In the bustling culinary scene of New York City, discerning food enthusiasts seek out standout dishes that leave lasting impressions. Six months into 2025, critics have shared their personal favorites — highlighting a unique selection of sandwiches, savory platters, and decadent desserts that inspire cravings long after the meal has ended.
At the top of the list is the Best Banh Mi from Banh Anh Em located at 99 Third Ave. This sandwich is a triumph of simplicity and complexity, featuring a perfectly baked banh mi roll with a light-brown crust encasing a nearly weightless crumb. Stuffed with a richly flavored Vietnamese pâté made from pork and chicken liver, this delightful creation is seasoned to perfection and served with a fiery-red hot sauce, complementing the umami flavors of the dish. The experience is elevated further by the availability of red wine on the menu.
Le Chêne, situated at 76 Carmine St., offers a Super-Luxe Squab that can change minds about this often underappreciated bird. The dish features a tender squab with a perfectly rare breast and sticky, cognac-glazed legs, impressing diners with its rich flavor. The unexpected addition of seared foie may leave patrons craving it even after the meal is over.
For those who crave hearty yet flavorful dishes, the Puerto Rican Pork Chop from Kabawa at 8 Extra Pl. is an excellent choice. This oversized scroll of pork chop is a standout among an impressive menu that includes a variety of tantalizing dishes infused with Caribbean flavors. Perfectly cooked, the chuletas can can is both fatty and peppery, making it a flavor sensation on the plate.
Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop at 93 ½ E. 7th St. delights with its Scones That Always Sell Out. These warm, fresh-baked scones embody the magic of traditional recipes enhanced by high-quality ingredients. Served with a thick slice of salted butter and homemade blackberry preserve, they are a must-try treat that has food lovers lining up even in the coldest weather.
Onion Tree Pizza Co. at 214 First Ave. serves Game-Changing Onion Rings that incorporate Indian flavors into a classic snack. Coated in a fermented-rice batter and fried to perfection, these onion rings feature a unique puffiness, resembling mini doughnuts, and are accompanied by a duo of chutneys. The crunchiness and distinctive taste are set to make this simple dish unforgettable.
Pasta lovers will find solace at Santi, located at 11 E. 53rd St., where Michael White’s Mushroom Pasta leaves a lasting impression. This vegetarian dish combines the richness of truffles with the earthiness of trumpet mushrooms, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors with expertly prepared busiate pasta. It has quickly become a best-seller, showcasing the skill of the chef in crafting mouthwatering pasta dishes.
Kebab aur Sharab, at 247 W. 72nd St., presents a New Favorite Butter Chicken that surpasses typical interpretations of this dish. Available in two styles, the kebab version features marinated dark meat skewered and grilled in a tandoor before being dressed in a hot butter and cream sauce. The addition of roomali roti completes the experience, making it a standout on the menu.
Samyan, a delightful new spot in Clinton Hill, offers wings that rival those from the now-closed Pok Pok restaurant. The preparation of wings as ‘winglets’ enhances the texture and flavor, and the sweet, salty fish sauce glaze leaves diners reminiscing about their taste long after the meal is done.
Another unwelcome surprise comes from Jō, at 127 E. 34th St., where a seafood sandwich takes center stage. Featuring a charcoal-grilled saba sandwich, this dish showcases the culinary artistry of chef Hiroki Abe, formerly master of vegan cuisine at the now-missed Kajitsu. The unexpected flavors and freshness of the mackerel sandwich reveal the dining potential at Jō.
To conclude this delightful culinary tour, Zimmi’s at 72 Bedford St. serves the Most Vanilla Ice Cream, which encapsulates the essence of high-quality ice cream making. Chef Maxime Pradié transforms the classic flavor with exceptional vanilla, resulting in a gray-colored delight that pairs beautifully with tender shortbread. This dessert evokes the charm of simple flavors taken to new heights.
This curated selection of dishes from some of New York’s finest restaurants provides a glimpse into the city’s current culinary trends. Each dish, whether a sandwich, entrée, or dessert, has a unique story and flavor profile, leaving diners eager for a returning visit.
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