Americas
Manhattan
Cho Dang Gol (Korean / $)
Come with a big group to order lots and share - order the omelet, jeons, kimchi biji jjigae, bulgogi stew
Estela (New American / $$)
Great for a cozy date night - must order the Endive salad, beef tartare, and ricotta dumplings
Hav & Mar (Seafood / $$)
Fusion of ethiopian and swedish flavors - don’t sleep on the drinks or dessert
Russ and Daughters (Bagels / $)
The bagel shop is the more authentic experience vs. the cafe, go as early in the morning as possible and eat at a nearby park - don't miss the lox
Wayla (Thai / $$)
On a warm night sit on back patio and order cocktails - foodwise order moo sarong, sai oua, and lobster noodles if with a group
Torrisi Bar & Restaurant (Italian / $$)
Glamorous and made to impress - ask for specials on the menu
I sodi (Italian / $$)
Everything you want from an intimate and cozy downtown Manhattan restaurant, make reservations early or walk in at opening for a spot for 2
Dame (Seafood / $$)
Always a special experience no matter what time you go, make reservations far in advance or walk in at opening to snag a spot for two and be prepared to wait
Bungalow (Modern Indian / $$)
A deeply stellar take on genuine Indian cuisine; be sure to try the Rajasthani lamb and ask for the off-menu mango and jamun. Pop-in for a pre-dinner drink for the full clubhouse experience.
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou (Chinese / $)
Come hungry and ready to roll up your sleeves - must order the dumplings, peanut noodles, and fish balls
Una Pizza Napoletana (Pizza / $)
Can’t go wrong with any pizza - the crust is what dreams are made of
Le Bernadin (French / $$$)
3 michelin star, for a deeply special occasion
Brooklyn & Queens
Zaab Zaab (Thai / $$ / Queens)
Must order larb ped udon, pad thai, goong pow
The Four Horseman (New American / $$ / Brooklyn)
Go for the set lunch menu on weekends - order the natural wine
Robertas (Pizza / $$ / Brooklyn)
Go with a big group on a beautiful day to sit on the outdoor patio
Miss Ada (Israeli / $$ / Brooklyn)
Dips are glorious, particularly the whipped ricotta and lamb shawarma hummus - must order kebabs
Chongqing Lao Zao (Chinese / $ / Queens)
Go with a big group for hot pot
Adda (Indian / $$ / Queens)
Can’t miss the naans and butter chicken
Olmsted (New American / $$ / Brooklyn)
Go early and have a drink in the back garden
Llama Inn (Peruvian / $$ / Brooklyn)
Order anticuchos, beets, muña, and goat cheese
Taqueria Ramirez (Tacos / $ / Brooklyn)
Tacos out of a storefront the size of a closet - order al pastor and be prepared to wait in line
Lilia (Italian / $$$ / Brooklyn)
Most famous for agnolotti and must try the gelato
Lucali (Pizza / $$ / Brooklyn)
No reservations, stand in line at ~4pm ideally on a weekday
Aska (Scandinavian / $$$ / Brooklyn)
Two michelin-star tasting menu