Now on Resy: Code Red, Strange Delight, and More Local Favorites

Oxtail mac and cheese, rasta pasta, and house rum punch? We’re already on our way. Code Red is always happening, with their bottomless brunches and frequent drink specials, so come ready to dance in your seat (or out of it).  

The menu here is filled with classics that are classic for a reason — beef brisket pho, papaya salad, and vermicelli bowls. It’s ideal for a quick dinner in the neighborhood when you need a big bowl of something warm and tasty.

Don’t let the name scare you — Death Ave is a cozy, twinkle light-filled restaurant with a menu of comforting Greek and American dishes. Do know that the eight-hour slow-braised octopus and the housemade Byzantine sausage should absolutely be on your table.

You shouldn’t go to a Peruvian restaurant without ordering the ceviche, lomo saltado, and a pisco sour. At Tumi, this advice absolutely won’t steer you wrong — they’ve got the essentials down pat and ready for you to peruse. 

It’s an aptly named brasserie in The Evelyn Hotel from the chefs behind Wildair and Bar Contra, so order accordingly (see: a lot). After you eat dinner, head towards the lobby to stop by their sister bar Tusk for a nightcap.  

It’s a raw bar (heavy on the oysters) with expertly crafted cocktails and service until midnight. Stop by for a pre- or post-dinner drink before heading deeper into The Evelyn Hotel to their sister restaurant, Brass. 

It’s pretty much always a party at Gardenia, but that becomes especially true when the DJ starts spinning at 10 p.m. and the hookah smoke starts to pleasantly waft through the air. The feta tasting and hummus should both be on your table, if the pipe allows for the room. 

You’ve definitely seen the pancakes and biscuits from this spot’s daily brunch on your feed, and trust us, they live up to the hype. The fried chicken only improves on both of them, and dessert is pretty much a must.

No matter what you order at here (although, we’d say the pepper-crusted steak and garlic mashed potatoes), make sure to ask nicely for a peek inside their supremely beautiful wine cellar. They call it The Library, and for good reason.  

Because Utsav does Indo-Chinese cuisine brilliantly, and it’s also a sprawling, bi-level spot that just happens to be located on a skywalk right near Times Square. People-watch to your heart’s content as you enjoy paneer tikka and Manchurian-style cauliflower. 

An elegantly marbled floor, white tablecloths, and a sparkling mirrored bar come together at L’Adresse to make for an ideal setting to impress business guests and out-of-towners. And the menu has something for everyone, from black truffle gnocchi to spicy tuna crispy rice. 

Bring a friend here to try one of the many dishes for two. There’s picanha paella, tomahawk steaks, and parrillada all designed to be shared at this Argentinian steakhouse, amid a backdrop of white tablecloths and the occasional festive birthday sparkler. 

Amid a stylish black and gold backdrop, Punjabi cuisine takes the spotlight. Specifically, its kebab culture, boasting 21 types of skewers alongside one of the best butter chickens in town. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the wine list, courtesy of sommelier Doreen Winkler. 

Velma is not your average tavern — they happen to have a superb menu of Italian-American classics, from chicken parmigiana to grandma pies. The sprig of basil on top, so to speak, is the retro decor and skeeball machines. Don’t mind if we do.

It’s always a fiesta at Cantaritos, whether it’s with their all-you-can-eat tacos, Monday industry hookah nights, karaoke, or kitchen that stays open til 3 a.m. Do yourself a favor and order a bulldog. Or two.   

Stuffed grape leaves, grilled branzino, and a long list of creamy dips are all on the menu here, where the open front windows and bright interior only add to the feeling that you’re on a beach somewhere, speaking Greek.