As the highly anticipated Michelin Guide celebration approaches on December 9th in New York City, 19 exceptional restaurants have been spotlighted for potential honors. While the event itself is exclusive, we’re thrilled to share a sneak peek at our nine favorite restaurants added to this acclaimed guide this season. Bon appétit!
ACRU (Greenwich Village)
À cru translates from French to “raw” or “naked,” while “Cru” also nods to vintage or raw ingredients—a cornerstone of bistronomy cuisine. But the name is arguably its least intriguing feature. This MacDougal Street eatery offers an exquisite tasting menu for under $100, with acclaimed Chef Daniel Garwood drawing inspiration from bold Australian flavors to craft each plate.
Theodora (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
Created by chef and owner Tomer Blechman, the mastermind behind the beloved Miss Ada, Fort Greene’s Theodora has earned Michelin Guide recognition for its “clear focus on dry-aged fish and open-fire cooking.” The Mediterranean-inspired space is imbued with the inviting aroma of wood smoke, adding to its charm. Dishes like their freshly baked sourdough with whipped ricotta, brown butter, honey, and sage have also become Instagram darlings, captivating foodies and influencers alike.
Joo-Ok (Koreatown)
Joo Ok may have an unconventional entrance—up a freight elevator to the 16th floor—but the stylish, welcoming space makes up for it in spades. Offering a modern twist on traditional Korean flavors, the tasting menu dazzles with dishes like the signature deul gi reum, featuring geoduck, spotted shrimp, and quail egg in perilla seed oil, is a memorable masterpiece that captures the essence of this elevated Korean dining experience.
Bungalow (East Village)
Set against a backdrop of pale pink walls and vibrant murals, Chef Vikas Khanna opened The Bungalow to bring warm, inviting Indian gastronomy to the East Village. From the team behind the beloved GupShup—whose creations we trust implicitly—this spot has quickly earned Michelin-worthy acclaim. Standout dishes like the five-cheese kulcha (stuffed flatbread) and yogurt kebabs wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry have cemented their reputation among culinary enthusiasts.
Café Boulud (Upper East Side)
Recently reopened within a luxury apartment on East 63rd Street and Park Avenue, the reimagined Café Boulud exudes refined elegance, now with a stylish Art Deco twist. From the interiors to the dining experience, everything is très chic. Guests can indulge in a prix fixe menu inspired by four themes: classic French cuisine, La Saison, vegetarian farmers’ market dishes, and Le Voyage, which spotlights global flavors. Notable plates include the black sea bass with a rich red wine reduction, perfect for a memorable multi-course meal.
César (Soho)
In reimagining a century-old Soho address, Chef César Ramirez has once again earned Michelin-star recognition for his exceptional tasting menu. The dishes celebrate French techniques and world-class seafood—think Norwegian langoustine adorned with caviar and smoked trout. The sleek, minimalist interiors provide a sophisticated backdrop, offering guests a choice of dining spaces: The Salon, The Dining Room, or The Counter, tailored to party sizes.
Okonomi (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
At Okonomi’s 290 Graham Avenue outpost, the spotlight is on its laid-back, six-seat omakase counter—the very concept that earned it Michelin-star acclaim. By day, the space operates as a market, offering bento boxes and sushi-grade fish, while by night, the backroom transforms into an intimate dinner party led by Chef Daniel Lee and his sous. Standout bites like wahoo sashimi topped with a zesty cucumber-seaweed sauce deliver an undeniable wow factor.
Le Veau d’Or (Upper East Side)
Founded in 1937, Le Veau d’Or oozes history with its intimate, throwback charm—think dark wood, pops of red, and snug tables draped in linens for a cozy yet seductive vibe. With chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr (the duo behind Balthazar and Minetta Tavern) at the helm, the prix-fixe menu honors classic French fare, with hits like pâté en croûte and golden-roasted poulet à l’estragon in a rich, buttery tarragon sauce.
Uzuki (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)
Chef Shuichi Kotani brings his love for buckwheat to Greenpoint, where his industrial warehouse-turned-restaurant shines with factory windows and skylights. Along with offering soba and pottery classes, the gluten-free menu is packed with fresh noodles and vegetables. The prices are on the higher side, but the experience is worth it.
