Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in New York City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fresco's Grand Cantina

5.0

5 (136)

$30 and under

Mexican

Astoria

About the restaurant

**** Please note this page is for our 28-50 31st St, Queens, New York location.****

Beautiful Mexican-Fusion establishment with old-world accents and very Instagram-able throughout the restaurant. We pride ourselves with fresh locally sourced ingredients for our Authentic & Modern Mexican fare.

Best Happy Hour around from 3pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Friday. The strong & delicious cocktails and amazing service will keep you coming back week after week for any of our numerous events. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.

If you'd like to make a reservation at our other location ( Fresco's Cantina ) located at 12-14 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 - Please call (347) 808-7338.

Thank you!

Top review

Melinda

Dined on 4 May 2025

Fresco's Grand Cantina is not only delicious with great variety of drinks but they have such fun, bright, and welcoming LGBTQ+ energy that not only makes me want to return but also bring new friends/family/people visiting NYC! This was my second time attending their Sunday Drag Brunch with Catrina Lovelace and it was even more amazing than my last visit! I brought my parents and cousins for their first Drag Brunch experience and it was a huge success! They had so much fun and loved everything we ate and drank! Will be be back for sure

The Lobster Club

4.8

4.8 (376)

$50 and over

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

The Lobster Club, a Japanese Brasserie by Major Food Group, is a fixture within Midtown Manhattan's iconic Seagram Building. Designed by architect Peter Marino in collaboration with MFG, the dynamic space reflects an outstanding – perhaps extravagant - interpretation of Japanese cuisine. Using classic techniques like tempura, gyoza, yakitori and robata, along with a focus on Teppanyaki and Sushi, The Lobster Club sources fish directly from Tokyo's Tsukiji market to ensure the highest level of quality. Everything on the menu is designed to be shared, encouraging a spirit of informal fun.

Top review

KellyVIP

Dined on 30 Apr 2025

Excellent! Beautiful bar, great music playing and everything taste delicious!

The Factory 380

4.8

4.8 (17)

$31 to $50

American

Kips Bay

About the restaurant

"The Factory was a space where high and low, rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight came together as one.”

Now, put yourself back in 1962 NYC - Our “neighborhood bar / restaurant / lounge with hidden speakeasy" is subtly referencing the Andy Warhol movement while showcasing modern artful cocktails and craft beers. The Factory 380 serves market fresh creative eclectic fare, fermented grains and cocktails to rocking DJ tunes in a funky decor.

Top review

Michael

Dined 1 day ago

Food is excellent. Vibes are immaculate. 10/10 for a Mothers Day Brunch.

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Experience

Trivia Tuesdays at The Factory 380

Experience

Live Music Wednesdays at The Factory 380

Experience

Mixtape Bingo at The Factory 380

Bar Kabawa

4.8

4.8 (13)

$50 and over

Caribbean

East Village

About the restaurant

While we do offer reservations each night, we save half the room for walk-ins too. Come on by! | Bar Kabawa is a wine and daiquiri bar from Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku celebrating the flavors of the Caribbean in the heart of the East Village. Drawing inspiration from Chef Paul's culinary journey, the menu features daiquiris, wines by the glass, and a compact list of patties and raw bar bites. Bar Kabawa is a place to relax, enjoy, and feel at home—whether you're dropping in for a casual drink or gathering with friends.

Top review

Ryon

Dined on 17 Apr 2025

Exceptional as always. From the food, daiquiris, staff & music. Bar Kabawa never disappoints.

Amber West Village

4.7

4.7 (336)

$30 and under

Sushi

West Village

About the restaurant

New York's Favorite Neighborhood Pan-Asian Restaurant serving Sushi and Asian Cuisine.

We turn the art of eating, whether by yourself or with a group of friends into an experience which will never be forgotten. The decor, friendly staff together with our cuisine is what has made us a beloved favorite.

Our delicious cuisine combines the bold flavors of Asia with delicate french essences. Our menu is served family style which creates a magical experience.

Top review

Jack

Dined on 1 May 2025

We love this place excellent all the time the service is very friendly. The food is always good and the atmosphere is nice. Great place for a business dinner or Friend get together.

Locanda Verde Hudson Yards

4.7

4.7 (15)

$31 to $50

Italian

Midtown

About the restaurant

Locanda Verde is our neighborhood osteria serving Chef Andrew Carmellini's soul-satisfying urban Italian cuisine.

Our bustling Tribeca corner restaurant has been welcoming New Yorkers morning, noon and night since 2009 with a warm and comfortable atmosphere, leisurely Italian spirit and heartfelt cooking. In 2024, we opened our second location uptown on the prime, street-level corner of 50 Hudson Yards, bringing our downtown sensibilities and iconic urban Italian menu to an exciting new neighborhood.

Top review

HollyVIP

Dined on 1 May 2025

Excellent food and service. Will definitely return

Lucky Cat

4.7

4.7 (12)

$30 and under

Izakaya

Midtown East

About the restaurant

The Lucky Cat is situated in Midtown NYC, a vibrant center of Japanese business and culture. Our large beckoning cat, an emblem of Japan's Maneki Neko tradition, warmly welcomes everyone. The restaurant is operated by chef and partner Koji Kagawa, embracing the 'Izakaya' concept—an informal Japanese gastropub typically frequented after work for drinks. Our menu offers authentic dishes served in a tapas style, perfect for sharing. Come and unwind with us! Irashaimase!

Top review

hrb18VIP

Dined on 22 Mar 2025

Good service and good food. Great to go with kids although certain time on weekend, they start DJing so loud music.

Balade

4.6

4.6 (1016)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

East Village

About the restaurant

An Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that is a genuine addition to New York City’s diverse International cuisines. Specializing in Lebanese cuisine, Balade is a quaint neighborhood destination in the East Village with a warm and hospitable setting. Owned and operated by Roland Semaan (Hilton Hotels, NYC; B.R. Guest Restaurant Group, NYC) – Balade, which means Local, when describing produce of high quality in Lebanese, is the true culmination of his heritage and impressive hospitality background and experience.

Voted Best Middle Eastern on Zagat 2015-2016

Dinners Choice Winner Open table 2013- 2014 - 2015

For parties of 12+ please contact us at 212-529-6868 or email info@baladenyc.com

Top review

Bruna

Dined on 22 Apr 2025

My favorite Lebanese in NYC by far! Traditional and cozy, perfect for dinner with your loved ones sharing a meal

Ten 11 Lounge & Bar

4.6

4.6 (25)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Midtown

About the restaurant

Ten11 Lounge & Bar, located in the heart of NYC's vibrant Nomad district, offers an unforgettable nightlife experience. With its chic ambiance and expertly crafted cocktail menu, it's the perfect spot for a night out. Whether you're looking to unwind with friends or celebrate a special occasion, Ten11's stylish setting and exceptional service guarantee a memorable time.

Top review

Jessica

Dined on 1 May 2025

Loved this place so much!! Vibes were absolutely amazing

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Experience

Sunset Happy Hour 🌝🥂

Spyglass Rooftop Bar

4.5

4.5 (334)

$31 to $50

American

Garment District

About the restaurant

With a panoramic view of NYC that includes the Empire State Building so close you could almost touch it, Spyglass Rooftop Bar is a midtown Manhattan favorite for an elevated toast – literally. Located on the 22nd floor of Archer Hotel New York, both hotel guests and locals are welcome to relish in the sophisticated elegance of our rooftop bar.

Evenings at Spyglass are full of signature cocktails and shareable bites for guests 21+ while weekends include Saturday and Sunday brunch for guests of all ages.

Top review

Janice

Dined on 3 May 2025

An oasis in the City with an unparalleled view of the Empire State Building (especially at the exact minute of sunset).

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Experience

Weekend Brunch With a View

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