14 New Upper West Side Restaurants, Bakeries and Bars to Try

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.