Post overview: Restaurants open on New Years day in NYC
Look I get it, you just rang in the New Year and probably didn’t get to bed until well after 2AM. Waking up (possibly with a pounding headache) and cooking is quite literally the last thing you want to do.
No worries! There are tons of great restaurants open on New Years day in NYC to choose from. Most restaurants are open on January 1st, but not all of them are created equal. It can prove to be difficult deciding which of them are worth your time (and let’s be honest, your money).
I’ve put together this list of 20 restaurants open on New Years day in NYC that are worth getting out of bed for, and just tempting enough to make you want to start your diet next week.
In fact, I think that one of our New Years resolutions should be to treat ourselves to nice meals more often. And while we’re at it, lets stop paying ridiculous prices for mediocre food!
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Restaurants Open On New Years Day in NYC
#20. Bills Bar & Burger
Type of food: Classic Sports Bar Food
If you’re looking for a low-key restaurant open on New Years Day in NYC, consider swinging by Bills Bar & Burger. It’s a sports bar that serves delicious comfort food, but the burgers and shakes are where they truly shine.
With more than ten different burgers to choose from, there is something for everyone here. My favorites include The Bill’s burger which is a classic and The Big Mamooo which is a cheese burger but topped with mac & cheese and bbq brisket.
If you have multiple mouths to feed, Bills Bar & Burger offers a burger tower called Killer B’s, which is made up of five mini burgers (caramelized onion, american cheese, ketchup, mustard, special sauce, pickles) and served with fries and onion rings.
Bills Bar & Burger is one of the few restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC that closes late into the evening at 11:00PM. Make reservations here!
Fun Fact: The Rockefeller Center location is the biggest standalone burger joint in the country.
Address: 85 West St, New York, NY 10006 & 16 West 51st St, New York, NY 10019
#19. Carnegie Diner & Cafe
Type of food: Casual American Fare
One of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC is Carnegie Diner & Cafe because it was a spot created for the people. The atmosphere is cozy and feels home-y and the red booths add to the old school diner charm.
The restaurant is the kind of place where there is food for all different kinds of hunger and needs. The menu is extensive and while all the dishes are tasty, I personally think Carnegie Diner & Cafe has perfected breakfast plates.
Start the new year off with a big ol’ plate of pancakes or French toast and wash it down with some hot chocolate. You can always start that new diet on Monday! 😉
Address: 205 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
#18. Cafe D’Alsace
Type of food: French
Cafe d’Alsace hails from an area in France named Alsace. The region has been both part of Germany and France so the cuisine is a mixture of both cultures, and third generation chef Philippe Roussel really works some magic in the kitchen.
This is one of those restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC where the ambience never disappoints. Locals fill the space with jovial chatter and the excitement of the new year can be felt all around.
The decorations are also inviting and add to the over welcoming energy of the cafe. If you’re stopping by for brunch, you can’t afford to miss the crepe souffle, which is topped with a tasty passion fruit sauce.
Address: 1703 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
#17. Zou Zou’s
Type of food: Eastern Mediterranean Region
The next restaurant open on New Years Day in NYC is new to the scene and unlike anything I’ve ever had.
Located in Hudson Yards, this Mediterranean restaurant is elegant and the food is some of the best in all of New York City. It’s not often that the appetizers blow your mind more than the entrees but Zou Zou’s is the exception.
Now that’s not to say the entrees aren’t great, because they are — however, the whipped ricotta (with Saffron Apricots) is worth writing home about and don’t even get me started on the Hot Kasseri Cheese and focaccia.
The cheese comes out in a skillet and then the staff proceeds to light it on fire, right in front of you! The whole restaurant is an experience you don’t want to miss out on, but the food is memorable and you’ll be craving it for a long time.
Address: 385 9th Ave Suite 85, New York, NY 10001
#16. Five Napkin Burger
Type of food: Full-Service Burger Restaurant
For those of you looking for a quick bite, one of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC in Five Napkin Burger.
After a night of drinking, the last thing you want to do is make yourself food when you wake up. Lucky for you New York City is full of great spots to eat and rumor has it, greasy food cures hangovers.
Five Napkin Burger is my go-to spot after a night of celebrating. The appetizer’s are fantastic and the portions are great for sharing if you have two people.
Just like the name suggests, the burgers are juicy and bursting with flavor so keeping napkins close to you is the only way to attempt to stay clean.
I suggest trying the 5 Napkin burger and the truffle burger, both are divine. This is also one of the few restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC that offers vegetarian options on a menu heavily curated around meat.
Address: 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024 & 630 9th Ave. New York, NY 10036
#15. The Smith
Type of food: Casual American Fare
Serving a plethora of traditional American fare, The Smith is a hot-spot for locals and tourists alike and one of the best restaurants open on New Years day in NYC. Expect to find all the classics like omelettes, burgers, steaks, etc.
Crowds are all but guaranteed at this popular restaurant but with so many locations sprinkled around New York City, you shouldn’t struggle making reservations.
Of all the meals I had at The Smith, I find myself coming back, time and time again for the brunch. The cocktails are refreshing and the buttermilk pancakes are to die for.
Address: Multiple Locations in New York City
#14. Cafe Luxembourg
Type of food: French
Café Luxembourg is a chic French-American bistro that serves some of the best food and is one of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC.
Locals come for the delicious fare and return for the exceptional service. The menu is extensive (without being overwhelming) and ensures that everyone at the table will find something to love.
I can’t resist the Smoked Salmon Benedict (so good!) while my husband swears by the omelette. The flavorful dishes make it hard to stay away too long, and I find myself gravitating to this UWS brunch spot on a monthly basis.
One of my friend’s remarked at how charming the cafe is. She said she felt like the main character in a romantic comedy, half expecting Meg Ryan to pop in. Personally, I think she’s watched When Harry Met Sally one too many times, but hey — no judgement in that department. 😉
Address: 200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
#13. La Grande Boucherie
Type of food: French
La Grande Boucherie is a French restaurant that feels more like an elegant museum. The romantic interior could make anyone fall in love and the food is exceptional.
I’ve been to La Grande Boucherie more times than I’d like to admit, but I am a sucker for the brunch –especially the Eggs Norwegian (eggs Benedict with smoked salmon). The eggs are poached to perfection and the hollandaise sauce is full of flavor.
This is one of the more popular restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC, so make sure to plan ahead and make reservations. If you can’t get a reservation for the morning, don’t worry, the dinner menu is just as good!
Start the new year on the right foot and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner at one of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC.
Address: 145 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
#12. Carmine’s
Type of food: Family-Style Italian Cuisine
If you have a lot of mouths to feed, I suggest making reservations at Carmine’s, one of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC. The restaurant serves all the typical Italian fared food, from pasta to Tiramisu I still dream about. But what sets them apart is the portion sizes.
Carmine’s doesn’t play around when it comes to family style dining, so this is one of those “don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach” situations. The reason? Your meal is intended to feel like an Italian wedding’s feast.
The place is usually busy (which is a great sign) and the service is great. Since they’re one of the best restaurants open on New Years Day in NYC, make your reservations as early as you can.
Oh! And don’t even think about skipping out on the the crispy garlic bread, you must order it!
Address: 200 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036 & 2450 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
#11. Becco
Type of food: Italian
Located on restaurant row (a block with more than a century of culinary history near Times Square) Becco is an Italian restaurant that has changed the pasta game in NYC.
To start things off, each table begins the meal with a complimentary bread basket and hey, anyone who offers free bread earns some brownie points in my book.
But what really sets Becco apart is that everyday, Executive Chef William Gallagher, creates what they call the Three Daily Pasta Preparations. Essentially, it’s a pasta special where customers are served table-side all three dishes, unlimitedly for $30!
The price is hard to beat and this is a great restaurant open on New Years Day in NYC for a date night (or if you’re just craving unlimited pasta).
Address: 355 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
#10. Quality Meats
Type of food: Steakhouse
The reason I feel confident adding Quality Meats to our list of restaurants open on New Years day in NYC is because of the extraordinary service. You leave the restaurant feeling like not only was the food great, but the employees actually cared that you had a good experience.
As the name suggests, Quality Meats serves, well… quality meat! Everything I’ve tasted at Quality Meats has been perfectly tender and juicy, practically melting in my mouth. The flavors are impeccable and I can’t recommend the Tomahawk ribeye enough.
It’s not often I grab dessert from the same place I ate my dinner, but Quality Meats has always been an exception because the sweets are so good. I still dream about the sticky toffee pudding to this day.
Address: 57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
#9. Olio e Più
Type of food: Italian with a focus on house-made pastas and thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza
One of the best restaurants open on New Years day in NYC is tucked away in the charming West Village.
Famous for the Spaghetti Carbonara which is creamy, light and served with an egg yolk that blends beautifully with the pasta, Olio e Più serves some of the best Italian food in New York City.
The place is decorated in a way that makes you feel like you’ve stepped foot into a true Italian restaurant. And the food they serve is just as dreamy.
The pizza is great but the pasta is where Olio e Più really stands out. Also the bruschetta ricotta is non-negotiable, you have to order it!
Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
#8. Haven Rooftop
Type of food: Traditional American fare with an innovative cocktail menu
If you’re searching for bottomless brunch cocktails, Haven Rooftop is one of the restaurants open on New Years day in NYC that has you covered.
Haven Rooftop is located atop the Sanctuary Hotel in Times Square and serves modern American cuisine. The views of Midtown are hard to beat and the restaurant decorates whimsically during the holiday season.
For $29 (per person), you get one hour of bottomless drinks (with the purchase of an entree). I recommend the blueberry French toast along with the bottomless mimosas!
Address: 132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
#7. Quality Bistro
Type of food: Bistro Classics & Steaks
For anyone looking for a great steak and delicious appetizers, I can’t say enough good things about Quality Bistro.
Luckily for us, Quality Bistro is one of the best restaurants open on New Years day in NYC. The interior of the restaurant is insane and the low-lighting adds a romantic feel to the space.
You can’t go wrong ordering anything off the menu, but if you need some guidance I hope to help. To say I suggest ordering the French onion soup or tuna tartar to start, would be an understatement. It’s not a want, but a need!
That paired with the steak and frites and any of the delectable desserts — you are in for quite the night, my friend. This is a perfect spot for a date night or catching up with some friends. Just make sure to hurry and make reservations since it’s one of the more popular restaurants open on New Years day in NYC.
Address: 120 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
#6. The Glass Ceiling NoMad
Type of food: Classic American Fare
Not only is the Glass Ceiling one of the best restaurants open on New Years day in NYC, but they’re even hosting a New Years Day brunch experience.
For $40 (a person), guests can expect bottomless brunch cocktails and the choice of an entrée for 90 minutes. Serving a variety of food like French toast and burgers, the menu is small but wide-ranged so anyone can find something that works for them.
If your New Years resolutions include taking more pictures of yourself, The Glass Ceiling is the perfect spot for a photo-op. The interior is full of velvets, gold accents and pops of sage green and soft pinks.
Address: 1204 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
#5. Bazar Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Type of food: Contemporary Tapas mixed cuisine
Another restaurant open on New Years day in NYC that is hosting an event is Bazar Tapas Bar & Restaurant.
On New Years day, Bazar Tapas is hosting a 90 minute bottomless brunch, where folks can choose from mimosas, sangria, bloody Mary’s or Bellinis while also enjoying live music.
The name can be a bit confusing but for those who don’t know, tapas are essentially small plates of food, typically served with beer or wine — snack-type bites.
I know what you’re probably thinking, how the heck are you supposed to fill up on snacks? I hear ya, I’m a girl who likes to eat so if I’m paying good money, I’m expecting a meal! Don’t worry, Bazar Tapas does offer full sized brunch entrees like eggs Benedict, steak & eggs and so much more.
Since this is one of the few restaurant open on New Years day in NYC hosting an event, make reservations as soon as possible.
Address: 31 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010
#4. Rosemary’s
Type of food: Italian
Named after the owner’s mother, Rosemary, the restaurant aims to make dishes with the same love a home-cooked meal has. Heck, the restaurant even has its own rooftop vegetable garden that helps provide the produce they serve their guests.
Rosemary’s is one of my personal favorite restaurants open on New Years day in NYC. The staff is always pleasant and the Christmas decorations are still up. The spot is already so cute as is, but with wreath hanging on the windows and lights covering the ceiling it becomes as charming as can be.
In terms of drinks, the cocktail menu never fails to impress, especially the Garden Martini. The freshness was unmistakable — did I just accidentally order a glass of (spiked) pressed cucumber juice? The rigatoni and bolognese also deserve a shout-out, both are so fresh and creamy.
Address: 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
#3. Serra By Birreria
Type of food: Italian
Serra By Birreria is located on the rooftop of Eataly in the Flatiron District, and it’s Italian name roughly translates to greenhouse brewery. The seasonal restaurant serves delicious Italian food and (very) well crafted cocktails.
With every changing season, the restaurant manages to outdo the previous decor. In the winter Serra by Birreria transforms into Serra Alpina, meant to make guests feel like they’re in a cabin in the Italian mountains.
The snow dusted branches that blanket the ceiling make this one of the most charming restaurants open on New Years day in NYC. Even though it’s on a rooftop the restaurant is enclosed and well heated, keeping it as cozy as can be.
Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010 (follow signs to the elevator, take it to the top floor)
#2. Kyma
Type of food: Greek
I stumbled upon Kyma accidentally one day while exploring the Flatiron District and I am so lucky I was hungry that day because wow!
The restaurant serves a lot of fresh fish (which I later found out is flown in daily from the Mediterranean!) and Greek food like Spanakopita (flakey phyllo dough with spinach and cheese).
The interior was clean and bright and the staff was quick and attentive. It wasn’t until I got home (and couldn’t stop thinking about my meal) that I did a little research and discovered Kyma was a Michelin star rated restaurant.
Everything made sense at that point and I quickly realized this was one of the best restaurants open on New Years day in NYC.
Address: 15 West 18th New York, NY 10011 & 445 W 35th New York, NY 10001
#1. Balthazars
Type of food: French
If you’re looking for one the most iconic restaurants open on New Years day in NYC, might I suggest Balthazar’s?
The interior of the Parisian brasserie is adorned with garlands and twinkling lights making it the perfect romantic brunch spot. Add in the warm tones and red-leather booths and you have scene straight out of a movie!
Ever since Keith McNally opened the restaurant in 1997 the food has been to die for. The eggs-benedict with smoked salmon is the best I’ve ever had and I could have the french onion soup everyday for a month and not get tired of it.
If you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick – visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts I’ve ever had – perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
New years eve nyc restaurants (Post Summary)
- Balthazars
- Kyma
- Serra By Birreria
- Rosemary’s
- Bazar Tapas Bar & Restaurant
- Glass Ceiling
- Quality Bistro
- Haven Rooftop
- Olio e Piu
- Catch NYC
- Becco
- Carmines
- La Grande Boucherie
- Cafe Luxembourg
- The Smith
- Five Napkin Burger
- Zou Zou’s
- Cafe D’Alsace
- Carnegie Diner & Cafe
- Bills Bar & Burger
Map of New years eve nyc restaurants
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.
Cheers!
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