New Japanese and Asian-Inspired Restaurant Openings in NYC – Spring 2025

Spring 2025 is bringing a wave of exciting new restaurants to New York City. This roundup highlights newly opened and upcoming spots—especially sushi and Japanese-inspired eateries—that are worth keeping an eye on. Many of them are currently hiring, making this list especially valuable for those seeking new opportunities in the food and beverage industry.

■ Yamada

Opening: April 2025
Cuisine: Kaiseki with sushi elements
Location: Chinatown (Manhattan)
Chef: Isao Yamada
Overview: A hidden gem located in the Canal Street underground arcade, Yamada is a sister restaurant to popular spots Nakaji and Kono. This intimate 8-seat counter offers an authentic Japanese dining experience.

■ Hear & There

Opening: March 3, 2025
Cuisine: Sushi Omakase & Cocktail Bar
Location: Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Chef: Formerly of Kissaki and Himitsu
Overview: A unique space blending vinyl records, sushi, and cocktails. The venue features a stylish front bar and a 22-seat omakase counter in the back.

■ Teruko

Planned Opening: Mid-2025
Cuisine: Japanese with a sushi counter
Location: Chelsea (Manhattan)
Chef: Tadashi Ono (formerly of Matsuri)
Overview: Set to open in the basement of the legendary Hotel Chelsea, the restaurant is named after the Japanese artist Teruko Yokoi, who once lived there.

■ Kansha

Opening: March 2025
Cuisine: Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian)
Location: Upper East Side (Manhattan)
Chef: Jorge Dionicio (formerly Sushi Noz, Morimoto)
Overview: A refined 28-seat venue blending sushi with Peruvian flavors, opening along Madison Avenue.

■ Comal

Planned Opening: June 2025
Cuisine: Mexico City-style modern Mexican
Location: Lower East Side (Manhattan)
Chef: Gaz Herbert (formerly of Jupiter)
Overview: Opening in the former Gem Wine space, Comal will showcase bold, modern takes on Mexican cuisine.

■ Haymarket

Planned Opening: Spring 2025
Cuisine: Modern European (Spanish, French, British elements)
Location: Chelsea (Manhattan)
Chef: India Doris (formerly of Saga)
Overview: A debut solo venture from a rising star chef offering stylish European fare in a chic Chelsea setting.

■ Jaba

Planned Opening: April 2025
Cuisine: Modern Taiwanese
Location: Midtown East (Manhattan)
Chef: Anthony Inn
Overview: Named after a Taiwanese term for “eating a lot,” Jaba will serve generous bento-style plates and family-style dishes in a casual 50-seat restaurant.

■ Kabawa

Planned Opening: Spring 2025
Cuisine: Upscale Caribbean Tasting Menu
Location: East Village (Manhattan)
Chef: Paul Carmichael (formerly of Ko)
Overview: A new restaurant from the former Momofuku chef, offering refined Caribbean tasting menus next to the Kabawa bar.

■ Maison Passerelle

Planned Opening: April 17, 2025
Cuisine: French with colonial fusion
Location: Financial District (Manhattan)
Chef: Gregory Gourdet (Top Chef alum)
Overview: Located inside the luxury department store Printemps, this restaurant promises a modern take on French cuisine with global influences.

■ Adda (East Village Branch)

Planned Opening: May 2025
Cuisine: Indian Home-Style Cooking
Location: East Village (Manhattan)
Group: Unapologetic Foods (Roni Mazumdar & Chintan Pandya)
Overview: The beloved Queens-based Adda expands with a second location in the East Village, bringing bold, spice-rich Indian comfort food downtown.

We’ll continue to share the latest updates in NYC’s dynamic restaurant scene—including job openings and career opportunities in the food industry—at KIWAMI.

Interested in joining one of these new restaurants or taking the next step in your F&B career?

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