New York City’s dining scene continues to attract national attention, with two Manhattan restaurants recently recognized on Bon Appétit’s annual list of America’s Best New Restaurants. The 2026 selection highlights Lei in Chinatown and Kabawa in the East Village, placing both establishments among 19 standout restaurant openings from across the country.
The annual list was created after Bon Appétit editors and scouts visited hundreds of restaurants that opened between March 2025 and March 2026. The evaluation considered more than food quality, with hospitality, design and the overall dining experience also playing important roles in the final selection.
Lei Brings Chinese Cooking and an Extensive Wine List to Chinatown
Lei, a small wine bar located on Doyers Street in Chinatown, has quickly become one of New York’s most talked-about dining destinations. The intimate restaurant has just 28 seats and combines regional Chinese cooking with an extensive wine program.
Restaurateur and sommelier Annie Shi, who is also associated with King and Jupiter, opened Lei alongside chef Patty Lee, formerly of Mission Chinese. The restaurant features a wine cellar containing nearly 1,000 bottles, complementing a menu inspired by Chinese home cooking.
Dishes have included handmade cat’s-ear noodles with cumin-scented lamb ragù, salted mustard greens with green chickpeas, and steamed shrimp with ramps and Chinese celery. The menu changes regularly, giving diners an opportunity to experience different interpretations of regional Chinese flavors.
The restaurant’s intimate setting is another part of its appeal. Candlelit tables, a cozy atmosphere and views of Doyers Street create an experience that combines casual charm with a refined approach to food and wine.
Lei has already received major recognition this year, including the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. Its inclusion on Bon Appétit’s national list adds another significant achievement and could make reservations even more difficult to secure.
Kabawa Highlights Caribbean Cuisine in the East Village
The second New York restaurant recognized by Bon Appétit is Kabawa, a Caribbean restaurant in the East Village. Located in the former Ko space on Extra Place, the restaurant is led by Barbados-born chef Paul Carmichael.
Kabawa offers a highly personal interpretation of Caribbean cuisine, combining traditional influences with an energetic dining environment. Rather than following the quiet atmosphere associated with conventional fine dining, the restaurant incorporates music, colorful mosaics, rum and bold flavors into the overall experience.
Guests can choose from a prix fixe menu featuring dishes that may include pepper shrimp, cassava dumplings with Creole sauce, black bass curry and slow-roasted goat. The menu allows diners to explore a range of Caribbean flavors while experiencing Carmichael’s distinctive culinary perspective.
Kabawa has also received considerable national attention in 2026. Recognition from major food publications has helped establish the restaurant as one of New York City’s prominent new dining destinations, while its appearance on Bon Appétit’s list further strengthens that reputation.
What the Recognition Means for NYC’s Restaurant Scene
The inclusion of both Lei and Kabawa demonstrates the diversity of New York City’s current restaurant landscape. The two establishments offer very different culinary experiences, yet both have attracted attention for combining strong food programs with distinctive settings and identities.
Lei focuses on regional Chinese cooking and wine in an intimate Chinatown setting, while Kabawa presents Caribbean cuisine through a lively and immersive East Village experience. Their recognition also reflects a broader trend in which restaurants are being evaluated not simply on individual dishes but on the complete experience they provide.
For diners exploring New York’s restaurant scene, the national recognition gives both establishments another reason to stand out among the city’s extensive collection of restaurants.
Conclusion
The recognition of Lei and Kabawa on Bon Appétit’s 2026 list of America’s Best New Restaurants adds another achievement to an already notable year for both Manhattan establishments. From Lei’s intimate combination of Chinese cuisine and wine to Kabawa’s vibrant approach to Caribbean cooking, the restaurants demonstrate the range and creativity that continue to define New York City dining.
With both restaurants receiving growing attention from major culinary publications and industry organizations, diners looking for notable new experiences in Manhattan may want to add Lei and Kabawa to their restaurant lists.
FAQs
Lei in Chinatown and Kabawa in the East Village were the two Manhattan restaurants included on Bon Appétit’s 2026 list of America’s Best New Restaurants.
Lei focuses on regional Chinese cooking inspired by Chinese home-style dishes. The restaurant also features an extensive wine selection with nearly 1,000 bottles.
Kabawa specializes in Caribbean cuisine under the direction of Barbados-born chef Paul Carmichael. Its menu can include dishes such as pepper shrimp, cassava dumplings, black bass curry and slow-roasted goat.
