The February Hit List: Xilonen, Ha’s Dac Biet, ATLA, Winona’s, and More

Like many NYC restaurants, VHH is waiting out the winter by focusing on takeout, delivery, and provisions in lieu of dine-in. But what’s extra special about their offering is the addition of a residency program: On Thursdays and Fridays, Agi’s Cafe dishes stuffed cabbage and mushroom goulash; and on weekends, chicken congee and fermented fish-and-pork pate come courtesy of Ha’s Dac Biet.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only, including for Ha’s Dac Biet & Agi’s Cafe.

First there was Speedy Romeo, then there was Oxomoco, and now there is Xilonen. The lauded restaurateur and chef Justin Bazdarich has teamed up with chef Alan Delgado on his latest venture, a plant-based Mexican spot off McCarren Park where churros with Oaxacan chocolate, carrot tostadas, purple potato tacos, and other daytime dishes are served from 10 a.m. ‘til 4 p.m.

Dining status: Outdoor seating is now available via reservation. Delivery is available, too.

With the arrival of Penny Bridge, Dan Kluger’s cooking has made it to Long Island City. Inventive takes on mozzarella sticks, Caesar salad, and fried chicken are some of the highlights on his market-driven, comfort-focused menu — available for takeout and delivery only until dining is a safer bet.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only.

A meal at Atla is the closest you can get to a chic trip to Mexico City without leaving Manhattan. Lobster burritos, nopal tlayudas, and duck wings await, plus don’t sleep on the next-level chicken soup — a dish worth its $21 price tag.

Dining status: Heated patio open for reservations. Takeout and delivery are available, too.

Located in the northern part of Bed-Stuy — almost Bushwick — Winona’s is all you want out of a neighborhood restaurant: seasonal dishes (think citrus salad with olives and crispy shallots, and braised chicken thighs with French lentils and ‘nduja broth), tasty wines, and a laid-back vibe. It’s run by a family, and named after their dog.

Dining status: Heated patio is open for reservations. Takeout is available, too.

After a twisted turn of events caused Gloria’s on Nostrand Ave to close, the longstanding Caribbean eatery is back up and running at their original location in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Phew. Go fill up on curry chicken roti, stewed oxtails, bhaji, and the like.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only.

Marlow & Sons is here with the WFH lunches we didn’t know we needed: kimbap bento boxes, Saltie Scuttlebutt sandwiches (yes, you read that correctly), and kimchi stew. Add-ons include natural wines and She Wolf loaves — after all, this is the Tarlow Group we’re talking about.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only.

Take four Gramercy Tavern alums, a wood-fired oven, and a neighborhood sensibility and you get Rolo’s in Ridgewood. While plans for on-site dining are still underway, the team has put together an enticing array of sandwiches, baked goods, homemade pastas, salads and sauces and dips, in addition to dinner sets. Come for the ready-to-reheat mac & cheese, stay (well, takeaway) for the meatball parm on freshly baked sesame ciabatta.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only.

It’s very exciting when your favorite dishes are made into sandwiches, like the pork shoulder and horseradish cream number that’s now on the menu at Chez Ma Tante. Also on offer: “all dressed” hot dogs, grilled trumpet mushrooms over mashed potatoes, and one quart of pancake batter to take home.

Dining status: Heated patio is open for guests who pick up from the window. Delivery is available, too.

Resplendent biryani, seasonal mustard greens saag with corn roti, and a dynamite vegan menu is only a smattering of what this Ditmas Park Indian restaurant has to offer. Even if you’re out of their delivery zone, Jalsa’s food is worthy of a pickup trek. 

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only.

Here’s something fun to do: For every weekend throughout the month of February, Estela will be Up In Smoke. That means barbecued yakitori-style skewers (including a version of their iconic steak with taleggio), rice and broths, and plenty of beverages to go around.

Dining status: Limited outdoor seating is first-come, first-served. Takeout and delivery are available, too.