Franklin Becker’s latest in West Harlem is a festive celebration of Spanish tapas with floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor trees, and Moorish tiles. There’s a $64 prix-fixe menu, which includes cheese, cured meats, tortillas, ham croquettes, and chicken with red pepper sauce, among other offerings.

The city’s many hotels are also home to some of the best dining rooms fully decked out for the holidays. Dowling’s at the Carlyle is the newest entrant and is perfect for diners seeking a cushy, sophisticated experience. Chef Sylvain Delpique, whose cooking celebrates timeless and nostalgic dishes, is serving a menu with classics like quiche Lorraine, croque-madame, and buttermilk waffles with caramelized apple pecan marmalade for brunch.

Walking the block of the Des Artistes building, illuminated by holiday trees, is like stepping into a yule painting. Once inside, the famously romantic Leopard with its cozy corners and Howard Chandler Christy murals is even more dramatic with all the wreaths and ornaments. Seasonal dishes on the a la carte menu include mixed mushrooms with glazed chestnuts and thyme; quail-and-pork sausage with red wine poached figs; ravioli with beets; and seared scallops with squash puree and pancetta vinaigrette.

A short stroll from Central Park, this Italian-accented meat palace is warmed by a fireplace and decorated with garlands, wreaths, and bottles of wine showcased in a glass cellar. The holiday specials include burrata with fresh tomato and grilled Portobellos drizzled with balsamic vinegar reduction that can easily be paired with a la carte dishes such as a bone-in ribeye; a porterhouse that serves up to four; or, for those who prefer seafood, linguini with mussels, lobster, and shrimp.

This Flushing spot, which has another location in the East Village, has been popular for its upscale take on Chinese food — from the presentation of its food to its ornate interior design. There’s classic ma po tofu, green spicy bass (swimming in a soy-based sauce and showered with chopped chives), and diced chicken with lotus (the house-pickled root gives a wonderful sour contrast to the heat). The mix of jasmine and sticky rice is a perfect conduit for feisty sauces, and for those who like things a little milder, the kitchen is happy to adjust.

Lovers of spicy food will be happy to kick off the new year at this dimly lit and casual Long Island City restaurant that has a collage of Indian newspapers and a metal roof over the bar. Chef Chintan Pandya will offer a selection of his street food dishes including a starter of chili cheese toast and dahi batata puri filled with tamarind, mint chutney, and yogurt. Entrees include the chef’s signature lucknow dum biryani with slow-cooked goat and the dilliwala butter chicken with makni curry.

Specials like buffalo mozzarella with an ounce of Russian ossetra and lobster fra diavolo with spaghetti are the star attractions at this popular Mediterranean restaurant in Flatiron, which also has a heated outdoor shed. An a la carte menu includes a grain salad with butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, feta, and lemon vinaigrette; mushroom lasagna; braised lamb with farro; and prawns with shishito peppers. 

The New Year’s Eve party vibes continue the next day at this Caribbean-themed favorite in Williamsburg. A DJ will spin against a backdrop of tropical wallpaper as the festivities extend to the indoor dining room and a heated outdoor area. On the menu there are plates of stuffed sweet plantains, flatbread (mushroom and truffle, as well as oxtail); chicken and waffles; and vegan bowls. Dishes are available a la carte, or there’s a $55 prix fixe option that includes one entree and all-you-can-drink mimosas for 90 minutes.

Greek pancakes topped with honey, yogurt, and walnuts make a sweet start to 2022, while pastrami hash and eggs are a hangover antidote to be enjoyed in this tri-level lofty space with whitewashed brick and a palate of Mediterranean blues and terra cotta. Later in the day, black truffle tarama and cretin dakos salad — basically a Greek toss of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers nesting on carob rusk — are good starters, and the tuna steak entree tastes like it was swimming the same day. 

A $75 prix-fixe brunch, which is the sole New Year’s Day option at this bustling eastern European cafe in Crown Heights, includes deviled eggs, cured salmon, pork sausage, jammy eggs, Hungarian crepes, fried turnip cakes, and layered chocolate sponge cake — along with a glass of champagne. 

Diners are invited to take a refreshing plunge in the Atlantic Ocean and then run into the hotel’s outdoor saunas on New Year’s Day. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Rising Tide charity, which benefits underserved communities in the city. Bagels and muffins will be offered, but for those who want a heartier meal, Margie’s in the hotel is offering a menu of tater tots with eggs, sausage and bacon, smashed avocado toast, and a malted waffle with peanut butter, jelly, whipped cream, and caramelized banana.