Leslie NYC is one of the best Manhattan restaurants that opened in 2025. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
Leslie NYC is Murray Hill’s newest dining destination, which had its grand opening on November 12th, 2025.
Leslie is a noteworthy and vibrant new American restaurant from acclaimed Miami chef-restaurateur Sebastian Fernandez. It was named after Sebastian’s wife and business partner, Leslie Ames; moreover, the restaurant reflects the couple’s warmth and creativity—bringing Sebastian’s bold, globally inspired cuisine to New York City for the first time.
Building on his success with 33 Kitchen in Coconut Grove—where he earned a 3.5-star review from the Miami Herald—Sebastian re-imagines American fare by creating classic dishes with creative, international influences.
Some of the highlights on his menu include:
· Deviled Eggs: Sebastian’s grandmother’s recipe, topped with smoky bacon jam
· Smashburger: two juicy patties layered with melted American cheese and house-made pickles, served alongside thick and crispy potato fries
· Branzino Filet: delicate Mediterranean branzino with velvety white garlic sauce and braised fennel purée
· Agnolotti: pasta pillows, house-made daily, filled with truffled ricotta and aged pecorino, tossed in silky brown butter and sage cream sauce
· San Sebastian: creamy Basque-style cheesecake with a caramelized top and custard-like center, served with fig jam, strawberries, goldenberries, and powdered sugar
Cocktails include refined takes on classics like the House Old Fashioned (made with maple syrup) and a bold Espresso Martini crafted with Brooklyn cold brew.
The restaurant was designed by Leslie Ames, and the interior’s soft green hues and exposed brick capture the comfort and charm of dining in the couple’s own home – a home that also happens to be a new favorite neighborhood dining spot.
For more information on Leslie NYC, visit its official website and follow its Instagram page.
Read More: Rave review of Leslie NYC in Digital Journal.
