel-toned colors and lush trees throughout the space, alongside an expansive patio of over 100 seats.

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