© Photo by Daniel AhnWe've got great news: All of our collective manifesting actually worked, because Junior's, the iconic eatery known for their cheesecake, recently announced the launch of their cheesecake-scented candle (yes, for real).
For even greater news, a new group of stellar food spots just opened in town as well. After you've dined on show-stopping seafood towers and secured last-minute NYC Restaurant Week reservations (the program ends this Sunday), head to South Street Seaport for a dazzling array of eating options or a celebrity-backed hot chicken joint in Midtown. Here are 9 exciting restaurant debuts to check out in New York City this week.© Photo courtesy of Dave's Hot Chicken
Famously backed by celebrities like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson, Dave's Hot Chicken is bringing their heat-packed sensations to Midtown with their first NYC location. A West Coast favorite for late-night hot chicken, since its origins as a parking lot food stand in East Hollywood, California in 2017, the eatery specializes in Hot Chicken Tenders and Sliders topped with a signature mix of spices ranging from No Spice to The Reaper. Additionally, the company is slated to open 25 more locations in the U.S. this year with plans to roll out upwards of 700 across the country in the future.© Photo courtesy of Tin Building
After eight years of development, the historic Tin Building (previously home to the famed Fulton Fish Market from 1835 to 2005) in South Street Seaport has finally opened its doors. In addition to an expansive food hall and marketplace experience, within the two-story, 53,000-square-foot space designed in collaboration with chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges (ABC Kitchen, The Fulton), guests can explore six restaurants, six fast-casual counters, four bars, and three retail shops. Dining destinations include Shikku, a 19-seat sushi/sake spot; the taqueria, Taquito; and Beer Here! for brews on tap. Currently in its soft opening phase with limited hours until the fall, head over Thursdays through Sundays from 12 pm-5 pm.© Photo courtesy of Rang
Long Island City
New Delhi-born and Queens-raised chef Abishek Sharma introduces his fourth NYC concept in Long Island City this week. After his previous Manhattan-based successes like Madam Ji in Greenwich Village and Swagat on the Upper West Side, the food program at Rang follows a similar focus on traditional Indian cuisine-but, this time, in modern tapas-style interpretations. Among the highlights, there's a range of shareable bites such as Corn and Crispy Okra Chaat (amul ghee, tajin) and Paneer Bao Bun (Szechuan chili and tomato sauce), as well as larger offerings like Badshah's Murgh Curry (bone-in chicken, potatoes, garam masala).
DUMBO
As owners of the beloved One Girl Cookies (which now has three locations across Brooklyn) for the last 17 years, husband-and-wife duo Dave Crofton and Dawn Casale have commanded an ardent fan base. Now, the couple is branching out from their bakery concepts with an all-day cafe and bar in DUMBO called Dawn's 'Til Dusk. Open daily from 8 am-8 pm, the spot shifts from breakfast pastries and coffee in the morning to sandwiches and wine in the evening. With a glass of chilled white in hand for an aperitivo, snack on small bites like Marinated French Feta (chili flakes, za'atar pita chips) or something sweet like a classic Black & White Cookie.
Once a buzzy hot pot destination in the West Village from 2008 until its pandemic-induced closure in 2021, Hakata TonTon is reopening farther north at a new Midtown location. Now under the umbrella of Hand Hospitality (Her Name Is Han, Jua), the Japanese comfort food eatery boasts a reimagined izakaya-style food program alongside familiar guest favorites like the TonTon Hot Pot (spicy miso broth, chicken, pork belly, tofu) and handmade TonTon Gyoza. For newer menu items, signatures include the Bloomed Tomato (pickled tomato, onion, carrot) and Black Pepper Chicken Wings can be enjoyed at the 8-seat bar or in the main dining room.
How to book: Resy© Photo by Alexandro Loayza
Following a successful Brooklyn debut in the William Vale hotel earlier this year, Isla & Co. launches its second NYC outpost this week. As the latest addition to Parched Hospitality Group (The Sentry, Daintree), the new Midtown eatery follows the same concept as its predecessor with a bright, airy interior and a menu of coastal Australian-inspired dishes. In addition, brunch is served daily until 4 pm and includes guest favorites like the Chili Egg Scramble (toasted sourdough, bacon, avocado) and Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni (bolognese, pomodoro, parmesan). Beverage options range from coffee to natural wines and specialty cocktails like the Wizard of Aus (whiskey, lemon, egg white).
How to book: Resy© Photo courtesy of Jalao NYC
Located at the recently-opened Radio Hotel in Washington Heights, this new restaurant from celebrated chef and restaurateur, Richard Sandoval, marks the second (and first stateside) branch of Jalao. As the executive chef of the original location in the Dominican Republic's capital of Santo Domingo, Noemi Guzman will also command the NYC outpost as well, offering a range of traditional Dominican cuisine with touches of Mexican and Latin-American influences. Whether in the dining room featuring hand-crafted furniture from the DR or interior courtyard with weekly live music and dance lessons, enjoy shareable plates like Croquetas de Chivo (braised goat) or more filling offerings like the Pecao Frito (deep fried red snapper) and Sancocho (a traditional Dominican stew).© Little Banchan Shop
Hooni Kim (Danji), the esteemed chef and cookbook author specializing in Korean cuisine, just opened a grab-and-go shop concept in Long Island City named Little Banchan Shop. Rooted in Korean banchan, which meansr side dishes, customers can choose from staple items like gochujang, kimchi, pickles, a variety of proteins, juices, and more. With more than 60 banchan available for purchase, Kim sources ingredients from local farms and directly from Korea.© Photo courtesy of Serafina
Greenwich Village
Serafina's expansive portfolio just got bigger with the debut of their fast-casual brand, Serafina Express. As part of a three-part rollout of new locations (Flatiron was the first and next is FiDi slated for early September), the laidback stores are primed for quick service and to-go orders with menu items like Roman-style pizzas, homemade pastas, salads, and sandwiches such as the Italian Cotto (prosciutto, fontina). Beverage-wise, there's everything from coffee and tea to Italian beer and wine.
Izzy Baskette is a Staff Writer for Thrillist New York. Find her on Instagram.