5 New NYC Restaurants To Try This Weekend

NEW YORK, NY — They're not all insanely expensive, but they all serve a top-notch bite. The chefs at these new New York City restaurants are picky about their ingredients so their meals come out with the freshest, most distinctive flavors.

Take a look at some of the city's newest restaurants to try this weekend.

La Nacional

Where: 239 West 14th St.

What it’s about: The United States’ oldest Spanish culture institution is located in the heart of the Meatpacking District. The area used to actually be called “Little Spain” because Spanish culture was as condensed and preserved there as Chinese culture is in Chinatown. La Nacional has made great strides to preserve its heritage in the area, including the grand opening of its new Spanish restaurant, right in the homey brownstone that La Nacional has operated out of since 1868. Enjoy the incredibly authentic croquetas, gazpacho and patatas bravas, all while helping keep a New York staple alive.

Kish-Kash

Where: 455 Hudson St. between Barrow and Morton

What it’s about: The famous chef behind Taïm, Einat Admony, opened a new Middle Eastern restaurant in the West Village. Admony is known for making couscous taste fluffier and lighter than whatever you’re used to making at home, thanks to her extreme patience and skill in rolling it like pasta.

Salad Box

Where: 44 Park Place

What it’s about: This Romanian-based chain has been popular in Europe for years, but it’s just getting its start in the U.S. now. The Financial District is hosting the chain’s first New York spot. Go for the elite location, stay for the colorful (and Instagrammable) soups, salads and smoothies.

Restaurant Ukiyo

Where: 239 E. Fifth St.

What it’s about: Michelin star chefs Jack and Grace Lamb brought over Marco Prins all the way from the Netherlands to open their new East Village restaurant. It boasts luxurious five- and eight-course tasting menus so you can try smaller bites of their rich dishes, like smoked eel and parfait of foie gras. They've also got a Japanese tea service if you're in the mood for something comforting and calming.

Red Salt Room

Where: 45 Seventh St., Garden City

What it’s about: While the Garden City Hotel is no stranger to the greater New York City area, its restaurant is getting a huge overhaul. The historic luxury Long Island hotel outside of Queens is turning its old Polo Steakhouse into the Red Salt Room by David Burke. Sound familiar? You might remember him from “Iron Chef.” Known for his skill at keeping white meat moist, Burke has big plans to make the old landmark new again.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps, Nov. 2017