Now on Resy: Casa La Femme, La Ripaille, Zutto, and More Local Favorites

It’s been a destination for Egyptian dining for three decades, offering classic dishes like vegetable tagine, stuffed pigeon, and gibnah, a soft sheep and cow’s milk cheese. Plus, they have live belly dancing several nights a week — what more could you want? 

As the name suggests, the options for handrolls here are plentiful and worthy of the trip. You can choose from the à la carte menu or go with the full omakase experience, with optional premium sets. But whatever you do, definitely add on a bottle of sake for you and your guest. 

Part of a mini-empire of Indian restaurants, Chote Nawab focuses on a menu of kebab and dum biryani done right, with plentiful pots of rice and savory spiced proteins sheathed in crisp naan. They’ve been open for over a decade, serving up vibrant and reliable classics in their Bollywood-inspired space. 

We’re swooning just thinking of the aromas — this spot is not only a boutique floral shop, but also a cafe serving up freshly brewed lattes, pastries, plus wine by the glass in the evening. Expect to come home with a bloom or two. 

It’s everything you could want in a bar — ramen, sushi, and vibrant and generous cocktails. We’d recommend coming here with a group on your birthday and getting the VIP treatment — a free cocktails and a free ramen? Yes, please. 

It’s Queens’ prime (get it) Chinese-inspired steakhouse complete with gorgeous views of the skyline, accented by the ebb and flow of planes from LaGuardia. Order the green garlic fried rice, dry-aged ribeye, and a matcha cheesecake for good measure. 

Because they’ve been charming West Village diners for more than 40 years. Head here for a classic menu of French favorites, from escargots to country pâté to filet au poivre. See if you can spot the owner, Alain Laurent — he’s almost always bopping around the dining room. 

“Disco times for disco people”? Say less. Inspired by the Spanish islands of the same name, this spot has immaculate club vibes that’ll make you want to dance (the frozen strawberry daiquiris don’t hurt, either). Reserve a booth with your crew and let the night get away from you. 

Yes, you can cheese-pull the night away with Oda House’s khachapuri, but you’d be missing out if you just stopped there. The menu at this Georgian spot is serious: slow-cooked lamb stew (aka chakapuli) is a favorite, and the jiggly grape pelamushi dessert is a Jell-O adjacent delight. 

It’s a neighborhood go-to for Indian specialties, and their serene outdoor patio and warm service are just icing on the cake. The menu zeroes in on the Portuguese roots of Goan cuisine in dishes like the masala omelet with poee (a leavened Goan brown bread), bacalao croquettes with peri peri chutney, and bone-in mutton curry.

Serious sushi heads have flocked here since the restaurant opened in 2002, and they continue to return for chef Seki Shi’s impeccable nigiri. Go for a full omakase experience, or order à la carte, but whatever you do, make sure to try the salmon nigiri topped with torched tomato. 

Cafe by day, sports bar by night, City Coffee Bar is your spot for steak and eggs or French toast when the sun’s out, or a bacon cheeseburger and a $5 beer during happy hour (until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday) come night. 

Because Chow House has been serving classic Sichuanese fare to Greenwich Village for almost a decade. Go for the spicy mung bean noodles; dry pot with ham, beef, and shrimp; or the braised frog with pickled chiles. Alternatively, ask your server what to order and take their word as gospel. 

You’re going to want to make this a regular spot for lunch: the daytime combo deals are killer. Otherwise, nighttime calls for a casual dinner full of izakaya favorites and sushi bar offerings, from maki rolls and sashimi to stir-fried noodles, tempura, and teriyaki.

Brooklyn’s haven for gluten-free diners merits a visit regardless of dietary restrictions. Order one of their many pastas or pizzas, housemade baked goods, and a cocktail while you rest easy knowing everyone is happy and your gluten-pro friends didn’t even notice it was missing.

It’s right there in the name, folks — you’re in for some serious Turkish cuisine. Order any of the hot mezze (we’re partial to the borek and sautéed liver), the lamb with garlic yogurt, and the baby okra in tomato sauce.

Moko is proof that omakase doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive to be top quality. If you’re looking for a sushi experience under $100, do consider this East Village spot. Keep an eye on their Instagram — sometimes they offer even better deals on weekdays and holidays.

If you’re going to do fine dining, you might as well do fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton overlooking Central Park. Expect classic American fare, all day, every day, plus exemplary classic cocktails – try their Manhattan.