NYT Names 50 Favorite Restaurants; NYC Guide Adds 44 Picks
NYT Names 50 Favorite Restaurants; NYC Guide Adds 44 Picks
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Washington state restaurants Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Lilliwaup and the newly opened Passage at the Inn at Langley were included on The New York Times’ 2026 list.
2
Hama Hama is a family-run oyster operation whose shellfish are grown near the Hood Canal saloon; The Times highlighted its poached oysters escabeche and purple clams in green coconut curry broth, while calling the raw oysters “the star.”
3
Passage opened in June after the Inn at Langley underwent an extensive renovation following its 2025 purchase by Akin Hospitality. Its chef, Johnny Spero, previously operated Michelin-starred Reverie in Washington, D.C.
4
Fairhope, Alabama’s Little Bird was also selected; along with New Orleans’ Dakar NOLA and Dolfy’s, it is among the list’s restaurants that opened within the past five years.
5
Safety Harbor’s The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions, located at 305 Main Street, was the only Florida restaurant on the list besides Miami’s Tin Tin.
The New York Times released its 2026 list of 50 favorite American restaurants, compiled by 16 journalists across the country. The unranked selections showcase distinctive restaurants that offer memorable dining experiences, from a family-run oyster saloon in Washington to a newly renovated fine-dining destination on the East Coast. Four restaurants made the cut in New York City: Bistrot Ha, Meju, Yamada, and Zoli.
Separately, the NYC Hospitality Alliance released its 2026 District Dining Guide, featuring recommendations from 44 elected officials across all five boroughs. The city's restaurant industry generates over $28 billion in economic activity annually across more than 23,000 establishments, making dining a cornerstone of New York's economy and culture.
Washington's Oyster Saloon and Newest Fine-Dining Gem
Two Washington state restaurants earned spots on The New York Times list. Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Lilliwaup is a family-run operation that grows its shellfish near Hood Canal. The Times highlighted dishes like poached oysters escabeche and purple clams in green coconut curry broth, calling the raw oysters "the star" of the menu.
Passage, a newly opened restaurant at the Inn at Langley, also made the list. The restaurant opened in June 2025 following an extensive renovation of the inn by its new owner, Akin Hospitality. Chef Johnny Spero, who previously ran the Michelin-starred restaurant Reverie in Washington, D.C., leads the kitchen.
Southern Standouts and Rising Young Restaurants
Three restaurants that opened within the past five years earned recognition from The New York Times. Little Bird in Fairhope, Alabama; Dakar NOLA in New Orleans; and Dolfy's, also in New Orleans, all made the prestigious list. Their inclusion reflects The Times' focus on emerging dining destinations with distinctive voices and strong community ties.
In Florida, Safety Harbor's The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions was named to the list, becoming one of only two Florida restaurants selected. Located at 305 Main Street, it joined Miami's Tin Tin as The New York Times' choices from the Sunshine State, emphasizing fresh seafood and local sourcing.
New York City's Four Selections Represent Diverse Cuisines
New York City's four honored restaurants — Bistrot Ha, Meju, Yamada, and Zoli — showcase the city's diverse culinary landscape. Each was selected after The New York Times journalists evaluated restaurants nationwide, excluding previous honorees to ensure fresh selections each year.
NYC's Restaurant Guide Highlights Immigrant Success Stories
The NYC Hospitality Alliance's District Dining Guide features 44 recommendations from elected officials across the five boroughs. The guide showcases restaurants like Evelia's Tamales in Queens, which grew from a street cart launched by an immigrant entrepreneur after 9/11 into a beloved neighborhood institution and cultural anchor.
The guide also highlights upcoming changes in New York's dining scene. Nicole and Jennifer Vitagliano are planning to revamp the food-and-beverage program at the historic Bowery Hotel, signaling continued evolution in the city's restaurant landscape and investment in dining experiences.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
17
Articles
22
Reach
39
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
