The June Hit List: Libertine, Radio Kwara, Mitica, and More 

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: New York’s love affair with all things French — especially French restaurants — is forever, and Libertine is yet another data point proving just that. What Libertine isn’t, however, is yet another typical or standard French bistro in New York: They’re serving French food that references true classics rarely found outside France (jambon persillé, broiled scallops with seaweed butter and leeks, chou farci). And the two partners (and wine experts) Cody Pruitt and Max Mackinnon have put together a wine list that’s entirely French and naturally tilting, too. We’ll toast to that.

If you loved the pepper soup course from Bed-Stuy’s Department of Culture, you’ll likely adore everything on the menu at this new sibling spot from chef and owner Ayo Balogun, which takes over the short-lived Brooklyn Hots space. Nigerian pepper soup in its many iterations forms the centerpiece of the tasting menu here.

When we first heard about Radio Kwara in its earliest stages, Balogun described it to us as “my Nigerian American cousin” — a direct reference to Balogun’s own Nigerian American cousin, Black-Owned Brooklyn’s Tayo Giwa. And if there’s anything we know about the loquacious chef, it’s that we can, and should, expect plenty of personal stories — and standout food — over the course of a meal here.

Note: Radio Kwara is opening soon, with reservations forthcoming on Resy.

Editor’s note: As of May 17, 2024, Mitica (then Mystica) has rebranded into another location of Mariscos El Submarino.

Alonso Guzman and Amy Hernandez, the owners of Mariscos El Submarino, made their mark on the city serving up fiery aguachile, ceviche, tostadas, and cocteles from a brightly lit storefront in the heart of Jackson Heights and nowadays, you can also find them in Greenpoint serving up Mexican flavors fused with Italian and French techniques at Mitica. This self-described cantina isn’t afraid of fusion, or unexpected twists: pasilla chiles and fish sauce find their way into a demi-glace for a tomahawk steak, while pipián mingles with risotto and duck breast.

This chill, quirky Italian trattoria from the same folks behind the West Village’s Malatesta is beloved by many. That includes Resy staffers, and more than a few Brooklyn writers, at least one of whom claims it as their “home base.” We understand why — it’s exactly the kind of place where you’d want to call yourself a regular. So, if you haven’t yet experienced it for yourself, consider this your PSA to go, lest you deprive yourself of the joy of fritto misto, hot sauce, or Amatriciana any longer than necessary. (Apologies in advance if we’ve just made it a bit harder for those writer types to nab a seat.)

Whether you stop by this tasting room for a brewery tour and tasting, or for one of the many pop-ups they host, it’ll be well worth the visit. Hana produces some of our favorite Korean rice drinks in the city, and to go with it, they also serve up some excellent shared plates, or anju. We’re partial to the gaji namul and jang jorim, paired with a tasting flight. In June, they’re hosting a pop-up with Banchan by Sunny (already sold out, sadly) but with Resy Notify, there’s always hope.

Long before there was Zaab Zaab, Fish Cheeks, or KRU, New York had Chao Thai, and we think it’s time you (re)discover it. There’s not one singular signature dish here that you must order here because, well, everything is excellent. But we will say we’re especially partial to the soft-shell crab chu chee (‘tis the season), made with fried soft-shell crabs topped with Thai red curry. Chao Thai is a classic for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with whatever you decide to get here at this narrow, beach-themed (as in your tablescape will likely have seashells embedded in it) storefront in Elmhurst. Pro tip: Don’t overlook the daily specials.

Note: Chao Thai is cash only when you dine in. 

Walk-ins only. 

Cocktails and a raw bar are the perfect combination for summer days and nights, and this new spot from chef Michael Solomonov (Laser Wolf, K’Far) has them both in an idyllic indoor-outdoor setting where you’ll want to spend your weekday evenings and weekends. Do splurge on the Yemenite crab or the scallops and merguez if you’re so inclined, and you can’t go wrong with a frozen Jaffa Orange, or the Fizzy Bubbelech.

If your love language involves laminated pastries and sourdough, this is the place for you. Rolo’s pastry chef Kelly Mancin has finally opened her long-awaited bakery and it’s well worth a visit for sweet and savory pastries for breakfast, and sandwiches for lunch. Our top picks? The everything spice focaccia with scallion cream cheese; the scallion sesame twist croissant; the rhubarb custard croissant; the chocolate and coffee cream croissant; and the citrus maritozzi.

Walk-ins only. 

If you have yet to visit Surbhi Sanhi’s Tagmo near South Street Seaport, you owe it to yourself to go. At Tagmo, the chef centers homestyle regional Indian cooking — especially mithai (sweets). It’s an ideal place to taste dishes that originate from all over India, from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to Kashmir. Whatever you do, definitely don’t sleep on the desserts.

P.S. For PRIDE, Tagmo is hosting a drag brunch on June 11, featuring Bollywood Bombshell. Get your tickets ($20 per person) here.  

Should you find yourself in the West Village in search of an ideal spot for some excellent cocktails and bites, might we suggest checking out the new Donna? Whether you frequented the original Donna in South Williamsburg and remember it fondly (or not), this new iteration is worth visiting when you want to feel like you’re not in the city, at least for a drink or two. On order? The Lolo Avo with urupan, coconut milk, and Spanish sherry, a Tiny Sparrow martini with calamansi liqueur, and some bean-and-cheese pupusas.