Da Toscano, Verōnika, Jua, and Ernesto’s: Now on the Resy Hit List

Because call it a comeback. Michael Toscano, opening chef of the late Perla, is bringing the Minetta Lane powerhouse back to its former glory. Now called da Toscano, the restaurant has the same address and cuisine as its predecessor. Dishes span from veal head parmigiana to agnolotti with lamb neck. 

Because picture yourself in Vienna at Stephen Starr’s latest feat. Enjoy dressed-up versions of pierogi (with caviar), wiener schnitzel, and chicken Kiev as you gawk at Verōnika’s lavish brass chandeliers and ivory walls. Then remember you’re in New York, inside the Sweden-based Fotografiska museum.

Because helmed by industry vet Ryan Bartlow, Ernesto’s is the hot spot of the moment — for more than one reason. Snack on pintxos; sip Vermouth-forward drinks; and indulge in foie caliente and salt cod in pepper sauce, all while admiring the bright, handsome decor. Need we say more?

Because the long-awaited, wood-fired concept from the hitmakers at Hand Hospitality (Her Name is Han, Atomix) is here at last. The breakout venture for former Jungsik chef Hoyoung Kim, Jua serves a nine-course tasting menu ($95) of intricately cooked fare inspired by traditional Korean cuisine. 

Because Goldilocks would go wild for the Thai porridge. A single order of the rice soup (offered only on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) grants unlimited refills; take your pick of sides to pile on top (we’re fans of the preserved cabbage omelette, sweet radish with egg, and Chinese sausage in spicy lime sauce).

Walk-ins only.

Because we can’t stop thinking about that golden, crispy chicken and those frites. And what better month than February to celebrate a match made in heaven? Pro Tip: Order an icy Le Crocodile martini, and you’ll get a complimentary second serving.

Because legendary Tokyo-based yakitori chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa has set up shop in New York. And by “shop,” we mean a sleek, 16-seat counter where lucky diners can savor course after course of expertly grilled chicken skewers, omakase-style. Ikegawa has tapped one of his trusted cooks, Yoshiteru Maekawa, to run the show.

Because Sam Yoo raises the bar for the diner dinner. Nab a nighttime Resy to dig into Korean fried chicken wings, wontonini en brodo, and Thai Cobb salad. Yoo’s honey butter pancakes are also available at night — breakfast is served all day (it is a diner, after all). 

Because a casual temaki bar manned by elite chefs is a winning combination. Signature rolls (such as spicy sea bass with perilla and chojang) and vegan options, like ginger scallion squash with micro-cilantro, complement the classics. Nami Nori’s popularity serves as proof of its brilliant concept.

Because investigate what seasoned chef Alfred Portale is cooking up at his solo locale. Favorites include bread made from house-milled greenmarket grains; lovely pastas of varying shapes (spaghetti with frutti di mare, campanelle with duck ragu); and hearty, artful mains ranging from branzino to roast pork.

For reservations call the restaurant at 917-781-0255.

Because nothing cures the common cold quite like a steam and a sauna. Be sure to indulge in the smoked trout on housemade rye and the fragrant hunter’s stew — inspired by European bathhouse cultures — during your visit to Williamsburg’s stylish new spa. Wintertime in New York calls for a spruce-up.