By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — In 2009, there were 157 notable restaurant openings in New York City compared to 102 closings, according to Zagat’s annual restaurant survey.
“Things have changed," said Tim Zagat, the guide's founder. "In good financial times, you’d see almost twice as many openings as closing.”
To compensate with the rough economic times, the trend nowadays in the restaurant world is toward less expensive menus. "Less expensive ones are probably doing better than ever,” Zagat said.
For example, star chef Daniel Boulud opened DBGB, which has burgers and matzoh ball soup on its menu, on the Bowery in 2009 to offer moderately priced foods in a casual atmosphere — a departure from his upscale Daniel and db Bistro Moderne.
Many restaurants haven’t been able to hack the tough times and folded, including beloved TriBeCa gem Chanterelle, Café Des Artistes on the Upper West Side and Greenwich Village’s p*ong by noted chef Pichet Ong.
But the economy is having positive effects on restaurants as well, Zagat said, as depressed real estate make it easier to open spaces.
DNAinfo compiled a list of top neighborhood newcomers in 2009:
Fishtail (UES) – Tasty food in served up in two floors of a historic townhouse on the Upper East Side. The ground floor has an oyster bar and the second floor is for formal dining. It's the latest restaurant by David Burke (of David Burke Townhouse).
Locanda Verde (TriBeCa) – A neighborhood Italian taverna serving up food by chef Andrew Carmellini. Robert De Niro is financially backing the restaurant.
Dirt Candy (East Village) – A vegetarian’s paradise. This spot in the East Village has meat-free grub that is inventive, like kimchi doughnuts or asparagus paella.
SHO Shaun Hergatt (Financial District) – This restaurant in the heart of the Financial District bills itself as “Asian-accented French cuisine.” It has received rave reviews from foodies and critics.
Via de Mille (SoHo) – Traditional Italian food set in the mix of a posh SoHo setting.
Co. (Chelsea) - Called a “pizza temple” in one Zagat review, the Chelsea restaurant offers creative pies like in a bustling atmosphere. Chef Jim Lahey of Sullivan St Bakery first tried out the concept with his pizza truck that he set up in Union Square last year.
DBGB (East Village) – Daniel Boulud of restaurant Daniel and Bar Boulud opened up DBGB in the Bowery to offer up comparatively casual French food.
Marea (Midtown) – This new restaurant just across the street from Central Park has modern takes on seafood fare. It’s the latest collaboration from restaurateur Chris Cannon and chef Michael White (of Alto and Convivio).
Aldea (Flatiron) – Contemporary Portuguese cuisine is offered up in an earthly-toned environment, set up to invoke the Iberian coast. Diners seated at the back of the space can watch chefs cook in an open-style kitchen.
Momofuku Bakery (East Village) – Certainly one of the newcomers with the most buzz, this bakery will have East Villagers wrapped around the block lined up for pastries at all hours of the day and night.
Aureole (W 40s) – After 20 years on the Upper East Side, Chef Charlie Palmer moved restaurant Aurole to the Bank of America building in Midtown West. The restaurant offers American cuisine in a modern atmosphere.
