🚕 NYC's First Three-Michelin Star Restaurant in Over a Decade

Good Morning NY!

Today, we have more updates to the ever-evolving NYC food scene.

We’re covering the expansion of an iconic Brooklyn pizzeria into competitive territory, a historic Michelin milestone for Korean cuisine, and a beloved neighborhood gem closing after 16 years.

Plus, some restaurant owners who are thinking outside the box (literally) with creative outdoor dining solutions, and lastly we’ll spotlight Grub Street’s top picks for where to eat this December.

Let’s see what’s shaping the city’s dining landscape.

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L&B Spumoni Gardens Opens New Location Amidst Iconic Pizzerias

Brooklyn’s legendary L&B Spumoni Gardens has officially opened a new outpost in DUMBO at 46 Old Fulton Street, a location surrounded by pizza royalty.

Nestled on the same block as Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s, this expansion aims to introduce the beloved L&B experience to a new audience while honoring its Coney Island roots.

The restaurant’s iconic upside-down square pizzas and signature spumoni remain central to the menu, drawing both loyal customers and curious new diners.

Despite its proximity to two of the city’s most famous pizzerias, L&B’s general manager, Charlie Cavallo, has emphasized a spirit of camaraderie rather than rivalry, suggesting the new opening enhances DUMBO’s status as a must-visit destination for pizza lovers.

By adding its unique offerings to the area’s pizza lineup, L&B Spumoni Gardens hopes to complement, not compete with, its neighbors.

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the historic brand as it ventures into new territory.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.4 | Yelp: 4.4 | Instagram

Buttermilk Channel to Close After 16 Years in Carroll Gardens

After 16 years of serving the Carroll Gardens community, Buttermilk Channel will close its doors on December 31.

The restaurant has been a neighborhood staple, beloved for its cozy ambiance and dishes like cheddar waffles paired with buttermilk fried chicken.

Families, foodies, and locals alike have celebrated countless occasions at this cherished spot.

Owner Doug Crowell has announced his decision to close the restaurant to focus on his other ventures, including the Boerum Hill bistro, French Louie.

The closure marks the end of an era for Buttermilk Channel, which has long been a go-to destination for both casual dining and special celebrations.

Guests still have a few weeks to savor its iconic dishes and bid farewell to a venue that has defined the Carroll Gardens dining landscape for nearly two decades.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.5 | Yelp: 4 | Instagram

Jungsik Earns NYC's First Three-Michelin Star in Over a Decade

Jungsik, a celebrated Korean restaurant in New York City, has achieved a monumental milestone, earning three Michelin stars.

This recognition makes it the first NYC restaurant to reach this level of excellence in over a decade, following Eleven Madison Park’s three-star designation in 2012.

Jungsik’s award not only cements its position as a leader in fine dining but also underscores the growing global prominence of Korean cuisine.

Located in Tribeca, Jungsik has long been lauded for its innovative approach, blending traditional Korean flavors with modern culinary techniques.

The prestigious Michelin honor highlights the restaurant’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity.

This achievement is not just a victory for Jungsik but a significant moment for New York’s dining scene, reaffirming the city’s reputation as a hub for culinary innovation.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.7 | Yelp: 4.6 | Instagram

NYC Restaurants Innovate with Vehicles for Outdoor Dining Amid Regulations

As New York City mandates the removal of outdoor dining sheds before winter, some restaurants are turning to unconventional solutions.

L’Industrie, a Williamsburg pizzeria, repurposed a school bus to provide outdoor seating, while Ayza, a wine and chocolate bar in NoMad, converted a trolley car for the same purpose.

• Ayza Social handles: Google Maps: 4.4 | Yelp: 4.1 | Instagram

These creative alternatives showcase the ingenuity of NYC restaurateurs adapting to evolving regulations.

However, the Department of Transportation has issued warnings to 136 establishments, including L’Industrie and Ayza, requiring compliance within 30 days.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in fines and exclusion from future outdoor dining programs.

While these inventive dining setups highlight the resilience of NYC’s restaurant scene, they also underscore the challenges faced by establishments navigating the city’s strict policies.

Grub Street Highlights December's Must-Try NYC Restaurants

Grub Street has curated a list of the top NYC dining spots to explore this December, featuring a mix of new and notable establishments.

Leon’s in Union Square stands out with its fusion of Italian, Egyptian, and French influences, creating a truly unique menu.

• Social handles: Google Maps: 4.4 | Yelp: 4.4 | Instagram

In Midtown, Le Café at Louis Vuitton pairs luxury dining with the fashion house’s iconic brand identity.

Other highlights include Smithereens in the East Village, offering New England-inspired seafood with sushi elements, and La Tête d’Or in Flatiron, where Daniel Boulud presents a refined take on steakhouse classics.

Rounding out the list is Kinjo in DUMBO, known for its tranquil omakase sushi experience.

These restaurants showcase the diversity of NYC’s food scene, making them must-visit destinations for December dining.

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