Culture

The Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Try in 2020

As the start of a new decade begins, so come a slew of new restaurants to tantalize one’s taste buds. And for 2020, lots of revered names in the dining world are expanding their empires into new regions riffing off the flavour profiles of their locations. In London, chef Tom Aiken marries mentor Joël Robuchon and Pierre Koffmann’s signature techniques and punch with his knack for creating lasting food memories. Also looking to the past with a modern lens are chefs Lee Hansonand Riad Nasr who’ve taken over New York City fine dining staple, Le Veau d’Or. With a pedigree that includes opening Frenchette and working under Keith McNally at Balthazar and Minetta Tavern, expect a sumptuous environment without any pretension.

Nearby, Juan Santa Cruz brings his sleek flair to the Upper East Side with the opening of Casa Cruz. Having tested the waters a few years ago with a pop-up in Tribeca, the permanent location will bring the same elegant atmosphere and refined dining experience with a party friendly attitude. Also focused on marrying fine dining with fun is Michelin Star-boîte Cote which opens its second location in Miami this fall. Simon Kim’s inimitable touch for bringing the highest quality ingredients, exquisite wines, and a joie de vivre spirit have made it a staple amongst the fashionable foodie set in New York. But, for a truly transcendent experience, jet over to Paris where chef Arnaud Donckele’s artful and delicious take on dining leads the forthcoming Cheval Blanc Paris. Below, a breakdown of our spots to check out in 2020.

1.

London

Muse by Tom Aikens

It’s fitting that Tom Aiken’s latest restaurant, Muse, is located inside a converted mews house in Belgravia. The youngest chef to earn two Michelin stars, Aiken’s approach is for diners to be immersed in their environments. Two floors, both with open kitchens, greet guests and invite them to participate in the six or ten-course tasting menus which take their cues from the chef’s personal and professional experiences. Open now, for more information, visit https://www.musebytomaikens.co.uk.

2.

New York City

Casa Cruz

After a buzzy 2016 pop-up at Spring Place, Casa Cruz is finally setting down roots in Manhattan. The Buenos Aires original became a London hot spot drawing an A-list clientele including Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Naomi Campbell. Expect similar vibes when their latest outpost arrives this fall on the Upper East Side. For more information, visit https://www.casacruz.london/.

3.

New York City

Le Veau d’Or

This Upper East Side institution—no photos, please!—boasted Marlene Dietrich amongst its elite clientele with a house account. Taken over by Frenchette gurus (and Keith McNally alums) Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, it’s set to reopen this spring with a refreshing and modern take on classic French cuisine paired with natural wines under the direction of sommelier Jorge Riera.

4.

Paris

Cheval Blanc

If there’s one thing that Cheval Blanc establishments are known for it's an exquisite experience. And for the brand’s first venture in the city of lights—located steps away from the Seine by the Pont Neuf—they enlisted three-star Michelin chef Arnaud Donckele as their head chef. Expect lots of elegant bites with punch when they open this spring. For more information, visit https://www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/paris/.

5.

Miami

Cote

This New York staple is migrating south to Miami opening this fall in the chic Design District. Expect proprietor Simon Kim’s signature marriage of modern Korean steakhouse vibes with excellent service coupled with a vast wine list. It’s no surprise that the original earned a Michelin star. For more information, visit https://www.cotenyc.com/.