All Cities

Letter of Recommendation

You know that one restaurant that’s just right because of that one special thing? Yeah, us too. That’s why we’re introducing our newest franchise: Letter of Recommendation. These are tributes to spots that offer something unique — restaurants we can’t live without. They may not be the most buzzy, but they provide something essential.

Header illustration by Pamela Chen

New York

Why Daphne’s Is the Ideal Neighborhood Restaurant

Daphne’s does Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood right with its seasonal Italian fare, natural wine selection, and vibes worthy of date night.

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Los Angeles

How I Fell in Love With Doto

An appreciation for this small-but-mighty neighborhood spot, which combines California cuisine, izakaya inspiration, and more to offer something for everyone.

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New York

Amidst a Sea of Trends, Lupe’s Perfects the Art of Staying the Same

In the swirling chaos of Soho, this living relic of the 1980s remains dependable and delicious. 

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Los Angeles

Am I Cool Enough To Sit At Cafe Triste?

Oren Peleg contemplates the scene at this buzzy Chinatown wine bar and restaurant.

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New York

Chez Ma Tante Is the Ultimate Neighborhood Restaurant

Greenpointers are proud to call this chic, unassuming bar and restaurant — named after a storied Montreal Hot Dog shack — their own.

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New York

When Everything Is in Flux, Thai Diner Stays Constant

What Thai Diner taught me about adapting to life’s constant changes, and the power of resiliency.

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New York

Red Hook Lobster Pound Rivals Maine’s Best Lobster Shacks

… and it’s the only place I’ll eat lobster outside of my home state of Maine.

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Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Grill Is Everything a Classic Steakhouse Should Be — and More

I fell in love with Rittenhouse Grill’s unironic throwback charm while searching for a new go-to steakhouse a few years…

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Los Angeles

Barra Santos Feels Like A Dinner Party Every Night

The Cypress Park hotspot dishes up cool Portugal-inspired cuisine, natural wine, and excellent neighborhood hang vibes.

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Los Angeles

There’s Never Been A Better Time to Visit Kismet Than Right Now

A writer rediscovers the joy of revisiting the restaurants that make a neighborhood. First up: Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson’s Cal-Med classic, Kismet.

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