Favorite bites/restaurants as of late!

DLT at Clemente Bar by Eleven Madison Park

Seriously one of the sickest sandwiches we’ve ever had. If you don’t know Clemente Bar then let us fill you in - it’s the bar hidden above 3 Michelin star, once rated #1 restaurant in the WORLD Eleven Madison Park aka EMP. So the food is stellar. They are doing a summer special with their iconic duck on milk bread. Think BLT but duck instead of bacon. Also, it’s best to pair with one of their creative cocktails.

Brunch in an old 1872 schoolhouse in Wilton, CT

If you’re looking for a quaint little Connecticut restaurant in Fairfield County then Baldanza at the Schoolhouse is really that. A restored 1872 schoolhouse in this little Cannondale Village is so picturesque - with a freestanding bookstore, a general store, and a few other gems - you will love it. Plus, I actually enjoyed the food and will be back for dinner.

What to get: corn salad, meatballs, chicken Milanese, any homemade dessert (carrot or coconut cake)

Sourdough pizza in Westchester County (Pound Ridge recs)

We spent the day exploring Pound Ridge and it is so so sweet. We had 123 Dough saved for a bit now because we wanted to try their sourdough pizzas that they offer Thursday - Sunday. They were AMAZING! They mill their own grains and you can tell. We loved the cheese pizza, jambon beurre baguette, and turkey sandwich but we did not love the Einkorn flour loaf or matcha latte.

Breads n Bakes across the street is more famous and nice to stop in for a sweet baked good and coffee.

#1 ice cream in the United States….?

Did you know that the best ice cream shop in the US is in Connecticut?!! According to Beli users it is and we went. Yes, it’s located on a farm, with a red barn, and you can literally see cows, and yes, it’s fabulous. Route 302 Chocolate Moo was decedent but with classics you can just tell how high quality the dairy is.

Graciela - best NYC opening of the year so far??

Check out our full review below:

Caffeine…matcha, coffee, all the things

Rok is the hottest new spot in town for matcha straight from LA.

We went the second day it was open and waited nearly 20-30 minutes. Is it worth it? Kind of. Is it our perfect matcha? Yes & no, it’s very sweet but if you know what to order it could be amazing. Their matcha duo is a matcha latte with a matcha cream top that tastes like ice cream/a matcha milkshake. So I’d lean into their “studio” classics with a simple flavor like earl grey, strawberry, etc. and get it half sweet.

Limited edition MANGO STICKY RICE matcha latte by @nck.ryn at Matcha 116

Yes, you read that right - mango puree, coconut cream, rice pudding aka sticky rice, and over 5 grams of matcha. It’s coming mid September and worth it.

Fave snacking dates

The funniest girl in America…Meg Stalter

What we’re cooking

Greek Platters (meatballs, greek salad, tzatziki, lemon garlic potatoes)

Sungold tomato pasta

New purchases!!

Daily drills set, best new matcha brand, cutie shirt on sale

Looking ahead…

We are probably going to go to the Big E in Western Mass this September!! What should we try there?

New openings in NYC and CT on our radar?

NEED to try Saison Bakery that recently opened in Brooklyn - a cottage bakery that now has their own space

TIN’s is a new Lower East Side bar that we’re dying to check out but heard the bites are great too

We are going to the new Keepers bar pie spot in the West Village and we’ll keep you in the loop how it is

We are watching Falco’s in Norwalk

There’s a new BBQ joint in greenpoint that has our interest peaked… Kirbee’s comes from two legitimate Texas pitmasters so we’re

BTW if you want to take this meal to the next level, you need to buy this greek seasoning (not sponsored at all!).

Watch is make it!

GREEK SALAD

Ingredients:

• 3 large heirloom tomatoes or 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, in rough quarters

• 1 cucumber, peeled and roughly/largely diced

• 1/2 green pepper, slices

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• handful of Kalamata olives, quartered

• 1/2 block feta cheese (not pre-crumbled)

• handful dill & scallions, chopped

• ~1/4 cup GOOD olive oil

• ~3-4 tbsp balsamic glaze

• generous amount of greek seasoning or oregano

• salt & pepper

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large salad bowl, except the feta

• Mix olive oil, balsamic glaze, greek seasoning, and salt & pepper - whisk until combined

• Generously pour over dressing and mix salad (add dressing slowly to avoid overdressing)

• Finish with feta, more herbs, and greek seasoning!

GREEK MEATBALLS

Ingredients:

• 2lbs 85/15 ground beef

• 1/2 red onion, diced finely

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped herbs like parsley, dill, chives, or scallions

• 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, drained

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs or any breadcrumb

• 2 tbsp whole milk

• 1/2 block feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/2 tbsp olive oil

• greek seasoning

• salt & pepper

Instructions:

• Sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil until translucent, 5 minutes

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well - get in there with your hands

• Roll into equal shaped balls, we used a small cookie scooper and place on a parchment lined baking dish

• Bake at 375 degrees for ~30 minutes until cooked through, do not over cook or they will dry out

LEMONY GARLIC POTATOES

These are the best side dish and can be used with so many meals!!

Ingredients:

• 10 Yukon gold/yellow potatoes, peeled and sliced into wedges

• 4 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 small lemon, juice of lemon + 1/2 tbsp of lemon zest

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• salt & pepper

• greek seasoning

Instructions:

• Generously pour olive oil in you baking dish (use a dish you can easily cover with tall sides) and layer potatoes evenly

• Top with garlic, lemon juice and zest, chicken broth, salt & pepper, and greek seasoning

• Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, then uncover and let cook another 15-20 minutes until browned (you can even broil it if you need)

TZATZKI

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of greek yogurt (2%, 5%, full fat) we like FAGE

• 1/2 cucumber grated, juice/liquid squeezed out

• 3 tbsp chopped dill

• 1/2 juice of 1 small lemon

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• salt (generous) and pepper!

• olive oil

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl, taste for seasoning - it needs more salt than you think

• Finish with olive oil

Plate it all up and ENJOY!

RAVELLO

Ravello is a tiny town high above the coastline of Amalfi, which means you get all of the insane views without being directly in the chaos of the port. It is more of a mountain town than a beach town, but that ended up being exactly why we loved it. You are either lounging at a pool with magnificent views or you have to get driven down to a private beach lido. Our hotel (Palazzo Avino) had one that we were obsessed with.

Read more

This is a new thing for us so please give us all the feedback and comments on what you want to see.

Favorite bites/restaurants as of late!

Pizza AND killer pasta from our favorite IG family at Masani in Forest Hills, Queens

We are so proud of the Chau family and love supporting them but they make it easy when the pizza tastes this good….

A fab Mediterranean meal in Connecticut at Esh in Fairfield

Since Madison moved here we had so many people telling us to try Esh. The owner is from Israel and Esh literally means FIRE in Hebrew. So they have a wood fired oven, grill, spit, etc. and the flavors are there.

Something sweet…Sweet Lyfe froyo in Westport, CT

The reviews were mixed at first but they have got it down! We love all the toppings from the fresh fruit and olive oil to the pistachio katafi. Watch our review.

Trip out east but to an underrated spot, Shelter Island (full guide)

Top New England Lobster Rolls!

You know we are always on the hunt for New England’s best lobster rolls so we put together a quick photo guide for you next time you’re craving a butter hot roll.

Caffeine…matcha, coffee, all the things

Our friend launched a matcha with Cosmic Cultures and it is perfection. So Madison made a little peach syrup to go with it and it’s wonderful. Here’s a video on how to make it or recipe below and order the best Georgia peaches from Pearson’s Farms!

When we were in NYC for Carly’s bachelorette party we hit a few spots from Kijitora to Acre. But here’s everything we ate and did while away for Carly’s big 30th birthday bash. Also, we were out to 4AM at the brand new PASCHA to see ANOTR and it was insane.

Fave snacking dates

Be on the lookout for a fun video with Heather Dubrow next month!! She was incredible and exactly how you picture her to be - chatty, expressive, and full of fun hosting tips!

New purchases!!

Butter sweater, cutest summer dress, simple light flats, toast PJs

Last week’s faves

1. Liv’s Shack 📍Old Saybrook, CT

The lobster roll from Liv’s Shack is our favorite lobster roll in Connecticut, and we'll confidently stand by that. Ranked the No. 1 bite on our Top Connecticut Bites of 2025 list, this Connecticut-style roll is served warm on a buttery toasted bun and finished with their signature sherry butter sauce that takes it to another level. If you're really hungry, splurge and spend $60 on the oversized version with lobster meat that's practically spilling out of the roll. For us, this is proof that a hot butter lobster roll will always beat mayo.

2. The Seafood Shanty 📍Cape Cod, MA

The Seafood Shanty serves one of the most overstuffed lobster rolls we've ever seen. Located in Buzzards Bay, right off Route 6, this roll is packed with so much fresh lobster salad that it barely fits in the bun! Thanks to Wishbone Kitchen, we now know to order an extra bun on the side because there's enough lobster to make two rolls from one. Made with simple, fresh lobster and mayo, it's a no-frills classic that definitely gives you the best bang for your buck.

3. Red’s Eats 📍Wiscasset, ME

Many say the lobster roll at Red’s is the best in Maine, and after trying it, we understand why people are willing to wait in line for up to two hours. This legendary seafood shack has earned countless “best in Maine” titles. Their signature roll skips the mayo and comes with warm melted butter on the side, making it a dream roll for butter lovers. Packed with two lobster claws and a whole split tail, there’s so much fresh lobster in this roll that you can bqarely see the roll underneath. Bonus points for also offering what might just be the best gluten-free lobster roll we’ve yet to try.

4. Footbridge Lobster 📍Ogunquit, ME

Footbridge Lobster is where we run to as soon as we cross the state line. Located in Ogunquit, Maine, they’re serving a $39 meal deal including a lobster roll, chips, a homemade ice cream sandwich, and a drink. What else could we ask for?!

5. Bite into Maine 📍Cape Elizabeth, ME

Bite into Maine has a few locations, but do yourself a favor and go to the Fort Williams Park location in Cape Elizabeth. Their Maine-style roll is our go=to order. It’s messy, delicious, and as simple as that.

6. Young’s Lobster Pound 📍Belfast, ME

Young's Lobster Pound is the definition of a classic dock-and-dine spot. Located on the waterfront in Belfast, Maine, it offers stunning views and plenty of benches overlooking the water. Their lobster roll sits on a warm toasted bun with cold lobster salad, mayo, and crisp lettuce that adds the perfect crunch. Simple, scenic, and seriously delicious, Young’s is a stop worth making while driving along the Maine coast.

7. McLoon’s Lobster Shack 📍South Thomaston, ME

McLoon’s Lobster Shack absoultely lives up to the hype. Dubbed the “best lobster roll in Maine” by many, this roll is made with lobster caught daily, making every bite taste incredibly fresh. The roll is dressed with just the right amount of mayo, served with butter on the side for the perfect balance, and tucked into a buttery, perfectly griddled bun that practically melts in your mouth. In a state known for incredible lobster rolls, this one truly stands out and is well worth the drive up the coast.

8. Lobster Landing 📍Clinton, CT

Representing our home state (we promise we're not biased!), Lobster Landing truly deserves the hype. At peak times, you'll likely have to wait in line, but it's well worth it. This no-frills shack has been serving one of Connecticut's most iconic lobster rolls for over a century. Tender lobster meat is piled high onto a perfectly toasted bun for a simple, refreshing Connecticut-style classic. If you're feeling extra hungry, dip your roll into a cup of their lobster bisque. Trust us, it makes an already incredible roll even better.

9. Rye Harbor Lobster Pound 📍Rye, NH

Rye Harbor Lobster Pound serves some of the freshest lobster we’ve ever had, and you can taste the difference in every bite. Their classic roll is packed with sweet, fresh lovster, but it doesn’t stop there. The fluffy clam shower, topped with generous chunks of lobster, is reason enough to make the trip. This has been one of Sara’s favorite seafood spots since moving to New Hampshire, and after just one visit, you will understand why.

10. Eventide 📍Portland, ME & Boston, MA

Eventide Oyster Co. puts a unique spin on the classic lobster roll, and we're totally here for it! With locations in Portland, Maine and the Fenway in Boston, their famous brown butter lobster roll is served on a soft, steamed bun that literally melts in your mouth. Tossed in rich brown butter, it's packed with flavor in every bite. The rolls are on the smaller side, so you'll probably want to order more than one!

11. Walter’s Deli 📍Nantucket, MA

The lobster roll from Walter’s Deli is tasty, affordable, and perfect for lunch on the beach. At $28, it’s the cheapest lobster roll on the island and nothing short of awesome. It’s packed with lobster and lettuce, all tucked into one of the butteriest rolls we’ve ever tried. And yes, that does make all the difference.

So let us walk you through how we’d spend a few days out there and what we did + a few additional recs.

Day 1: Drive to Greenport, NY on North Fork

Grab lunch Little Creek Oyster Farm and bop around the little town. Little Creek just moved into a larger space so they have a pretty extensive menu. You can get roasted oysters (pesto ones), curds (try the local tuna), and bao bun lobster rolls! It’s such a vibe.

Other Greenport recs:

• Bruce & Sons: cutest cafe for breakfast or lunch

• Claudio’s: This spot is a party but they have a little seafood shack and restaurant too

• Lucharito’s: Simple Mexican spot

• Crazy Beans: Cute diner

• 1943 Pizza Bar: You always need a pizza rec

• Kontokosta Winery: Really nice North Fork Winery

• IF YOU CAN stop at Briermere Farms on the way there or way back for their famous raspberry pie or any pie!

Hotel: The Pridwin Cottages (Shelter Island)

This hotel is wonderful! From the little cottages to the inn, it’s truly an oasis on Shelter Island. It feels almost like adult summer camp or even a perfect place for kids. There’s a pool, beach access, tennis courts, bikes and so much more. Plus they have a wonderful restaurant on the property that includes daily breakfast or you can join them for lunch and dinner.

Plus they have a wonderful restaurant on the property that includes daily breakfast or you can join them for lunch and dinner.

Alternatively! The Sunset Beach Hotel is iconic on Shelter Island and has hotel rooms. Their whole property feels like a little piece of the South of France in New York.

That night we had dinner at Leon 1906, they specialize in local ingredients + a massive open air wood-fired grill. You can sit and watch the chefs cook while enjoying Montauk red shrimp and scallops, grilled ribeye, and the best brioche of your life!

Day 2:

We spent most of our morning enjoying the benefits of the hotel like the breakfast, gym, and beach access. But we really wanted to try Maria’s Kitchen for breakfast burritos. This spot is no frills with a wonderful outdoor garden. Be sure to grab a fresh green juice too.

As mentioned, a ferry to Sag Harbor is 5-10 minutes and $25 round trip so we highly recommend heading into town for the day to bop around.

Here are some of our Sag Harbor recommendations:

• Babes Diner: A newcomer this year, a small 8 seat counter with a diner-like menu for breakfast or lunch. Watch our review!

• Sag Harbor Tavern: The iconic Red Hook Tavern Brooklyn burger, it’s fussy but the food is great

• Doubles: Specializing in Caribbean roti and double but they make a wonderful BEC on a roti

• Carissa’s Bakery: grab a matcha and lunch sandwiches so you can hit the beach - we love their chicken banh mi and roast beef

  

That night we headed back to Shelter Island to have dinner at Vine Street Cafe. This is one of our favorite places out east. It doesn’t feel as fussy as other parts in the Hamptons and the food is excellent.

What to order: calamari salad, tuna tacos, seafood spaghetti, steak and frites (with au poivre sauce)

Day 3: Shelter Island day

We like to start each morning with some version of a caffeinated beverage and Heights Cafe at the Chequit Hotel was our favorite. They are really building up this hotel and it looks very pretty.

Right down the street you have Stars Cafe or Marie Eiffel’s for breakfast. Marie Eiffel’s is more of a market meets restaurant using local produce while Stars is a bit more straightforward.

After that, we decided to hit the beach. While we could have sat at The Pridwin’s beach, just down the street is the iconic Sunset Beach (you can walk). They usually have a fun activation going on at the hotel since it’s very trendy. If you are beach people, rent some chairs or just go for lunch. The food is expensive but kind of tasty!

That night we had dinner at the Pridwin again because the menu is large and we also have an 8 month old so early bedtimes and dinners can be harder. I will say, there were a lot of kids here and their staff was very accommodating.

However, we needed a sweet treat and Tuck Shop ice cream is the main ice cream shop on the island. It’s not exceptional but it gets the job done.

Overall, this was a perfect 3 day getaway and we love Shelter Island. Let us know in the comments if we missed any must visit spots.

AND here are so me Hamptons recs for your ride home!

Here’s what’s new, what’s buzzy, and what we actually think is worth your time (and money). These are the spots that everyone is talking about. We’ve been, and we have some thoughts. Scroll down to read our honest reviews of all of them and where we have our eyes on for Q3!

⭐ Q2 Top 10 List

Here are our top new restaurants we tried in Q2 of 2026!

Honorable mentions:

Pies by Michelle Kogan (Prospect Park Farmers Market) -

Matcha 116 (Greenwich Village) - the follow up to Matcha 108 in Two Bridges, this shop is small but cranking out high quality matchas. We’d recommend the orange miso latte for something different but a smile matcha will do the trick here.

10. Sanwits (East Village) - This is the newest sandwich shop in the old Rowdy Rooster space in the East Village from the team behind Naks and Semma. They’re doing Filipino style sandwiches that are big and messy, but delicious. We loved the BEC with wagyu brisket on it and want to go back to try more of their sandwiches!

9. Piccolo Morini (Soho) - The old faithful NYC restaurant Osteria Morini is back and better than ever. The Morini group closed down their original SoHo location and put in Crazy Pizza. Now they reopened in the old Kimika space with Piccolo Morini which feels like a fun younger cousin restaurant. They have an amazing cocktail program. Their spritz went down way too smooth, plus they’re doing $9 martinis because they want happy hour to be all the time.

8. Bar Chimera (Midtown) - This is the newest MASSIVE concept from the Cote team and there’s even a Cote hidden below it. There are 3 bars inside this space from a gin, wine and martini bar. You can get snacks like $7.50 salt bread, that’s divine, a classic burger, and raw bar. However, our favorite bite was the jambon beurre and the wagyu corndogs. Don’t do a bang bang meal like us - it’s too much food.

7. Nori Shinn (East Village) - If you love Ume, or Umeko then you will love Nori Shinn. This is their newest concept and it’s a handroll bar. Think Kazunori with higher quality fish with more unique fillings. We always get the yellowtail with spicy crunchy garlic crisps, toro, and the California roll is fun.

6. Somssi (Greenwich Village) - Atomix has a new a la carte offshoot restaurant! We didn’t have a bad bite though, everything is so solid on the menu. They are doing a really interesting blend of flavors. It’s that similar Korean-French hybrid that' we’ve seen from them in the past. Really a great new funky dinner option if you’re adventurous! Try the tongue dish, it’s so delicious if that cut of meat doesn’t scare you.

5. Myka (West Village, Union Square, Midtown) - We couldn’t make this list without a little froyo because it’s all anyone wants to eat at and wait in line for these days. Myka (and Madison Fare in Greenwich Village) are our top 2 in the city. Myka’s toppings are without a doubt some of the very best. The shops are small and will likely have a wait, but now that they have more locations it’s definitely helping.

4. Cleo (West Village) - So our video of this got a lot of views, but not for the best reason because people seem to be highly activated by any expensive rotisserie chickens in NYC. But we don’t care because it was truly a phenomenal rotisserie chicken. It’s from the team behind Margot’s and Montague Diner and the chickens are marinated for hours in a Lebenese 7-spice blend. It’s got a middle eastern kind of flare to it and we really loved it.

3. Beto’s Carnitas y Guisados (Lower East Side) - A completely underrated gem that more people need to be eating at. They specialize in carnitas and guisado (braised or stewed meats) which can be enjoyed in taco, torta, quesadilla form, and more! We were obsessed with the classic pork carnitas and the short rib was so tender yet flavorful.

2. Pizza Studio Tamaki aka PST (East Village) - What once was Moody Tongue pizza is now one of NYC’s hardest tables to snag and best pizzas available…PST is straight from Tokyo. Madison went while she was in Japan and the quality remains the same. Highest level of ingredients, perfect oven that they freshly salt with Okinawa salt before baking each pie. The Japanese attention to detail is obvious with these pies.

   What pizzas to get: the Margherita, signature Tamaki, 5 Formaggio and the newest Butter Chicken. Lean into the pizza here and the Okinawa salt ice cream for dessert, you don’t need a ton of apps.

1. Oriana (Nolita) - From The Noortwyck team and 2 Eleven Madison Park Alums, they know what they are doing an definitely know their way around a wood-fired grill. Watch our full video breaking down the meal. If you can get a reservation we highly recommend going.

👀 What We’re Watching (and Planning to Visit ASAP once they open)

Good Time Country Buffet (East Village) – From the team behind Kisa, this Southern buffet concept will serve fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, and more. We are soooo excited about this one.

Oyatte (Murray Hill) – Experimental seasonal tasting‑menu restaurant from a vet of The French Laundry and Atomix in partnership with Crown Daisy Farm.

Ugly Baby (Williamsburg) – The cult favorite Thai restaurant is officially coming back after closing in 2024; the team is opening a brand new location in Williamsburg!

Dishoom (NYC) – London’s famous Indian café restaurant is widely reported to be opening in Manhattan in 2026, though details and exact location are still emerging (confirmed rumors).

Allegretto al Forno (Williamsburg) – From the Francie team, this Southern‑Italian spot is bringing Neapolitan pizzas (with unique toppings like duck sausage and pistachio pesto)

Bagatelle (NYC) – An NYC icon is reopening… French brasserie concept with seasonal coastal dishes and lively service; details still emerging as an anticipated arrival.

Tatte Bakery (NYC) – The beloved café brand continues to grow; potential new chef‑driven or flagship concept expected to open in Manhattan this July.

Socceria (Greenpoint) - From the team behind Tacquria Ramirez, it’s a soccer themed sports bar and they’re doing some yummy bites too.

Punjab Meet House (Jersey City) - From the team behind GupShup and Bungalow comes a new upscale Punjabi restaurant. Excited to try their elevated takes on regional specialties. Think tandoori meats, rich curries, and traditional street food. It officially opens July 3 and is already shaping up to be one of the biggest restaurant openings of the summer!

Bark Barbecue (Bushwick) - After building a cult following through backyard pop-ups, Smorgasburg, and Time Out Market, pitmaster Ruben Santana has finally opened his first full-scale restaurant in Bushwick. Expect Central Texas barbecue with bold Dominican influences, from smoked brisket and ribs to chicharrónes, longaniza, and whole-hog barbecue, plus standout sides like arroz congri and adobo-spiced mac and cheese. It's one of the most exciting new barbecue openings in NYC and a fresh take on what modern American barbecue can be.

Oberon (LES) - Located inside the newly expanded New Museum, Oberon is the museum's first full-service restaurant and one of the most anticipated cultural dining openings of the year. There is a hidden entrance through Freeman Alley!

Trudie’s Tavern (Carroll Gardens) - From the team behind Gertie and Gertrude's (which we love), Trudie's Tavern has taken over the former Buttermilk Channel space and they are doing rotisserie chicken, burgers, seafood towers, martinis, and a pretzel service starter.

Lalaon (Williamsburg) - There’s a new giant Korean BBQ restaurant in our neighborhood and we’re dying to try it. It’s literally in the heart of a residential area and it’s kind of confusing, but we are so intrigued by it.

💭 Honest Reviews: New Spots We’ve Tried

Here are a few of the openings that are dominating the convo right now, plus our honest thoughts if we’ve already made the trip.

Deans (West Village) - From the team behind King comes Dean's, a British pub inspired by the coastal town of Aldeburgh, England. We thought the food was okay, but the real star is their guinness pour and their desserts. We felt like the fish and chips was good, but very small portion. They used a special Guinness technician to install their tap and it’s simply a perfect perfect pour.

Konya (Williamsburg) - Konban’s newest sister restaurant is doing Japanese and Korean flavors in a cozy izakaya setting. Expect the same creativity and attention to detail that made Konban a hit. We loved most of the bites, but had a few that were inconsistent! We’ll be back though.

Catch (Meatpacking) - Not a “new” opening, but sort of because they just reopened after they were closed for renovations. They revamped the food and the interior and we loved everything! It’s 2016 again and Catch is amazing.

Unnecessary (LES) - This is the best new ice cream in new york! The Double Chicken Please team has an ice cream shop around the corner and they’re pulling flavor inspo from the cocktails at their restaurant. The dirty martini ice cream was magical and we loved the yakult one too. Highly recommend! Doing 4 flavors for now (2 with alcohol, 2 without) and are changing them every Friday!

Dot Cakes (Roslyn, and at Butterfield Market on the UES) - EVERYONE was talking about Dot Cakes for about a month during Q2. We’ve had them yeaaaars ago, but went back to re-review them when the craze started up. Listen, are they delicious? Yes. Are they worth waiting an hour in line for? No! They are delicious fluffy cake with frosting and sprinkles. So simple. They totally hit the spot, but we’re so confused by the insanity surrounding them.

Koke (Greenwich Village) - Good matchas with fun flavors like apricot pistachio, but the black sesame soft serve wasn’t our favorite. The texture was too pastey and not something we’d run back for, but we love any additional matcha shops joining the NYC cafe scene.

Marcel (UES) - This is the infamous restaurant in the famed Sotheby’s building on the Upper East Side. It’s so grand inside with expensive art hanging on the wall. We may have ordered the wrong things, but overall we felt it wasn’t anything special in terms of food. It definitely caters to the ladies who lunch crowd who don’t mind an overpriced salad.

Thursday:

Footbridge Lobster 📍 Ogunquit

As soon as we entered the great state of Maine, we immediately went to Footbridge Lobster for a lobster roll (obviously). We also scurried to the spot next door for some lobster stew to wash it all down. What better way to get the festivities started?!

Nick’s Steakhouse 📍 York

Our 1st dinner was at Nick’s Steakhouse in York, and it was a phenomenal spot for a larger party. We arranged a set menu with them that featured their most popular appetizers, and then each friend was able to choose their own entrée. The options included filet, scallops, or chicken piccata. Of course we got all the classic steakhouse sides as well. It wasn’t just a bachelorette weekend, but also Sara’s birthday week, which meant that the celebrations did not stop after the main course. The Sandpiper Cake Shop whipped up a delicious raspberry and almond cake!

Friday:

PopUp Bagels 📍 Portland

It is not a Sistersnacking trip without a round of Popup bagels! We started our day with a breakfast spread of bagels and schmear from the new Portland location. Per usual, these hit the spot!

Before heading out for the day to explore Kennebunkport, MadiSnacks made everyone matcha lattes. One of Sara’s friends, who could not make the celebration weekend, also surprised everyone with cold-pressed juices from Every Day Boost, which was so sweet.

Dock Square Coffee House 📍 Kennebunkport

Dock Square Coffee House was the perfect spot for a sweet and refreshing blueberry matcha after bopping and shopping through the adorable Kennebunkport.

The Boathouse Restaurant 📍 Kennebunkport

We grabbed a delicious lunch at the Boathouse. Their lobster roll is delicious, but we have to say, the fish and chips are the move. You can’t go wrong here! It’s also so beautiful sitting on the water.

Dinner by KDM Kitchen

After the perfect day exploring in town, we came back to the house where KDM Kitchen completely took over the kitchen for the most special dinner of the weekend. We were WOW’d. With tuna and lobster fresh from SoPo Seafood and incredible cuts from Lobel’s of New York, the menu was a dream. We started with spicy tuna bites before Lambchop made her “Best of Both Worlds” lobster rolls straight from her cookbook. As if it couldn’t get better, it did, as Chef Keegan served up skirt steak, rib-eye, and his famous mac ‘n cheese. To end the night, he brought out a stunning olive oil cake, one of Sara’s all-time favorite desserts, making the entire dinner feel even more celebratory.

Saturday:

Nectar Cafe at Bell Farm 📍 York

Our Saturday morning started with breakfast sandwiches from Nectar Cafe, plus the most unreal blueberry lattes that instantly became everyone’s obsession. They also carry pastries from Pie Girl Baking, which disappeared almost immediately and were such a hit with the whole group. Following breakfast, we took the most peaceful beach walk, which we definitely recommend!

Arts & Crafts with Good Stock

It would not be Camp Yaffa without arts and crafts, obviously. Good Stock transformed the house’s speakeasy into the cutest creative setup with a patch bar and make-your-own keychain station, giving everyone the perfect excuse to slow down, customize the tote bags Sara got everyone, and spend the rest of the afternoon crafting together.

Mr. Tuna 📍 Portland

For lunch, the sisters surprised the bride by bringing in her favorite sushi spot from Portland. Yes, that meant the Mr. Tuna food truck pulled right up to the house. After working up an appetite from hours of crafting, everyone dove into their famous hand rolls, which managed to be both the coolest and most delicious lunch of the weekend. Check it out here.

The Sweetish Fish 📍 Cape Cod

And if that somehow wasn’t enough, The Sweetish Fish brought their candy cart up from Cape Cod so everyone could make their own custom bag of Swedish candy. The trio of sushi, candy, and crafts honestly felt like the perfect Camp Yaffa combination.

Stones Throw Restaurant 📍 York

For the last night of the trip, we all headed to Stone’s Throw, a favorite spot right on the water in York. The table was filled with so many good bites. From the tenders and crispy tuna to the haddock tacos and lobster rolls, you genuinely could not order wrong. And to end the dinner on the perfect note, our cutie parents surprised everyone with a round of espresso martini shots for the table!

The Front Porch 📍 Ogunquit

We ended the night dancing at the Front Porch, a dual piano bar in Ogunquit. A perfect way to hit the town! We always heard amazing things about this bar and are so glad we finally got to check it out.

Sunday:

Swell House 📍 Cape Neddick

Sunday came too fast, and suddenly the weekend was coming to a close. We grabbed caffeine here for our long travel day ahead.

Stonewall Kitchen 📍 York

Lastly, before we hit the road, we got a bite to eat from Stonewall Kitchen. Yes, that Stonewall Kitchen. The famous jam company is headquartered here and has a restaurant as well!

Details/Additional Information:

If you’re looking to book the house we stayed in, here’s the link!

Everything Sara put in the gift bags can be found here!

And no surprise, we had endless snacks! Check out our snack tour below:

The sisters absolutely killed it planning the most perfect bachelorette weekend. From the nonstop activities to all the incredible food, every detail made Sara feel so celebrated, loved, and special, and, most importantly, very well fed!

And if you’re looking for more Maine recs, we have SO MANY in our index!

Because the new wave of froyo in New York is not giving sad self-serve chain energy. It’s giving tart and actually tangy, toppings that feel curated instead of chaotic, and stores full of people who look like they just came from Pilates or are en route to a dinner downtown. We’ve been to the buzzy classics, the old-school institutions, and the newer spots that have turned frozen yogurt into a full personality trait. So if you’re wondering where to get your next swirl, here’s our guide.

We will be adding a froyo rating and toppings rating for each of these on a 0-5 scale (5 being the highest).

Birdie’s

Birdie’s feels like one of the clearest signs that froyo is fully back. Prime location in the West Village, it leans into the moment and the branding is super girly and cute. Their menu rotates, but tart and peanut butter are core players. This place is for the people who want their frozen yogurt to still taste like yogurt, but who also want it to feel fun and current. It’s buzzy, it’s very West Village and it even has a whole candy bar inside because candy also is trendy again in NYC. The froyo toppings selection is small, but mighty. They have some great cookie dough, fresh fruit, cereal, we weren't mad about it. However, compared to some of the other newer spots (cough cough Madison Fare) the toppings selection at Birdie’s might be on the weaker side. We loved it, but it isn’t our top.

Froyo rating: 3.8/5

Toppings rating: 4.8/5

Pricing: ~$8–$12 per cup (depending on size + toppings)

Forty Carrots

Our tried and true ole reliable that everyone wants to be….

If you’re not familiar with Forty Carrots then head to a Bloomingdale’s a give it a taste. It’s usually tucked away by the home section or women’s store, this is a staple while shopping and for us growing up. They probably make the best tart froyo and try their melba sauce.

Froyo rating: 4.5/5

Toppings rating: 3.2/5

Pricing: ~$7–$10

Van Leeuwen

An unexpected newcomer, the long time ice cream shop Van Leeuwen is dipping their toes in froyo. First they started at their test kitchen in Greenpoint and have expanded to Noho. They are doing a great job plus the toppings are excellent (NAME A FEW).

Froyo rating: 3/5

Toppings rating: 4.2/5

Pricing: ~$7–$10 (similar to their ice cream pricing)

Madison Fare

Our gold star and one of the first to really lean into the pistachio trend you see everywhere. Madison Fare makes greek and middle eastern inspired froyo and toppings so you can expect whole baklava and creamy pistachio katifi. They keep it simple with a few hero flavors but be sure to try some of the fruit froyo they’ve been testing out this spring.

Froyo rating: 5/5

Toppings rating: 5/5

Pricing: ~$10–$16+ depending on toppings, definitely premium tier

Butterfield

You will likely head to Butterfield Market and see a line outside, it’s for the froyo window and arguably the best froyo option on the Upper East Side (besides Madison Fare). But a few months ago they launched their LIC shop with a self serve froyo station equipped with a beautiful and pretty standard toppings bar.

Froyo rating: 4/5

Toppings rating: 4/5

Pricing: ~$7–$10

Culture

If you’re someone who actually wants your froyo to taste like yogurt (read: tart, tangy, not overly sweet), Culture is your place. They’ve been around for a while with locations in the West Village and Park Slope, and they make everything in-house using milk from Hudson Valley Fresh which honestly explains why it tastes so different from everywhere else. It’s less “dessert pretending to be yogurt” and more real yogurt that happens to be frozen.

The toppings here are perfect and classic. Think fresh fruit, house-made granolas, nut butters, honey. Very clean and this is not the place for candy overload, but if you want something that feels a little more wholesome without being boring, it hits.

Froyo rating: 3/5

Toppings rating: 4.8/5

Pricing: ~$7–$9 (small with toppings)

Myka

This is top top. Like tried it on opening day this weekend and it’s an immediate obsession. Myka is a Greek frozen yogurt brand that’s just entered NYC, with its brand new location in the West Village, but it’s already been huge in places like Miami and internationally before coming here. Myka actually started as a small concept in Madrid and exploded globally before landing in NYC which makes sense when you taste it.

The froyo itself is insanely creamy, perfectly tart, and just feels more premium than almost anything else we tried. It’s giving Madison Fare, but even more refined. The yogurt is phenomenal and then the toppings are where they really separate themselves. House-made crumbles, (the berry crumble is addicting) pistachio spreads, fruit compotes, granolas, and even baklava crumbles, it’s very Greek/Mediterranean leaning but done in a way that still feels fun and current. This is one of those places where you go once and immediately understand the hype.

We anticipate the lines being LONG for a while, the shop is very tiny and building your yogurt cup is a craft. They’re doing 3 flavors that rotate out every month, with original being a consistant.

Froyo rating: 5/5

Toppings rating: 5/5

Pricing: ~$10–$15+ depends on toppings, premium positioning similar to Madison Fare)

Go Greek

Go Greek just opened in NoHo and is very much leaning into the “this is actually good for you” angle of frozen yogurt. This is authentic Greek yogurt that’s been turned into froyo, so it’s super thick, very tangy, and packed with probiotics. If you’re someone who finds some froyo spots too sweet, this will probably be your favorite. That being said… the toppings are minimal. You’re not coming here for a build-your-own masterpiece. It’s more about keeping things simple, honey, nuts, fruit, and letting the yogurt do the work. We also really enjoyed their classic greek yogurt bowls and could see ourselves building a breakfast yogurt bowl over frozen yogurt in future visits!

Froyo rating: 5/5

Toppings rating: 2/5

Pricing: ~$8–$12

Mimi’s

Mimi’s is one of the main reasons froyo is having a moment again. Started by two Australians, it first opened in SoHo and now also has a West Village location, and it just gets the aesthetic right. Clean, minimal, a little coastal, very “I casually stopped here after a workout.” The froyo is made with Greek yogurt, skim milk, and a little bit of cane sugar, so it feels lighter but still super satisfying. It’s not as aggressively tart as Culture or Go Greek. It’s more balanced almost like it’s filled with water to level things out, which makes it a crowd pleaser. Toppings are so solid across the board: fresh fruit, granola, chocolate. They also have some fun monthly toppings specials that pop in like one of the best cinnamon rolls in NYC (Losers) was serving mini cinnamon roll bites on top of the froyo. That was insane. This is probably the most universally appealing spot on the list.

Froyo rating: 4/5

Toppings rating: 4.5/5

Pricing: ~$1.20 per ounce, typical cup is $10-$14 and you can hit $18-$22 if you go crazy

Tasti D-Lite

Tasti D-Lite is one of those OG frozen dessert spots that’s been around forever, and it deserves to be in this conversation. It first blew up in the early 2000s as the “healthier” soft serve option before froyo was even really a thing and it still has that loyal following. Stepping inside feels like a time capsule in the best way. The texture is lighter and airy, and the flavors lean classic like chocolate, vanilla, and rotating options. Tasti D-Lite had its moment in Sex and the City, when it was the go-to “I’ll just have something light” treat. But we all know there are definitely tastier frozen yogurts now with way better, more creative topping situations. Still, it has its moment… especially if you live in Murray Hill.

Froyo rating: 3/5

Toppings rating: 3/5

Pricing: ~$5-$8

Honorable Mention: SLIK

SLIK is technically a candy shop, but it’s part of this whole “sweet treats are back” wave happening in NYC right now AND they have froyo machines in the candy store. You’ll walk in and see bins of colorful, unique gummies and chocolates everywhere. Full transparency, when we went the froyo machines were down so we didn’t actually get to try it. People have said it’s very good!

The Froyo Breakdown

If you made it this far, you’re clearly as invested in froyo as we are… so here’s the quick cheat sheet depending on your mood:

If you want the best of the best, money aside:
Myka or Madison Fare

If you want a true tart froyo moment:
Go Greek, Culture, Forty Carrots

If you want the chic downtown vibe:
Birdie’s, Mimi’s

If you want something lighter / “healthier”:
Go Greek, Culture, Tasti D-Lite

If you want to go crazy with toppings:
Madison Fare, Myka

If you want something classic and timeless:
Forty Carrots, Butterfield

If you want the cheapest option:
Tasti D-Lite

Friday:

12PM departure

2PM SAMMIES! at Rossi & Sons in Poughkeepsie….Some of the best we’ve had

Rossi & Sons is an iconic spot that has been open since 1979. It is family run and it feels that way. Go to the original location but they also have a new market downtown or a shop at Marist University.

What to get: eggplant parm or any parm, the #4 on homemade focaccia, any special, Italian rainbow cookie

4PM Arrival at The Henson

The Henson is only a few years old but it’s a stunning inn in the quaint town of Hensonville near Windham Mountain. Now that ski mountain is private so it’s less of a ski town and more of an escape. When I tell you they spared no expense with this spot. It’s a renovated old inn but the decor and design feels elevated and chic. The rooms are a little small but they pull out all the stops. They had a mini crib, monitor, dog bed, mini fridge for breastmilk and everything we could ever need/want.

I wish we took advantage of the sauna and wellness room but they have a pretty outdoor garden with fireplaces.

6PM Dinner at Matilda

The thing about The Henson is that the chefs that own Wildair and Bar Contra in NYC handle their menu so it’s elevated with fabulous desserts from their pastry chef Fabian.

What to get: seasonal special, buvette steak, brick chicken, hazelnut tart for dessert and pair with any natural wine

Saturday: Day trip to Hudson (30 minute drive)

Hudson is a 25-35 minute ride away and worth the visit. I can’t believe I never explored this downtown but it’s truly incredible. It’s way larger than you’d expect with endless cafes, home stores, antique shops, and curated stores.

If you wanted to you could probably spend a full day bopping here.

10AM Breakfast at Mel the Bakery

Mel the Bakery used to be on the LES in NYC (in the Elbow Bread space). It was so sad when they closed their bakery but thankfully they picked it up and plopped it upstate with the same amazing quality bread and beverage program. This one has full curated grocery shelves, incredible matcha, tons of bread to buy, and of course PASTRIES!!!

What to get: weekend smoked salmon focaccia special, any croissant but we loved the jalapeño cheddar, oatmeal creme pie, cinnamon roll (made with croissant dough), if they have it try the brown sugar matcha latte

11-2PM Bop around town

• Finch - expensive but incredible home store

• Maker Hotel - they sell their popular perfumes and candles + the have a cute cafe

• The Antique Warehouse - a small drive from downtown but insane if you’re into antique shopping/furniture

• Neven and Neven Moderne

2PM Cafe Mutton

We ended up working up an appetite and snagged a spot at the ever popular Cafe Mutton. This has been on every top list, specifically one of the top restaurants in America by Bon Appetit. Mainly because of the stunning crispy, crunchy, sweet housemade crepes with maple syrup and oozing butter. You could say we liked them…

What to get: Crepes, breakfast plate, radicchio salad, house made bologna sandwich, any special….

ALSO! They let our dog, Totti, sit inside which was huge.

other food options

• Saint Florian

• Little Rico

• Lil’ Deb’s Oasis

4PM Catskills town

We ended up stopping in the town of Catskills on the ride home. It has a cute downtown but we only stopped to visit a quaint pottery shop called Fisheye Ceramics. The pots in the window caught our eye and the owner herself was in there making mugs. It’s a great small business to support.

6PM Dinner

Transparently, we had dinner at Matilda again due to our small baby needed to rest early. However, here are some other options…

Deer Mountain Inn - A nearby inn in Tannersvile with a quaint cottage like dining room.

Stissing House - DYING to go here!! It’s a renovated house dating back to 1782 and it is supposed to be cozy with delicious simple food.

Casa Susana - Elevated Mexican food

Sunday

Wake up and spend time enjoying The Henson’s amenities like the sauna, gardens, breakfast spread, etc. or you can head to a nearby hiking path.

10AM Paracasa

The hotel also owns Paracasa down the road and you can try their award winning cinnamon rolls and an olive oil cake we loved

15 minute drive….get more breakfast and cinnamon rolls at Fellow Mountain Cafe OR….

12PM Kingston lunch - Rosie General

Kingston is a 45 minute drive and breaks up the trip a bit more. They also serve amazing baked goods, a theme for us ;). But don’t skip a breakfast or lunch sandwich on their homemade breads or bagels.

• Kingston Bread - pretty well known and great for breakfast, lunch, or a treat

Here’s what’s new, what’s buzzy, and what we actually think is worth your time (and money). These are the spots that everyone is talking about. We’ve been, and we have some thoughts. Scroll down to read our honest reviews of all of them and where we have our eyes on for Q2!

⭐ Q1 Top 10 List

Here are our top new restaurants we tried in Q1 of 2026!

10. Double Knot (Midtown)

The Philly native restaurant just opened in Midtown. It’s very similar energy to the one in Philly and we liked our sushi bites. The crispy rice is solid and it’s a great pre-Broadway show meal!

9. Jax Pizza (Long Island City)

A new pizza joint in Queens from the same owners as Utopia Bagels. We had some really great bites. They are doing vodka sauce on pizza (one of our favorite slices) and they’re doing dupes of some familiar favorites. Their white lemon pie (similar to Fini’s) and fig jam bacon pie (similar to Lindustrie). If you’re in the area, check it out! Watch our review here.

8. Tuckshop (West Village)

The Austrailian shop is doing grilled cheese toasties and we’re here for it. They’re doing Aussie-style sandwiches, plus a few coffee drinks, but beyond that, that’s about all they do! We love seeing restaurants that specialize and perfect one singular item.

7. Croft Alley (SoHo)

Croft Alley is an LA import that just opened this year in SoHo, serving up polished breakfast and lunch. We got wraps, bowls, and other easy daytime staples in a very West Coast-coded space. Their tuna melt was surprisingly our favorite bite and they make some really great pancakes.

6. Birdie’s (West Village)

We are here for the era of froyo that has arrived in New York City. Birdie’s is hands down one of the vibey-est new froyo shops we’ve been to and we’re loving the candy selection as well.

5. Justin’s Salt Bread (East Village)

We’re not afraid to admit we’ve been at least 3 times since they opened in January. We’re in love with these butter salt bread rolls that are taking over new york. They are doing Japanese salt bread rolls and a few drinks, but that’s all! We could eat these daily.

4. Border Town (Greenpoint)

They started as a pop up all around Brooklyn selling their insanely delicious tacos and burritos on homemade flour tortillas. Finally, they have a brick and mortar in Greenpoint and the neighborhood is so happy about it. You have to get the frijoles con veneno with flour tortillas. The menu is small so you literally can’t go wrong with anything, but you genuinely just have to get their flour tortillas with all tacos. Watch our full review…

3. Ambassadors Clubhouse (Nomad)

One of the most anticipated openings of the year - the iconic London Indian restaurant finally made its way to NYC. The space is insane and the menu is huge. It all matches the giant flavors being packed into every dish coming out of the kitchen. We are obsessed and have already been twice! Watch our full review…

2. Umeko (West Village)

Umeko is serving the best deal for high quality fish in NYC right now. It’s $48 for so much incredible fish in a chirashi set. You have to go to Umeko if you’re a sushi lover. Highly recommend adding the uni and caviar on top, but regardless you’re going to love the sets. Watch our review here.

1. Or’esh (SoHo)

Taking our top spot of the quarter is the highly anticipated new restaurant from the team behind The Corner Store and The Eighty Six…. we loved Or’esh so much. It’s Mediterranean fare in a super elevated sleek setting. They have michelin starred chef Nadav Greenburg (from Shmone) leading the charge in the kitchen. He has a specially installed coal fire grill that almost all dishes on the menu touch. We’re in love with every bite we had here. Watch our review here.

👀 What We’re Watching (and Planning to Visit ASAP once they open)

Oriana (Nolita) – An American live‑fire restaurant from The Noortwyck team featuring seafood, grilled meats, seasonal veggies, and a massive wine list.

Good Time Country Buffet (East Village) – From the team behind Kisa, this Southern buffet concept will serve fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, and more. We are soooo excited about this one.

Oyatte (Murray Hill) – Experimental seasonal tasting‑menu restaurant from a vet of The French Laundry and Atomix in partnership with Crown Daisy Farm.

Ugly Baby (Williamsburg) – The cult favorite Thai restaurant is officially coming back after closing in 2024; the team is opening a brand new location in Williamsburg!

Dishoom (NYC) – London’s famous Indian café restaurant is widely reported to be opening in Manhattan in 2026, though details and exact location are still emerging (confirmed rumors).

Cleo Downtown (West Village) – A Paris/Montreal‑inspired rotisserie and all‑day spot from the Margot/Montague Diner team.

Dean’s (SoHo) – British seafood and coastal spot from the team behind Dame featuring fish pie, Scottish langoustines, and potted shrimp on buttered crumpets.

Bar Ferdinando (Carroll Gardens) – Revival of the century‑old Ferdinando’s Focacceria as an all‑day Italian café with Sicilian dishes, cocktails, and pastries.

Allegretto al Forno (Williamsburg) – From the Francie team, this Southern‑Italian spot is bringing Neapolitan pizzas (with unique toppings like duck sausage and pistachio pesto)

Trudie’s Tavern (Park Slope) – New neighborhood bar and grill from the Gertrude’s / Gertie team with burgers, martinis, and raw bar items

Bodega Nights (Bushwick) – Brazilian‑influenced restaurant with a concise wine list from the Babysips team; opening with a full kitchen

Bark Barbecue (Bushwick) – Dominican‑influenced barbecue project with custom smokers and an expanded menu

Kjun (Murray Hill) – Korean‑Cajun fusion expanding into a new multi‑level space with seafood jajangmyun and kimchi jambalaya

Bread and Spread (Williamsburg) – Artisan bakery/café concept generating early chatter; opening in Williamsburg

Bagatelle (NYC) – An NYC icon is reopening… French brasserie concept with seasonal coastal dishes and lively service; details still emerging as an anticipated arrival.

Tatte Bakery (NYC) – The beloved café brand continues to grow; potential new chef‑driven or flagship concept expected to open in Manhattan this year.

💭 Honest Reviews: New Spots We’ve Tried

Here are a few of the openings that are dominating the convo right now, plus our honest thoughts if we’ve already made the trip.

Go Dunk Thai (Lower East Side)
A new fast-casual Thai spot that caught us by surprise. We stopped by and were genuinely impressed. The food is punchy, flavorful, and super satisfying. Think: Thai street food classics with a modern, craveable twist. They also have a movie theme in the restaurant that was cute and a really great lunch special.

Slik Candy Shop (East Village)
Candy shops are somehow everywhere right now and this one feels very geared toward East Village kids, NYU students and the after school crowd. The selection was pretty good and they’re also doing froyo, but the machine was broken when we went, which kind of took the wind out of the experience. We haven’t felt a huge pull to go back since, but nothing wrong with it if you’re in the area and craving candy.

CandyKing (West Village)
“Another one!” (in DJ Khaled voice), yes the Swedish candy wave is very, very real and CandyKing is one of the legit Swedish ones that just opened its first U.S. store in the West Village. They’ve got a massive pick-and-mix setup and the whole appeal here is the wall of gummies, foams, and sour candies.

Bufon (Lower East Side)
From the team behind Demo wine bar, we loved our dinner at Bufon. It was delicious, vibey and definitely a cool spot to have dinner. It didn’t stand out as a place we need to rush back to, but we did really enjoy it!

Buddy Buddy (NoHo)
Three words: nut butter coffee. Originally from Brussels, the nut-butter-focused cafe opened its first U.S. location in NYC with a menu built around organic peanut, almond, hazelnut, and pecan butters that are imported from Belgium. The drinks are insanely delivious here… lattes, mochas, matchas, and smoothies made with nut-butter bases, plus in-house peanut milk and specialty coffee.

Salt Bread Ko (Koreatown)
This shop just opened this month and is focussed on Korean-style rolls. This one feels less like a classic bakery stop and more like a trend-driven snack destination because they’re doing different dips and spreads for the rolls. They also randomly drop caviar stuffed salt bread sandwiches.

Bistrot Ha (Lower East Side)
Technically opened in December last year, but we got in early January and we were a little underwhelmed. If you remember, we absolutely loved their original sister restaurant Ha’s Snack Bar and actually named it #1 of new restaurants in 2025. We sadly felt like their newer, bigger concept missed the mark on a few dishes. The service wasn’t amazing either so maybe we felt that the hospitality was missing. But the food didn’t blow us away either!

Stars (East Village)
Another one that opened up right before the holidays in 2025, but we really loved this tiny 12-seat wine bar. It’s from the same team as Penny and Claud so we had high expectations. They’ve got a huge wine list and some amazingly craveable bites like cutie deviled eggs with stars on top and cheesy potatoes.

O’Toole’s Pub (Whitman)

O'Toole's should be your first stop when heading down the shore. A classic South Shore bar pie spot with a welcoming, old school atmosphere and zero flop on their pies. The lace edge is on point, the sauce to cheese ratio is actually correct, and if you're feeling adventurous the Big Mac, cheeseburger, and BLT are worth the order.

Poopsie’s (Pembroke)

Poopsie's is a cash only, no frills bar pie joint that does exactly what it needs to do and nothing more. The cheese, sauce, and crust just work, and honestly that's the whole point. The place has a real 1970s vibe to it, wood paneling everywhere and a Pac-Man video game table, and it all just fits. Barstool's El Presidente rated it a 7.6, which tracks. If you're in Pembroke Tuesday through Sunday, this is the move.

Town Spa Pizza (Stoughton)

A South Shore institution since 1955 and honestly one of the best origin stories in the bar pie game. Henry Phillips used to load up his Nash Rambler with extra slices on weekends and hand them out to neighbors just to get people up the stairs to his second floor bar. It worked, and nearly 70 years later the same recipe is still being used. The crust is perfectly crispy, the cheese is generous, and the signature honey mustard is a must. Dave Portnoy gave it a 9, which says everything you need to know. Before you leave, try the pickle pie too.

Lynwood Cafe (Randolph)

A cash only, 70 year old neighborhood dive that has been doing it right since 1949. The sauce to cheese ratio here is just amazing, and honestly that alone is worth the trip. We went on a weekday with only two other tables and still waited over 30 minutes for our pies. Truthfully though, we think the wait is part of the experience. Some things are just worth it. We also tried the famous baked bean special because we had to, but beans on pizza just isn't for us. Stick to the classic and thank us later.

Cape Code Cafe (Brockton)

With four locations across Massachusetts and frozen pizzas available in supermarkets, Cape Cod Cafe is the most accessible spot on this list. But do yourself a favor and go to Brockton to get it at its freshest. A family owned spot going back over 80 years, and three generations in they are still using the same recipe without cutting corners. The bar pie is the star, but don't sleep on the Greek salad either. This one is a South Shore classic for a reason.

J’s Flying Pizza (Bridgewater)

Takeout only, run out of a house, cooked in a garage, and one of the most loyal fan bases on the South Shore. Yes, you read that right. People literally plan their days around the hours, Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 7, Friday and Saturday noon to 8, and Sunday noon to 7. Dave Portnoy rated it an 8.1 and the pie holds together remarkably well. Fair warning though, the owner can be a little grumpy since it is their home, weekends get extremely busy, and they will close early if they sell out. Plan accordingly and brave the line. It is absolutely worth it.

Venus Cafe (Whitman)

A true townie spot open since 1964 and exactly what you want from a bar pie joint. The building is a drab brick and wood structure that looks like a dive bar from the outside, and honestly that's the whole vibe inside too. Wood paneled walls, old carpeting, cheap beer, and some of the most quintessential South Shore bar pizza you will find. The laced edge here is the move, get it with extra cheese and sauce caramelized right to the rim. The topping options are almost overwhelming, from classic pepperoni to bacon and feta to an Oreo cookie pizza if you're feeling truly unhinged. They also do a pickle pizza but we think Town Spa does it better.

Bardo’s Bar Pizza (South Boston)

For the Bostonians who want bar pie without the drive down the shore, Bardo's is your answer. Tucked inside Castle Island Brewery in Southie, this fourth generation Lombardo family spot has been putting out some of the best bar pie in the city since 2021, and Boston Magazine agreed, naming it Best of Boston that same year. The crust is buttery, thin, and crispy with zero flop, and the topping options are genuinely exciting. Get the pickle pizza before you judge it, because it caramelizes in the oven and comes out incredible. The Social Climber with housemade Italian sausage and hot peppers is also a must. And if you're hungry beyond pizza, the chicken cutlets made from grandma's recipe are not something to skip. Oh, and grab a Castle Island beer while you're at it.

If you have yet to try a true South Shore bar pie, consider this your sign. Let us know which spot is your favorite in the comments, or if we missed any worth adding to the list!

HERE’S OUR VISUAL GUIDE ON HOW TO MAKE THIS DISH!

Here’s where we’d recommend in Kansas City for…

A quick breakfast, a place you can nosh on a pastry, or just grab a coffee:

Mildred’s - As soon as we are anywhere remotely south of New England, we are on the hunt for the perfect biscuits and gravy. This breakfast spot satisfied our hunt with its rich and comforting Southern breakfast combo.

The Farmhouse - Kansas City's go-to brunch spot, and for good reason. Farm-to-table, locally sourced, with a seasonal menu that keeps things fresh. Get the French press coffee and don't sleep on the sausage gravy.

Snooze - Snooze has locations all over the mid-coast and we thought it really delivered when we ate there in Colorado. A reliable breakfast spot where whether you want simple eggs or decadent pancakes, they've got both.

Café Corazón - Kansas City's first Latin and Indigenous coffee house and roastery, with three locations across the city. They source their coffee from Latin America, so if you like a bold roast come here.

Succotash - A hip, quirky breakfast and lunch spot with that small cafe feel and gourmet food. Expect a line on weekends but it moves fast. The French toast and Southwest omelet are both worth ordering.

Waterbird Coffee Company - This is the spot for a slow morning and a quality latte. Solid espresso menu, pastries and donuts from local partners, great natural light, and plants everywhere.

Kansas City is known for its Barbecue food (and meats), with many famous spots, so you should head to:

Q39 - We had heard a lot about it, and while it was not quite the gritty, paper-towel-roll vibe we had imagined, it was nothing short of delicious. Their Chipotle barbecue sauce is just delicious and is perfect with the Judge’s plate with ribs, sliced brisket, and smoked chicken. But the standout is easily the smoked brisket dip with provolone, a toasted bun, horseradish aioli, and au jus. We are LITERALLY still thinking about it.

Jack’s Stack BBQ - Jack Stack is another popular BBQ option in KC. Family owned since 1957, four generations deep, and still cooking over hickory wood. Get the baby back ribs, that’s what they’re known for. Lamb ribs are on the menu too if pork isn't your thing.

Arthur Bryant’s - A Kansas City institution and honestly a bucket list BBQ spot. Presidents have eaten here, and the legend is well earned. Get the brisket sandwich!

The Peanut - The Peanut is Kansas City’s oldest bar and grill. What used to be a speakeasy is now a tiny dive known for its wings. While they are definitely a little bit saucy, messy, and hard to tackle, their wings do the trick and are a rite of passage for a trip to Kansas City.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que - The brisket, burnt ends, and mac ‘n cheese at Joe’s KC BBQ are seriously impressive. However, their pulled pork is a show stopper—you must order it. And if you have room, do not forget about the Z-Man sandwich. There are a few locations, but if you can, be sure to go to the famous gas station location.

Town Topic Hamburgers - Town Topic Hamburgers is a Kansas City staple, and it leaves you feeling like you just dined in another era. It has classic counter service, no frills, and a burger with no notes. Stick with the classic cheeseburger and French fries, and you are set!

In-A-Tub - A Kansas City cult classic since 1951, and there are only two locations left so don't sleep on it. The move is the deep-fried taco coated in bright orange powdered cheese. Sounds unhinged, but tastes incredible.

We love a sit-down meal with a cocktail, so we would suggest:

1587 Prime - 1587 Prime is the steakhouse from Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, making it a splurge, but it is 100% worth it. They serve a Taylor Swift-inspired cocktail called The Alchemy, and it arrives on fire. It is like a more dramatic version of a cosmopolitan.

xo - Kansas City's coolest listening bar, where the music is the whole point. No standing room, all seated, with a small but punchy food menu of Japanese-inspired snacks and a solid craft cocktail list.

Grünauer - Kansas City's only Austrian gasthaus, and honestly one of the most unique dining experiences in the city. Housed in the historic Freight House building, the space is gorgeous. Get the Wiener Schnitzel, don't skip the lingonberries, and if you're feeling adventurous, the mushroom goulash is fun too.

The Town Company - One of the best dinner spots in the city. James Beard-nominated chef Johnny Leach runs a hyper-seasonal menu built around a white oak burning hearth, with local farms supplying nearly everything on the plate. Get the hot buns!!

Room 39 - A Kansas City staple that's been going strong for 21 years. The menu changes daily based on what local farms have available, so every visit is a little different. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this place delivers, and the wine list is seriously impressive.

The Antler Room - A neighborhood restaurant with serious pedigree behind it. Chef Nick Goellner staged at Noma in Copenhagen and has three James Beard nominations under his belt, but the vibe here is warm and unpretentious. The menu changes daily, the wine list is outstanding, and the food is just really, really good.

KC is known for it’s custard, so get some at:

Andy’s - A Midwest frozen custard legend that started in Osage Beach, Missouri back in 1986 and has since grown to 170+ locations across 15 states. Simple, no frills, just really good custard. Get a concrete and thank yourself later.

Freddy’s - A Kansas City born chain that does two things really well: steakburgers and frozen custard. Get the original double and finish it off with a concrete. Classic, reliable, and always worth a stop.

If you want to know where to stay:

Crossroads Hotel - where we stayed!

The Raphael Hotel

The Truitt

Loews Kansas City Hotel

FILLING INGREDIENTS

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp of garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3-4 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2-3 celery stalks, diced

• 1/2 an onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large leek (bottom whites only), washed well and diced

• 10-15 medium sliced button or cremini mushrooms, cut into 6ths or 8ths

• 5 springs thyme removed from the stems

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp Cognac

• 3 tbsp cup flour

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

• 2 sheets thawed puff pastry

• 1 egg, for egg wash

• Salt and pepper to taste

CHEDDAR BISCUIT INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 stick cold butter, grated

• 1 tsp grated garlic

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped herbs like chives, scallions, or parsley

• Heavy cream or milk or egg wash to brush on top

• cracked pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and coat chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides - roast for 20-30 minutes until cooked through, set aside to cool

2. In large dutch oven on medium heat, add butter and remaining tbsp of olive oil to a pan and saute carrots, celery, onions, and leeks for about 5 minutes, season with salt and pepper

3. Add mushrooms, thyme and garlic and continue to cook

4. Once all are softened (do not overcook because you still want some texture to your mixture), add flour and toast off to remove the flour-y flavor

5. Add cognac and cook off the alcohol and top with cream and chicken broth

6. Now that your chicken has cooled, pull the chicken with two forks to shred, add to the filling mixture with parsley - make sure the liquid isn’t too loose or too thick and taste for seasoning

7. For biscuits - mix the dry ingredients together and then grate in butter, with your hands squeeze the butter to form a crumbly flour mixture but be sure not to overheat the butter with your hands

8. Slowly incorporate buttermilk and then add your mix-ins of cheddar and herbs

9. Pour chicken mixture into pie dish and scoop on generous servings of the biscuit mixture, brush with heavy cream and top with cracked pepper

10. Baked at 375 degrees and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through - you can tell it’s done when the biscuits are toasty and if you pull them apart from one another and see no remaining wet dough

11. Let cool slightly, top with more of your herbs and enjoy!!

    

Bungalow 📍East Village

Bungalow earned a spot on our list of Top 15 New Restaurants in NYC in 2024. We recommend ordering the five cheese kulcha, lamb chops, shrimp cones, yogurt kebabs, paneer, chicken, and chicken biryani. Our full restaurant review is here.

Jazba 📍East Village

This is the spot for unique bites inspired by India’s iconic street hawkers. Jazba in the East Village was created by the team behind Janoon, a once Michelin-starred spot, and should be noted for its more casual concept, as well as its delicious paneer and butter kitchen. Our full review of this must-try spot can be found here.

Ambassadors Clubhouse 📍Nomad

Ambassadors Clubhouse just opened last month, and it took almost no time to catch our attention. Created by the two Michelin-starred Gymkhana in London, the vibe here is spectacular, and the setup is nothing short of stunning.

Angel 📍Jackson Heights

Angel recently moved to a new location, but trust us, the food is still just as good. Having been featured in the Michelin guide, the menu is 100% Halal and ranges from Classic Indian favorites to vegetarian specialties. We recommend ordering the classic biryani, butter chicken, and garlic naan. Be sure to check out our full video here!

Adda 📍East Village

We can never get enough butter chicken, and lucky for us, the butter chicken experience at Adda in the East Village is just spectacular. If we had to pick just one Indian restaurant in NYC as our favorite, we would pick Adda, and that is because their dining experience is consistently exceptional. Tip: They only serve 7-8 a night, so we recommend hopping on Resy ASAP and securing your reservation (there are just 2 time offerings in a night). Check out our full restaurant review here with all of the necessary information about this fabulous spot.

Dhamaka 📍Lower East Side

The goat neck biryani and tikka paneer at Dhamaka are must-order items! Dhamaka was listed on top restaurant lists at the New York Times and Eater, and we could not agree more.

Semma 📍West Village

This Michelin-starred spot is an absolute standout and has been rated the #1 restaurant in all of NYC by the New York Times. A part of the Unapologetic Food Group, Semma knows how to get it all right. There is not much else to say other than “We love it!”

Musaafer 📍Tribeca

One of our best meals in 2025 was at Musaafer. Hailing from Houston, Texas, they arrive in Tribeca with not only delicious Indian food but also a Michelin star. They, too, serve a butter chicken experience (lucky us!) with two different sauces. Their desserts shine, as does their setup and ambiance. Our full restaurant review is here.

GupShup 📍Gramercy

GupShup in Gramercy is casual and straight-up delicious. It does not have to be that complicated, it just has to be good—and that is exactly GupShup.

Bhatti 📍Murray Hill

Bhatti Indian Grill is a modern North Indian restaurant in NYC that feels polished yet approachable. The menu is centered around kebabs, featuring 21 varieties of skewered meats and vegetables cooked in classic tandoor style.

Panna II 📍East Village

Panna II is a longtime, cash-only East Village staple known for its beautiful decor and classic Indian dishes. This spot has received recent heightened attention after being featured in the new Hulu show Love Story.

HYDERABADI ZAIQA 📍

This cozy, casual spot focuses on Hyderabadi cuisine while also serving regional favorites from across India. Expect classic staples and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

Kanyakumari 📍Gramercy

Kanyakumari opened at the start of 2024 and stands out for spotlighting the flavors of Coastal India. The restaurant has quickly gained recognition, earning a spot in the Michelin Guide for its refined take on regional Indian cuisine.

Atithi Indian Cuisine 📍Williamsburg

Atithi Indian Cuisine is a casual BYOB spot. Serving samosas, tandoori chicken & other spicy classics, the menu has a great blend of North and South Indian dishes.

Punjabi Deli 📍East Village

Located in the East Village, Punjabi Deli has been serving consistently delicious and vibrant vegetarian dishes since 1993. This spot is comforting, charming, and inviting.

Did we miss any of your favorite Indian food spots? Let us know in the comments down below!

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We broke it down by category but we know we have so much more eating to do. Please comment your favorite places we should try next!

Dinner Meals:

Restaurant L’Ostal📍Darien

Starting off strong, Restaurant L’Ostal is the spot for a date night or an elevated sit-down dinner. Serving authentic French cuisine, they won our hearts with their homemade gnocchi with crab and perfectly cooked scallop. And don’t skip dessert—their bread pudding is the perfect ending.

Massi Co📍Westport

Massi Co is serving simple & soulful Italian food that is easily shared. With brick-oven pizzas, fresh housemade pastas, and sauces worth building a meal around (order the vodka sauce!), this is a go-to for elevated comfort Italian.

Kawa Ni📍Westport

Many people will say this is the best restaurant in all of Connecticut and we honestly really like it. Asian/Japanese fusion with some great bites. The vibe is cozy almost like a little listening bar or bar you’d find in an alley in Tokyo.

Sandwiches/Butcher Shop:

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