Best Restaurants Openings 2013 | Tasting Table NYC

It was a year of mass doughnut hysteria. Of big, ballsy openings. Of ramen-fueled buzz that just wouldn't quit.

Here, Sound of Music-style, are our favorite things from the year in dining.

Nightly Destination: Estela
Our editors eat here on the regular. We simply cannot get enough of Ignacio Mattos' gutsy flavor combinations.

Reason to Ride the G: The Greenpoint Renaissance

River Styx, Glasserie, Achilles Heel and The Bounty are the reward for braving the commute to the far-flung Brooklyn neighborhood.

Opening of 2013 That Wasn't: Ivan Ramen

We're still waiting on Ivan Orkin's highly anticipated Lower East Side ramen shop; in the meantime, we're bowled over by Orkin's Slurp Shop at the new Gotham West Market.

Spinoff: Mission Cantina

Danny Bowien has done it again. We lost all preconceived notions about Mexican food and dove headfirst into his whole rotisserie chicken, grilled and stuffed with rice, chorizo and pecans.

New (Old) Brunch Spot: The Red Cat
It's been a Chelsea staple for 15 years, but the the recently launched brunch menu is another reason to visit the perennial favorite.

Reason to Go to Midtown: Betony

With its carved ceiling and velvety booths, this 57th Street restaurant is a beauty; chef Bryce Shuman's elegant menu is equally stunning.

Non-Cronut Fried Goodness: Dough Loco

Corey Cova charmed us with his "mother-in-law" roller and blood orange doughnuts on the Upper East Side.

Place to Raise a Glass: Charlie Bird

The inspired small plates here are delicious, but we geeked out over the Zalto wine glasses at this new Soho staple.

After-Hours Spot: Pearl & Ash

Where else can you get a deconstructed hangar tartare with harissa, melba shards and minerally lava salt at 11:30 p.m.?

Neighborhood to Watch in 2014: The East Side of the LES

Dimes. Fung Tu. Skál. There's a lot going on in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge–so we'll see you there in the New Year.