Recently, New York City has witnessed the emergence of several new dining establishments, each bringing its own distinct character to the table. Fedora, a historic restaurant revived by Andrew Dete and Christa Alexander, reopens with a European-inspired menu crafted by Monty Forrest. Meanwhile, DubuHaus introduces an innovative approach to tofu dishes, blending minimalist aesthetics with traditional Korean flavors. On the other side of town, Maison Passerelle unveils fine dining influenced by former French colonies, offering a blend of global cuisines executed with classic French techniques. Lastly, Banh Anh Em expands the legacy of Vietnamese cuisine with homemade baguettes and pho noodles. These restaurants reflect the city’s ongoing evolution in culinary arts.
In Greenwich Village, Fedora emerges once again as a cherished dining destination after being revitalized by the team behind St. Jardim. The interior design retains its intimate charm while introducing fresh elements that complement the establishment's heritage. Chef Monty Forrest draws inspiration from Europe to create a diverse menu featuring tempura asparagus, pierogi, tilefish bourride, and black bass Provençal. Accompanying these dishes is a predominantly French wine list, paying homage to Fedora Dorato, who owned the restaurant from 1952 until 2010.
DubuHaus, located near Koreatown, distinguishes itself through its dedication to tofu-based creations. Designed to resemble a hanok—a traditional Korean house—the venue offers soft tofu stews, dumplings, bibimbap, and braised specialties infused with bold spices. While not every dish features tofu, the focus remains on delivering authentic Korean tastes within a contemporary setting. This venture joins two other projects under Urimat Hospitality Group, further enriching Manhattan's culinary landscape.
Maison Passerelle at Printemps New York combines elegance with cultural diversity. Culinary director Gregory Gourdet incorporates influences from regions historically tied to France, including West and North Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Signature dishes include salt cod fritters, grilled white asparagus with Creole cream, roast chicken with Moroccan condiments, and coconut chiboust for dessert. Even the quintessential New York strip steak receives a Haitian twist via coffee rub. Each plate showcases meticulous craftsmanship rooted in French culinary traditions.
Banh Anh Em brings Vietnamese street food to downtown Manhattan with a personal touch. John Nguyen and Chef Nhu Ton ensure authenticity by baking their own banh mi bread and making pho noodles in-house. Expanding upon the success of their Upper West Side location, this new spot provides ample seating and continues to captivate diners with vibrant flavors reminiscent of Vietnam. By preserving traditional methods, they elevate everyday meals into memorable experiences.
Together, these establishments redefine what it means to dine out in New York City. From Fedora's timeless appeal to DubuHaus' modern take on Korean cuisine, Maison Passerelle's global fusion, and Banh Anh Em's artisanal approach, each restaurant contributes uniquely to the city's dynamic food scene. As patrons explore these venues, they will discover how innovation meets tradition in creating unforgettable gastronomic journeys.