One of New York’s most anticipated restaurants has officially opened its doors. Located in the heart of Battery Park City, North End Grill is the latest venture from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Top Chef Masters winner Chef Floyd Cardoz (former Executive Chef/Partner of Tabla) is manning the kitchen and introduces a fresh approach to new American cuisine. The extensive menu highlights seasonal ingredients, with a heavy emphasis on seafood and grilled preparations.

Eager to check out the brand new spot, I headed to North End Grill during their opening week lunch service and was lured in by appetizing aromas of smoke and charcoal. The restaurant’s front room reveals an exposed kitchen with counter seating, high-top tables, a lengthy bar, and a display wall that will soon showcase more than 100 single malt scotches (the restaurant is currently awaiting their liquor license). Past the kitchen is the elegant main dining room—a sleek space of dark wood, white linens and black & white framed photos, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Hudson river views.

Lunch began with a lightly charred clam pizza covered with buttery, briny littlenecks, chopped parsley, garlic and olive oil drizzle. Plump diver scallops arrived delicately seared and coated with a chili-spiced apple cider vinegar glaze, atop a creamy cauliflower purée. The sliced chop of Berkshire pork entrée was juicy and tender, boasting a rich smoky flavor, savory au jus and side of charcoal grilled shishitos and cippolini onions.

For a scrumptious finish that’s fun to eat, order the Butterscotch Pot de Crème. With more of a pudding consistency than a typical Pot de Crème, the sweet golden custard came topped with crunchy chocolate streusel crumbs and fluffy scotch-infused single “maltmallows.” When lapping up this decadent dessert, be sure to dig deep for the layer of thick salted caramel at the bottom of the bowl.

During my visit, Danny Meyer’s standard of service excellence proved to be impeccable, as usual. With North End Grill expected to receive their liquor license next week, and dinner service beginning on January 23rd, I’m already anticipating a venture back to Battery Park City for dinner and a dram or two of scotch very soon.

North End Grill, 104 North End Avenue, New York, NY 10282, 646.747.1600