NYC’s Most Coveted Restaurant Reservations This Spring

Spring often means a kickstart to socializing, and one of the best ways to fill your calendar is dining out at New York City’s best restaurants. We rounded up three standout spots to snag a coveted reservation in NYC this season.

La Mercerie

La Mercerie at Roman and Williams Guild—featuring French cuisine by chef Marie-Aude Rose and interiors by Roman and Williams—is always a great choice for reservations, but especially so in the spring. New Yorkers will want to experience La Mercerie's Apéro, running from 3-5 PM, Monday through Friday, inspired by the French post-work, pre-dinner tradition. Tuck into elevated snacks that range from charcuterie or cheese boards to caviar or avocat-crevettes—a small but mighty plate featuring Montauk shrimp, grapefruit, avocado, French cocktail, and orange blossom vinaigrette. Toast to the warmer weather with cocktails like the Petit Paris, with aperol, sparkling wine, and grapefruit, or a glass of French wine or Champagne. 

Apéro is best enjoyed al fresco in the restaurant’s garden, as diners take in the bustling SoHo scenery from the corner of Howard and Mercer Streets. If spring showers make it impossible to eat outdoors, Flora Field Studios brings the garden vibes inside with tabletop floral arrangements. Bonus—La Mercerie will also offer a Mother’s Day menu, details coming soon. 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013

Huso

Among the many reasons to visit Tribeca’s Huso are its recent February 7 opening and the debut of its new spring menu. The tasting menu-focused eatery comes from executive chef, co-owner, and two-time Top Chef winner Buddha Lo, with a focus on premium ingredients and unparalleled hospitality. The intimate 28-seat, two-level restaurant situated within Marky’s Caviar’s new retail space features light and bright interiors juxtaposed by deep, moody blue upholstery and accents. 

The 12-course tasting menu for spring includes highlights like dry aged duck with rhubarb and Alsace bacon, scallop with spring morels and white asparagus, and a new dessert, crafted with apricot, sheep’s milk yogurt, and magnolia honey. Caviar enthusiasts can try the traditional service with the evening tasting menu, choose from three curated flights, or order caviar à la carte. For drinks, pick from an expansive wine and Champagne list, or order a cocktail like the Dirty Rich Martini or Cucumber Gimlet. 323A Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

Papa San

Snag a reservation at new-to-the-scene (opened February 18) restaurant Papa San to experience an eclectic mix of flavors (primarily Lima, Tokyo, and New York City) served in an atmosphere that evokes a bustling, Nikkei-style izakaya. The all-star team of Juan Correa and chef Erik Ramirez offer up a menu that starts with raw dishes, onigiri, anticuchos, and zensai (Japanese appetizers). Expect ceviches, tiraditos, and makis, as well as a custom charcoal robatayaki for a variety of skewers that diners can season with a house-made salt blend, smoky-sweet Japanese BBQ sauce, or a spicy and tangy aji panca.

Whatever you order, wash it down with artisanal sakes or cocktails such as the Papa Sour, featuring Pisco 1615, green apple, pear, sandalwood, and lemon, or the Paloma Porteña, a mix of Patrón tequila, Cynar, watermelon, grapefruit, mint, and soda water. The space, located in Hudson Yards, is equally eclectic—abundant light from 30-foot glass windows plays up the contrast of industrial textures, concrete, and dark wood with plenty of plants and vibrant pops of color. In addition to a lunch and dinner menu, Papa San is targeting a brunch menu launch this spring. Stay tuned! 501 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

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