New neighborhood openings
NYC’s Upper East Side just added several fresh spots — SotoMethod (wellness), SunLife Organics (smoothies), Nova Pizza & Grill, Coffee Project New York, and Sushi Fukuya are all drawing local buzz this week social briefing. Meanwhile Chicago Magazine named 13 standout new eateries (from a Midwest neo‑bistro to a party‑mood Thai joint) and London talk centers on Greek tavernas, Sichuan newcomers and an upcoming Berenjak expansion social briefing social briefing.
SotoMethod’s Upper East Side studio will be located at 206C E. 86th Street, marking the brand’s second permanent NYC location and a spring 2026 opening. (sotomethod.com) California juice bar SunLife Organics has taken a surf‑shop pop‑up inside Bloomingdale’s at East 59th Street and Third Avenue, slated to debut on March 5, 2026. (patch.com) Local coverage notes the Bloomingdale’s pop‑up is scheduled to run for four months and will feature exclusive smoothies and açaí bowls. (eastsidefeed.com) Nova Pizza & Grill opened in February 2026 at 1739 Second Avenue (corner of East 90th Street) on the Upper East Side. (uppereastsite.com) The shop’s menu pairs classic New York–style pizzas with Cava‑style rice bowls, and the brand lists a customer loyalty program on its website. (novapizzagrill.com) Coffee Project New York has been expanding across Manhattan — including a recent Hell’s Kitchen location at 840 9th Avenue — while operating an SCA Premier Training Academy and roastery in Long Island City. (qsrmagazine.com) Sushi newcomer Sushi Fukuya has already opened at 400 East 64th Street between First and York avenues, according to neighborhood coverage. (eastsidefeed.com) Chicago Magazine’s Best New Restaurants list went live online March 16, 2026, and names 13 standout openings around the city. (chicagomag.com) The feature highlights Creepies — a West Loop neo‑bistro foregrounding Midwest ingredients — alongside lively newcomers such as Noodles Party, the Thai noodle spot on W. Lawrence Avenue. (chicagomag.com) London’s conversation centers on Mediterranean and spicy fare this spring: Berenjak is opening a Mayfair outpost on Duke Street with a March 20, 2026 launch. (berenjak.com) Alongside that, retro‑Athenian taverna Maza has been reported opening in March in Mayfair and Taverna Ermou is set to debut a 120‑cover Marylebone site on March 21, 2026, while Sichuan entries such as Ma La Sichuan continue to attract attention. (wallpaper.com)
