8 New Restaurants to Try Right Now

Open since: End of January
Type of cuisine: Italian

Chef Giovanni Vittorio Tagliafierro has reworked the former Testaccio Ristorante space into a new eatery serving Italian dishes inspired by every region of his native country, including wood-fired pizza cooked in the style of the Almafi Coast. The restaurant is offering specials, including all you can eat slices every Tuesday night and $1 oysters Thursdays through Sundays.

Open since: March 2
Type of cuisine: New American

Sip on craft cocktails and stay for the conversation at The Cynical Schnauzer, which is inspired by the conversation-driven salon gatherings of early 20th century Berlin. Small plates include mussels and citrus, mackerel with turnip consommé and lamb belly spaetzle starting at $9. Bar bites like fried carrot and potato skins, butternut squash flatbread and oysters start at $3. Cocktails start at $12 and are named after influential German philosophers, writers and artists, including the Dietrich, the Nietzsche and the Hesse.

Open since: January 25
Type of cuisine: Burgers

Known for its decadent, over-the-top burgers and variety of sauces and add-ons, Island Burger & Shakes opened its third Manhattan location this winter. The ingredients will please the foodies in your group, including grass-fed and antibiotic-free meat, and breads from Sullivan Street Bakery and Eli Zabar’s.

Open since: February
Type of cuisine: Seafood

Get crabby with a wide array of fast seafood, from this New York version of a Maryland crab shack.

Open since: March
Type of cuisine: Modern Australian fare with focus on vegetables and fresh ingredients

The Australian owners behind SoHo eatery Two Hands Cafe have expanded their brand, and food selection with this new airy restaurant. The cuisine is veggie-focused, with an Australian twist.

Open since: February 19
Type of cuisine: Healthful but decadent

Spring Natural is the latest iteration of the now-closed SoHo stalwart Spring Street Natural. The original spot had been serving up healthful food with a focus on knowing exactly where the ingredients come from for decades — long before words like “locavore” and “paleo” were part of the New York City foodie lexicon. Pushed off Lafayette and Spring Street due to rising rents, longtime owner Rustam Schoenfeld just reopened on Kenmare Street. The menu includes old favorites like their special burger or French toast, as well as new additions, with dishes served up by a wok station.

Open since: February
Type of cuisine: American

From the owners of Bushwick Country Club comes this relaxed restaurant and bar featuring burgers, steaks and salads and an enticing $9 burger and beer special.