Ligaya Mishan reports New York restaurant trends for 2026

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11

After 10 months dining at more than 200 restaurants across New York City’s five boroughs, the critic highlighted booking battles, darker dining rooms and theatrical bathrooms.
She described reservations dropping all at once and disappearing within seconds, while tables are lit by stylish lamps that often leave menus and plates hard to see.
Bathrooms have become immersive design spaces with curated soundtracks and elaborate decor, reflecting how ambience and logistics increasingly shape the city’s restaurant experience.

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