Barbuto, Le Crocodile, Rule of Thirds, and Thai Diner: On the March Hit List

Because Barbuto is back, baby. In a remarkable revival by chef-owner Jonathan Waxman, the West Village mainstay has reopened only a few blocks from its original location and less than a year after its closure. The menu remains untouched: You’re here for the kale salad, the famous JW chicken, and the bucatini carbonara. 

Because big-ups to Golden Diner and Momofuku Kāwi, New York’s James Beard semifinalists for the country’s Best New Restaurant. Sam Yoo’s Asian American diner in Chinatown and Eunjo Park’s inventive Korean destination at Hudson Yards are both boundary-pushing representations of what New York restaurants can be in 2020. Snag a Resy while you still can. 

Because it’s not just the pâté program or the profiteroles, it’s the whole kit and caboodle. Le Crocodile shines from head to toe, just ask Pete Wells, who just gave a hearty three stars to the modern New York brasserie. 

Because Ann Redding and Matt Danzer of Uncle Boons fame have brought their Thai cooking skills to a new format. This Thai diner is currently serving breakfast and lunch, with dinner coming soon. Highlights include Thai tea babka French toast, Asian greens chowder, and hoi (mussels) frites. Don’t sleep on the pastry case.

Walk-ins only.

Because chef Michael Toscano is off to a fierce start back at the helm of 24 Minetta Lane. At Da Toscano, the original Perla chef (and current chef-owner of Charleston’s Le Farfalle) is doing things his way, with a sprinkling of nostalgia. Early hits include the chicken liver rossini, the ricotta gnudi in a spicy tomato sauce, and the porchetta chop.

Because creative takes on izakaya bites from Okonomi vet JT Vuong are luring curious diners to Greenpoint. At Rule of Thirds, nosh on tofu hot pockets, chicken meatballs, and rice balls hot off the binchotan grill. Or spring for the three-course “Buddhist Duck,” which comes with lettuce wraps, scored leg rice, and bancha bone tea.

Because this fresh-faced Vietnamese eatery from fine dining vets brings new life to Bedford Avenue. The focus at Bolero is on lesser-known and seasonal dishes like steamed rice blancmange, grilled Wagyu beef wrapped in betel leaf, and the Mekong Delta-inspired whole fried fish.

Because Greek darling Mina’s is now doing dinner. Make your Friday and Saturday nights count with an adventure out to Long Island City’s MoMA P.S.1 for shared mezze and homestyle mains. Go when the museum is closed for the night but Mina’s is still buzzing — you’ll feel like you’re in on a secret.

Because the negroni is a perfect drink, and Bar Camillo knows this truth best. The sister restaurant to Brooklyn oases Locanda Vini e Olli and Camillo stirs up 10 varieties of the classic cocktail alongside antipasti and Roman-style pizza called pinsa.  

Walk-ins only.

Because ramen season is not over yet, and this Japanese import makes a compelling case for landing a spot on the city’s list of essential ramen spots. Start with gyoza, then move on to noodle variations that range from signature shoyu to vege tan-tan. 

Because Missy Robbins, who just snagged her another James Beard nom for Outstanding Chef, is up to something fun in Williamsburg on the weekends. Every Saturday at 3 p.m., she releases bags of freshly made pasta and a signature sauce for guests to cook and enjoy at home. Misipasta is first come, first served, so line up early. If you’d rather dine out, try scoring a Resy at Misi and set that Notify.