New York's Best Openings

From an intimate French wine bar in “Dimes Square” to a 4000-square-foot brasserie, we round up the best new spots to try.

Le Dive: French wine and sardines served in the tin all in the heart of stylish “Dimes Square” 

The perfect destination for a Francophile. You’ll find this French-inspired cafe from restaurateur Jon Neidich on the corner of Canal and Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side. Inspiration came from the old tabac-style cafes of Paris, which serve as gathering spots for regulars. While the wine offering is focused on European pours, the food and cocktail menu has been updated for the New York dining scene.

37 Canal St, New York; T. 646-370-6222

Hags: A tiny restaurant in the East Village by Queer people for all people

At this highly-anticipated restaurant debut from Chef Telly Justice and sommelier Camille Lindsley, dining is fun and delicious. Tables are set with a plate of pronoun pins for customers to wear, if they wish, and heart lights that can be adjusted for mood. The menu is divided into two: the $145 vegan menu or the $155 omnivore menu with the option to add wine pairings for $85 per person. Given Lindsley’s resume, which includes an important stint at Aldo Sohm, you’re probably going to want to go for the pairings.

63 1st Ave., New York

Parcelle: Pet-nat served among Gio Ponti furniture 

With 500-plus bottles on the list, you can rest assured there’s something for everyone at this warm and inviting bar from the team behind the popular online wine retailer of the same name. The ever-changing food menu is perhaps better suited to a pre-dinner snack as you perch on leather couches or corduroy chairs, all part of an impressive collection of furniture from the Italian modernist movement. In addition to being a wine bar, Parcelle is also a shop and school. Keep an eye on the website or social for details on the weekly themed tasting classes. 

135 Division St, New York; T. 212-258-0722

Le Rock: Classic brasserie fare from the Frenchette team in Art Deco surrounds

One of many exciting new restaurants to open as part of Rockefeller Center’s expansive dining overhaul, Le Rock is a 4,000-square-foot brasserie from chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr. Spacious with plenty of tables—130 seats indoors with another 70 on the terrace—but packed each night, Le Rock offers brasserie standards while keeping things interesting with a rotating menu. The menu is seasonal, drawing from what’s in market, and there is also a more permanent offering to ensure crowd favorites are always available.

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York; T. 332-258-8734

PHOTOGRAPHY Gentl + Hyers, courtesy of Le Rock