Smithereens

American restaurant · East Village

14

@cntraveler

The Best New Restaurants in New York City

"Leading the pack among my favorite new restaurants in New York this fall? Hands down, Smithereens. It identifies as a New England-inspired restaurant, a concept that made total sense once I took my seat in the moody dining room. Set in what was clearly a basement-level apartment in the East Village in not-too-ancient history, the ceiling of Smithereens is painted to resemble a blustery day at sea—there’s a take on chowder ($36; reimagined as hake and clams with a rich sauce), and a cocktail called the Ben Affleck ($18; bourbon, honeynut squash, coffee, which immediately evoked pap shots of the actor cowering over his Dunkin’ Donuts delivery). Like many menus du jour there are mainly small plates, and the sparsely worded descriptions might lead you to doubt that “beets, seaweed & rose oil” ($17) is something you need to order. It is. Just trust me that it is. Also: Raw tuna ($24), wrapped around pear slivers, is served with a light citrus sauce you’ll want to bathe in (or at least keep to dip your Andama bread ($9) into, despite how good the seaweed butter is). The dishes nod to the sea in ways both fresh and briny, cozy and buttery. The feeling is being on a blustery New England boat with salt air in your face, but with a warm Paddington-style jacket protecting you from the elements. As is true of most small plates-led menus, I think you could be quite happy playing around in just the top half of the menu. While I was really delighted by the salty beans, tossed with uni and little calamari ($32; second to last section), the hake (bottom “mains” section) took much longer to arrive and the celery float for dessert, while charming in concept and topping several tables around us, made me wonder if we overcommitted in the order (though maybe I simply learned that celery and coffee are too bold a take on the root beer float for my taste buds). Overall, I’d hurry back, though—and something tells me it’ll get better with time. —M.S." - CNT Editors

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-new-restaurants-nyc
Tom Wilson/Smithereens

414 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 Get directions

smithereensnyc.com

14 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Daleview Biscuits and Beer

Brewery · Prospect-Lefferts Gardens

"Daleview Biscuits and Beer serves up hot biscuits for breakfast, lunch, and supper, a full coffee and espresso bar, and craft beer from its resident Brewer Christopher Gandsy."

7 Postcards

Mother's Ruin

Cocktail bar · Nolita

Mother's Ruin is your go-to Nolita bar where upscale dive aesthetics meet exceptional cocktails, tasty bar bites, and a lively crowd that keeps it buzzing.

12 Postcards

Ernesto's

Basque restaurant · Lower East Side

Ernesto's offers a chill vibe with globe lighting and a rotating menu of stellar Basque dishes and creative cocktails, perfect for a cozy night out.

40 Postcards

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Barbecue restaurant · Morningside Heights

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que offers a lively Southern-style dining experience with succulent smoked meats, cold beers, and a retro vibe, perfect for family gatherings or casual meet-ups.

14 Postcards

Boca Juniors

Steak house · Elmhurst

Boca Juniors Steakhouse is a lively Argentinean haven where sizzling meats, friendly service, and soccer-themed decor create a spirited dining experience.

2 Postcards

Rana Fifteen

Turkish restaurant · Park Slope

Rana Fifteen is a cozy Brooklyn gem serving up delightful Aegean and Western Turkish cuisine, featuring a tantalizing family-style tasting menu perfect for sharing.

2 Postcards

The Flagship Brewing Company

Brewery · Stapleton

Flagship Brewing on Staten Island offers a spacious taproom where you can sip on a range of craft beers, from IPAs to unique seasonal brews, all while enjoying a fun, friendly vibe just a short walk from the ferry.

6 Postcards

Make Manifest BK

Boutique · Bedford-Stuyvesant

Tucked away in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Make Manifest BK is a lively community spot featuring vibrant, handcrafted goods, delicious plant-based eats, and inspiring vibes.

1 Postcard

Empire Cake

Cake shop · Chelsea

Empire Cake in Chelsea is your go-to spot for delectable, gourmet cupcakes and unique retro treats like housemade Twinkies in a cozy setting.

2 Postcards

NURA

Mediterranean restaurant · Greenpoint

This stylish, plant-filled haven serves up delightful brunches and dinners in a warm, vibrant atmosphere, complete with a stellar wine selection.

11 Postcards