New York is often called the city that never sleeps, and it’s largely because this is a place that is always reinventing. From fashion and film, books to Broadway, New York doesn’t follow trends—it sets them.
Whether they’re wandering through Williamsburg, meandering around Midtown, or scoping out Staten Island, our MICHELIN Inspectors spend their days and nights dining out across New York. When it comes to restaurant trends, they’re the first ones to spot them. And while some trends are just a flash in the pan, we think these are here to stay.
Indian cuisine is hot
And we don’t mean spicy (though, bring it on). Indian restaurants are leveling up, and food lovers are taking notice. No longer relegated to cheap date night spots with a curry-in-a-hurry style, these restaurants are sophisticated and nuanced. Semma was the first Indian restaurant to receive One MICHELIN Star in New York.
Check out some of our favorite Bib Gourmand Indian restaurants in the city, plus one that’s just a MetroNorth train ride away.
Bib Gourmands: Cardamom, Chutney Masala, Dhamaka, RaaSa
See all Indian restaurants in New York here.
Skyline views are cool
From the top of the Rock to the Empire State Building, New York is known for its picture-perfect views but some of the best places to take in the view are from a table at these three restaurants with breathtaking views. Two MICHELIN Star Saga is one such spot from its perch at 70 Pine Street, a landmark 60-story tower. Sip an aperitif on the open-air balcony before settling in to the elegant dining room where Chef James Kent delivers cuisine as impressive as the views. Manhatta rises over downtown from its prized position. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame iconic views of the city skyline and river while Chef Justin Bogle does wonders with global ingredients and creative dishes. Finally, head over to Hudson Yards, home to the highest outdoor observatory in the western hemisphere and pull up a chair at Peak. Take in the views of lower Manhattan and New Jersey from this stunner in one of New York’s most exciting developments in recent decades.
Middle Eastern is top of mind
Shmoné has grabbed the spotlight of late, and in large part due to its One MICHELIN Star, awarded in 2023, but this Israeli restaurant isn’t the only one getting attention. From food trucks and fast casual spots to sit-down restaurants across the city, Middle Eastern is everywhere. Some of our favorites include Balaboosta, Dagon, where the breads, and the short rib tagine can’t be missed, and Kubeh, where chef/owner Melanie Shurka learned the art of making the namesake dumplings from women of Kurdish, Iranian, and Syrian descent.
Fermentation is brewing
No longer relegated to kombucha or kimchi, fermentation is everywhere now. So much so that restaurants have started hiring specifically for that purpose. Three MICHELIN Star Eleven Madison Park has a fermentation sous chef. Chef Hooni Kim’s restaurant One MICHELIN Star Meju, named for fermented soybean paste, is so passionate about fermentation that he bases most, if not all, of his menu on it.
View all Korean restaurants in New York here.
