This Tribeca restaurant is the first stateside venture for the Ramirez Degollado family, whose senior figure, the renowned Mexican cook, Carmen “Titita” Ramirez Degollado—aka the “matriarch of Mexican flavor”—has run the El Bajío empire for the past 50 years. At Casa Carmen, the brother duo and co-owners, Santiago and Sebastian, work in collaboration with two head chefs and a team of “mayoras” (esteemed elder women) who oversee the menu and its signature dishes like the Panuchos Yucateros and Pollo con mole Xico. Here, the gorgeous 2,500-square-foot, 105-seat space is divided into a bar area and main dining room, and the interior’s aesthetic draws inspiration from earth-toned, stucco-walled haciendas.

For fans of the previous Washington Street location that operated for more than 15 years, the Horatio Street reboot of Barbuto in the West Village offers many familiar comforts. The new nearby space featuring an industrial aesthetic originally debuted with a brief pre-pandemic run before officially reopening last October, and its seasonal Italian- and California-inspired menu includes plenty of chef Jonathan Waxman’s classics. Enjoy favorites like the Polpette (crispy pork stuffed meatball); Insalata Calamari; Gnocchi; Potatoes; and famous Pollo Al Forno (roast chicken). And with sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the Hudson River as a backdrop, dine at one of 125 seats or 20 bar spots that are first come, first served.

As chef Brian Kim’s exciting sophomore venture, Oiji Mi showcases high-end, contemporary dining in New York City rooted in a Korean essence—and establishes the restaurateur's compelling next chapter. Within a chic space inspired by old-school Korean homes called “hanoks,” guests can enjoy a 5-course prix-fixe menu or do a la carte ordering in the bar & lounge for signature dishes like the Striped Jack “Hwe,” Chili Lobster Ramyun, and dessert like the Ooyoo Bingsu, a refreshing and fanciful shaved ice treat.

Whether it’s to catch up with your besties or discuss business deals, on top of great food, dining out should always be fun—and this West Village restaurant checks off all the boxes. As the sibling eatery to the Chicago-style pizza spot, Emmett’s, at the newer Emmett’s on Grove, what you’ll be ordering up is the tavern-style thin crust pizza along with a menu inspired by Italian-American fare. Within the playful space that features a Midwestern vibe with rustic wood and a skylight in the main dining room, highlights include signature items like the Crispy Olives, Caesar Salad, Spaghetti & Meatballs, an off-menu Chicago-inspired burger, and Baby Back Ribs.

Owned by neighborhood local Louis Wong and specializing in Cantonese cuisine, Uncle Lou encompasses all of our favorite elements for dining out both in Chinatown and at must-try NYC restaurants: great food, a modern space, and large tables with lazy susans that encourage family style meals. With ingredients sourced from nearby grocers, fishmongers, and butchers, the eatery’s menu is inspired by dishes from first-generation Cantonese immigrants. Signature offerings include the Eggplant in Yuxiang Garlic Sauce, Braised Pork Belly with Mui-Choy, Steamed Buffalo Fish with Ginger, and the fantastic Homestyle Chenpi Duck.