UPPER WEST SIDE — Those strolling down Amsterdam Avenue in the West 80s may have noticed a slew of new restaurants that have opened — with even more on the way.
Other pockets of the neighborhood have also seen changes, with openings ranging from new bakeries and watering holes to ramen spots and even a new caviar boutique.
Here's a taste of the new establishments that have opened their doors in the past six months on the Upper West Side:
► 12 New Japanese Restaurants to Try
► 12 New Italian Restaurants to Try
► 16 New Comfort Food Restaurants to Try
Subscribe to DNAinfo's Upper West Side podcast:
Amorino Gelato, 414 Amsterdam Ave. at West 80th Street
Open Since: early April 2016
Type of Cuisine: Gelato, crepes, coffee
This gelateria serves up traditional Italian gelato with a twist. The global chain specializes in a wide array of flavors that it scoops into colorful flower-shaped arrangements. The store also serves crepes and waffles, as well as coffee drinks.
Kirsh Bakery and Cafe, 551 Amsterdam Ave. at West 87th Street
Open Since: April 2016
Type of Cuisine: Baked goods
Kirsh Bakery and Cafe, which opened its doors in the space formerly occupied by Popover Cafe on Amsterdam Avenue, serves fresh German and French pastries from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cafe is also quickly becoming known for its decadent French toast and savory brunch items like potato rolls.
Zurutto Ramen and Gyoza Bar, 142 W. 72nd St.
Open Since: April 24, 2016
Type of Cuisine: Ramen
Zurutto Ramen serves up organic brown rice noodles free of MSG, artificial additives or genetically modified ingredients, the restaurant said. In addition to several ramen options, there’s also gyoza, a Kobe beef burger and Japanese pancakes.
Le Pain Quotidien, West 72nd Street and Broadway
Open Since: Early April
Type of Cuisine: French
This new kiosk in Verdi Square, just to the east of the subway entrance, has its own outdoor cafe and serves pastries, breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks either to eat there or take away. The menu is French-inspired and seasonal.
Olma Caviar Boutique and Lounge, 420 Amsterdam Ave. at West 80th Street
Open since: March 2016
Type of cuisine: Caviar, Champagne, Sandwiches and Salads
The owners of the caviar lounge in the Plaza Food Hall have opened a new branch on Amsterdam Avenue, serving many different types of caviar, Champagne, cocktails and snacks like foie gras and crab legs.
Ollie’s Noodle Shop and Grille, 2705 Broadway at West 103rd Street
Open Since: Late March
Type of Cuisine: Chinese
A fire that started in a Barnard dorm extended to the Ollie’s location on West 116th Street and Broadway, forcing it to close last March. But the popular Sichuan chain has just reopened in a new location about 13 blocks south. This location has an extensive menu, with standbys like lo mein and General Tso’s Chicken, but also features items like pork stomach with salted cabbage or pork intestine with chives flower.
Szechuan Garden, 2596 Broadway at West 98th Street
Open Since: Late February 2016
Type of Cuisine: Chinese
Known for its authentic Chinese dishes and the variety of ingredients it uses, including frog and ox tongue, Szechuan Garden has opened a new branch in the former Hunan Balcony space.
Beer Shop & Tasting Table, 422 Amsterdam Ave. at West 80th Street
Open since: Late December
Type of cuisine: Craft beer and bar snacks
This cozy shop serves beer flights and boasts an inventive menu of rare brews. Patrons can also fill up growlers or check the refrigerators for beer to take home.
Island Burgers & Shakes, 3147 Broadway at West 124th Street
Open since: Jan. 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 outpost this winter. The ingredients will please the foodies in your group, including grass-fed and antibiotic-free meat, as well as bread from Sullivan Street Bakery and Eli Zabar’s.
Royal Soul Food, 914 Columbus Ave. at West 104th Street
Open since: March 15
Type of cuisine: Soul food and Caribbean
This new soul food spot features Southern favorites like crispy fried chicken and jerk chicken, as well as vegetables like candied yams and collard greens. It also serves up classic desserts like peach cobbler and strawberries and cream.
Pizzeria Sirenetta, 568 Amsterdam Ave. at West 87th Street
Open Since: Feb. 2
Type of Cuisine: Pizza and pasta
The husband-and-wife duo behind The Mermaid Inn have opened a new pizzeria next door to their popular seafood spot. In addition to serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-fired oven, there are pasta and meat dishes and creative antipasti options, such as fried potatoes with capers, scallions and lemon yogurt.
The Hamilton, 998 Amsterdam Ave. between West 109th and 110th streets
Open Since: Late December
Type of Cuisine: Scotch, whiskey, bourbon, rye and comfort food.
Serving stick-to-your-ribs food like baked mac and cheese and grilled cheese with cheddar, Bechamel and black truffles for dinner and brunch, the main draw of this new spot is its lengthy whiskey list. There are also plenty of traditional cocktails including a Sazerac and Boulavardier, as well as craft beers. Locals described it as a “gracious” and long-overdue neighborhood bar.
Breads Bakery, 1890 Broadway between West 62nd and 63rd streets
Open Since: Feb. 11
Type of Cuisine: Sandwiches, salads, baked goods
In addition to the decadent selection of fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries, this bakery also serves sandwiches and salads made on-site. Breads Bakery, which first opened in Union Square a few years ago, quickly became known for its babka (both the Nutella and cinnamon versions). Owner Gadi Peleg believes baked goods should be as fresh as possible, so they’re made continually throughout the day.
Boule & Cherie, 170 Amsterdam Ave. between West 67th and 68th streets
Open Since: December 2015
Type of Cuisine: French bakery
Apple pockets bursting at the seams, cookies filled with blueberries and almond Danishes are just some of the treats the new French bakery Boule & Cherie is becoming known for. Fro patrons looking for something more filling, the bakery serve quiche with a side of greens.
