DISHING EXCLUSIVE: Three months after departing NeoVista Hospitality as COO, John Hwang is back with two restaurants of his own: The all-day, all-you-can-eat J. C. Hwang in former Dale Miller/Taste at 30 S. Pearl St. + Robata, an outdoor, robatayaki-style grill. We get the scoop.

Intel: After Peck’s + MyBacon, Exec. Chef Nick Ruscitto enters his pizzaiolo era.

Solo dining is more popular than ever with Gen Z leading the way. Dining critic Susie Davidson argues it’s the highest form of self care.

Sweet corn, butter, dill pickle, tomato-peach-habanero? Has soft serve reached peak savory this fall?

The chef-led Johnson’s Barbecue fires up the Catskills with its new semi-permanent home + dive bar at The Boathouse in Tannersville. Industry contributor Dimity Jones is all in on the Kansas City ‘cue, chef-crafted sides + “lakeside, camp aesthetic that feels both retro boy scout lodge and local hangout.”

Tucked in the former World of Beer in Crossgates Mall, Emperor Garden joins a handful of Chinese restaurants we recommend with several dishes you won’t find elsewhere.

On its opening night, Pez—by James Beard-nominated Chef Éfrén Hernandez—shines in the former Rivertown Tavern at Rivertown Lodge. We took an early look.

From the founders of Zaitoon, Pita + Olive elevates fast-casual Mediterranean to stylish dine in, while their new café bar—with lattes, pastries + affogato shots—is just another reason to go.

The opening of The Verandah in Troy’s Little Italy is a fusion of Jamaican island cooking and Italian Likkle Tings.

WHERE TO EAT—Below Ground at the Empire State Plaza.