Le Crocodile, Ernesto’s, and Peoples: Now on the New York Hit List

Because the sophomore restaurant from Chez Ma Tante duo Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber is a bona fide new-aged classic. Think Balthazar with a handsome dose of Brooklyn charm, a welcome jolt of creative cooking, and a nostalgic nod to a Barbuto favorite (the chicken). The Sardinian pasta is the menu’s sleeper hit.

Because plant-based cuisine will be the trend of this decade, and 232 Bleecker already has a leg up. An exciting new partnership between fast-casual darling Dig Inn and lauded chef Suzanne Cupps, this newcomer has a debut menu that leans on the brilliance of vegetables and shows meat the backseat. 

For reservations, call the restaurant at (646) 905-5800.

Because after clocking in time at Frenchette, Frankies Spuntino, Alinea, and Akelarre (San Sebastián), Ryan Bartlow is ready to shine — and his Basque-style spot is a sight for sore eyes. At Ernesto’s, Bartlow whips up dishes like potato chips laced with sliced Iberico, and calamari in ink sauce with fried bread; he then pairs them with natural wines and chic details. 

Because the duo largely responsible for making natural wine cool in New York now has its own shop, with a bar serving inventive bites. On the basement floor of the revamped Essex Street Market, Jeremiah Stone and Fabián Von Hauske (Contra, Wildair) sling bottles from cult-favorite producers and pour them alongside lobster mac, stuffed chicken wings, and chocolate-hazelnut cream puffs.

Walk-ins only.

Because the sandwich kingpins over at Court Street Grocers have teamed up with chef Walker Stern (Battersby) to create a comfort food haven just in time for winter. Stern’s take on Cincinnati chili — made with duck ragu and hand-cut spaghetti — is receiving rightful praise, while the whitefish salad on a buckwheat waffle and the shrimp and grits are also hits.

Because it’s not often that we’re graced with a fresh-faced 24-hour diner — in SoHo, no less. Helmed by former Five Leaves chef Ken Addington, SoHo Diner boasts a stylish interior and an appropriately lengthy menu of huevos rancheros, disco fries, and rigatoni Bolognese, in addition to more modern items like chia pudding and burrata-filled blintzes. Take your pick.

Because if you love Ops for its casual vibe and stellar pizza, you best pay a visit to its little brother, Leo. Place your order at the counter — note the bottles of enticing natural wines, courtesy of Four Horsemen alum Sierra Echegaray — then seat yourself in anticipation of brothy runner beans, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, and New York-style sourdough pies.

Walk-ins only.

Because Colors — run by former Windows on the World employees and benefiting the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United — is back in business and ready to roll. With chef Sicily Sewell-Johnson at the wheel, the restaurant celebrates black culture with dishes ranging from fried chicken and hoecakes to caramel cake, all named after songs and movies made by black artists.

Because when temps are cold, French food is in order. The seasoned team behind the brand-new Bar Bête will keep you warm with dishes like mushroom brioche with black truffle and aged duck with foie gras. We say “oui, chef.” 

Because if you’re lucky to own a copy of Mina Stone’s “Cooking For Artists,” you know that her recipes are charmingly simple and delightful. Known for her work as a private chef to the art world, Stone now oversees an inviting eatery at MoMa P.S. 1. Pastel-blue tones and peinirli (cheese bread with an oozy egg center) are calling.

Walk-ins only.

Because treat yourself to a midday slice of the city’s best lasagna. I Sodi is officially open for lunch on weekends and Fridays, offering the same menu that it does at dinner. While you’re there, throw in a Negroni for good measure.