The Resy 2018 Hit List: Frenchette, Misi, Oxomoco

Because Frenchette is like lightning in a bottle; it’s not every year a restaurant like this comes along. Warmly elegant decor and a game-changing natural wine list together serve as the ultimate complement to exquisite and original brasserie fare from two of the city’s most seasoned chefs. Take a deep breath as you open the gold-lettered door; Frenchette is a revelation.

Because Missy Robbins is the chef of the year- a distinction awarded by the James Beard Foundation (Best Chef: New York) and followed by a three-star review in The New York Times for her eponymous eatery. If you love Lilia’s malfadini, you’ll love Misi’s fettuccine with buffalo butter, but don’t miss the charred marinated peppers, or the spinach-and-mascarpone tortelli for that matter.

Because few could have predicted Justin Bazdarich would go from slinging St. Louis-style pizzas at Speedy Romeo to dishing tacos on house-made masa tortillas that rival the best in Mexico. But he did, earning a coveted Michelin star, and solidifying his position as a master of wood-fire cooking in the process.

Because while Simon & The Whale may be located in the trendy Freehand Hotel, it holds ground as a welcoming yet boundary-pushing neighborhood joint—the signature of its operator, Gabriel Stulman. Plus, the opening had two strong assists: the living room-like Studio (try the pastries) and the swanky George Washington (cocktail) Bar, both located just one floor up.

Because Don Angie took a tried-and-true format and turned it on its head, making a splash with inventive and toothsome renditions on red sauce classics, like a chrysanthemum salad tossed in garlic, sesame, and Parmesan that moonlights as a Caesar and an Instagram-worthy lasagna for two. And the Resy Notifies (exceeding 1k on weekend nights) speak for themselves.

Because that million-dollar view! Every restaurant-loving New Yorker craves special moments at the city’s most iconic places and Manhatta delivers just that. Three courses of classically-inspired fare paired with Danny Meyer’s impeccable brand of hospitality over 360-degrees of skyline for only $78? Talk about a steal.

Because Di An Di hits all of this year’s tropes. It’s bright and oh-so-airy, lush with greenery galore, the menu is as vibrant as it is comforting, and, best of all, the restaurant is owned and operated by first-generation Vietnamese-Americans who bring a modern-day approach to bowls of pho and plates of spring rolls.

Because Delicious Hospitality created the breakout restaurant in what will surely be 2019’s neighborhood to watch: Hudson Yards. Enjoy Ryan Hardy’s sophisticated take on coastal Italian cuisine (pro-tip: always start with the crudo tasting) alongside something off the stellar wine list. Thanks to the proximity of posh cocktail lounge, Ada’s Place, plan for pre- or post-dinner drinks upstairs.

Because this noodle shop, bearing one of the English language’s most satisfying words in its name, is the champion of the recent influx of Chinese restaurants rooted in the East Village and spanning several boroughs. Pick a mifen (read: rice noodle) that tickles your fancy and pay special attention to the savvy design, a playful riff on the matter at hand.

Because Greenpoint was 2018’s greatest dining neighborhood, and it all started with Chez Ma Tante. Having opened in 2017, this was the year that the European bistro flourished, luring Manhattanites to the tip of Brooklyn for the now-iconic pork shoulder with salsa verde and lentils (just ask Pete) and pancakes doused in world-class maple syrup.

Because this beloved Carroll Gardens mainstay has doubled its capacity and—for the first time in its 14-year history—is now offering reservations. (Regulars, don’t fret: the OG dining room is still walk-in only.) Add to that an attached and brand-new natural wine bar, and you’ve got an institution revamped for the next decade.