Spotify Wrapped always gives us our end of the year review when it comes to our listening habits, but what about when it comes to our dining habits? We New Yorkers really love to eat, and the city’s endless restaurants make it easy to stuff our faces with the most delicious food. The downside: the plethora of options can definitely be overwhelming.
Well, each year Yelp identifies full-service businesses in the restaurant category that opened after January 1st of that year. And based on a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews, they compile a list of the best new restaurants in the U.S. for that year, making it easier to prioritize where to make your next res!
Yelp’s 2024 list was just unveiled, and NYC’s Mēdüzā Mediterrania claimed the #1 spot!
Mēdüzā Mediterrania is an upscale eatery serving experimental takes on Mediterranean-style dishes in a vibrant space over in the Meatpacking District since first opening in September 2023. The 8,870-square-foot restaurant is split into three distinct dining rooms, including a VIP mezzanine and glass-enclosed atrium, all decked out in lush foliage and filled with the sounds of live music and DJs.
The uber-trendy restaurant is known for over-the-top food presentations and cocktails presented with theatrical flair. One of its signature dishes includes the Torre De Mare, a seafood tower made up of oysters, little neck clams, two pounds of lobster, and U-10 (colossal-size) shrimp.
Mēdüzā was also nominated in the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. It has earned 3.8 stars from reviewers and has attracted a clientele of A-list celebs including Taylor Swift and Cardi B. Reservations are “highly encouraged” and business casual attire is required.
Beyond Mēdüzā NYC made the list a second time with Sartiano’s in SoHo claiming the #19 spot.
Nestled inside the swanky, historic Mercer Hotel, Sartiano’s is a classy modern Italian restaurant beloved for its innovative, nostalgia-evoking dishes and lovely outdoor seating options. Among many classics are house-made focaccia with whipped ricotta, a tahini-tinged caesar salad, and mushroom and black truffle lasagna.
Sartiano’s has earned 4.4 stars from reviewers and has attracted its own clientele of A-list celebs including Paul McCartney, Martha Stewart, Margot Robbie, and Gisele Bündchen. Elegant upscale attire is required.
In total, 25 restaurants made Yelp’s Best New Restaurants 2024 list, ranging from experimental restaurants in Orlando, Florida to more relaxed eateries in Boise, Idaho. Yelp’s Best New Restaurants 2024 list can be found here.
For more Yelp rankings check out their Most Popular Businesses Of All Time–two of which are in NYC–and what they consider to be the Best Bagel Shops in NY–eight of which are in NYC!