The Best New Restaurants in New York City

"This members-only restaurant by VCR group (the same team as Little Maven) has finally opened. Originally, one could only gain membership by purchasing one of VCR's limited NFTs, but membership can now be purchased traditionally. Unlike other member clubs in the city, the atmosphere here is vibrant, colorful, and unfussy. While, yes, the idea behind Flyfish Club is an exclusive dining experience—with their main restaurant, an omakase speakeasy, and a bar all under one roof—you can also dine as a non-member so long as you’re with someone who is (and, let’s be honest—in a well-connected place like NYC, finding a friend of a friend in order to try a new restaurant is probably easier than you’d think.) The menu here touches many cuisines: Asian, Italian, and some Mediterranean dishes too. We started with the salmon crispy rice ($25) and a few sushi rolls, and then went right to a delicious rendition of cacio e pepe called Squaccio e pepe ($24)—a riff on the Roman dish with a hint of sweet squash puree throughout the cheese-y sauce. Our entree was the Chicken Caesar ($36), a large plate of crispy chicken Milanese with a mountain of crunchy Caesar salad. It was one of those places where we were “oooh”ing and “aaah”ing at each dish that passed by—really nothing on the menu looked bad. For dessert, we devoured VCR group’s classic $23 banana split sundae with brûléed bananas, sprinkles, whipped cream, and a dramatic chocolate drizzle. From now on, I think I’ll need a banana split sundae to cap off every meal. —Emily Adler, associate social media manager" - CNT Editors