Image Courtesy of The Dabney.

What better way to celebrate warm weather than with a bevy of new favorites? Discover the latest (and greatest) in D.C. dining– from mouth-watering barbecue to a bona fide omakase sensation. The (food) world is your oyster.

1/The Dabney
2/Sushi Taro
3/Federalist Pig
4/Mirabelle
5/Colada Shop
6/Siren
7/Arroz
8/The Bird
9/Pizzeria Vetri
10/Hazel

1/The Dabney
Because the house-made sweet potato rolls make a terrific seasonal slider. Chef Jeremiah Langhorne’s current menu offerings include soft shell crabs and a “fudge-sicle” sorbet dessert, made with coriander, lemon thyme, and black walnut. // Shaw. Book now at The Dabney.

2/Sushi Taro
Because Chef Nobu Yamazaki is the man of D.C.’s hour, and his Michelin-starred omakase is a masterful tasting experience. // Dupont Circle. Book now at Sushi Taro.

3/The Federalist Pig
Because indulge in the city’s best barbecue and home-style sides. Case in point: glorious Brussel sprouts and smoked cheddar mac and cheese, with a side of cider. // Adams Morgan. Walk-ins only.

4/Mirabelle
Because a stellar team delivers a stellar meal. From the service to the wine, this contemporary French restaurant with modern American-inspired service is new, and it’s hot. Pro tip: don’t skip the cheese cart. // White House/World Bank. (202) 506-3833.

5/Colada Shop
Because this cafe serves up Cuban coffees, delicious light bites, and cocktails from Barmini alum, Juan Coronado. It’s casual dining done right. // 14th Street Corridor. (202) 332-8800.

6/Siren
Because this newly-minted seafood restaurant pairs fresh fish and local ingredients with traditional, old world spices. The result is a brilliant mashup of storied and contemporary preparations. // Logan Circle. (202) 521-7171.

7/Arroz
Because Arroz is a multicultural treat, mixing contemporary flavors from Southern Spain, Morocco and Portugal to perfection. Must-orders include the fried sweetbreads, duck bomba rice, and rum baba. // Mount Vernon Square. (202) 869-3300.

8/The Bird
Because this glorious eatery serves a show-stopping fried chicken Benedict. But that’s not all. Enjoy creative preparations of poultry from every distinction– ostrich, emu, duck, chicken, and more. Opt for the Korean-style chicken wings with an Atticus Finch cocktail. // Shaw. (202) 518-3609.

9/Pizzeria Vetri
Because Marc Vetri’s popular Philadelphia pizzeria serves its traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pies with a multitude of beer and wine varieties. Save room for dessert– more specifically, the Nutella pizza. // U Street Corridor. (202) 794-9057.

10/Hazel
Because this Shaw restaurant specializes in tempura soft shell crab, served with jalapeños, fish sauce, and sides of steamed rice and tots… really, really great tots. // Shaw. (202) 847-4980.

Resy is a reservations platform for the best restaurants. This list is our regular update on where to eat in Washington, D.C. To get it via email, download and register for Resy today.

Image Courtesy of EP & LP

Los Angeles is in full swing al fresco season. So get your base tan on, and let the rosé flow. If you’re on the hunt for a new watering hole, look no further. The Hit List is back with the latest roundup of top restaurants from Santa Monica to Silver Lake. Because you are where you eat; snag a patio table at one of the city’s top eateries.

1/Kismet
2/EP&LP
3/Kato
4/Michael’s Restaurant
5/Tsubaki
6/Commissary
7/Sotto
8/Salazar
9/L&E Oyster Bar
10/Button Mash

1/Kismet
Because summer freshness comes down to the produce, and the Sara(h)s at Kismet know their vegetables. Hollywood’s Middle Eastern darling serves up Freekeh Fritters, the creamiest lebneh you’ll ever taste, and crispy smashed potatoes day and night. // Hollywood. Book now on Resy.

2/EP & LP
Because Chef Louis Tikaram isn’t afraid of a challenge. Whether introducing new herbs or serving up the perfect gluten-free fried chicken batter, EP & LP delivers on all levels. Now pass the kewpie sriracha dipping sauce. // WeHo. Book now on Resy.

3/Kato
Because omakase by Chef Jonathan Yao is the only way to dine, and Kato ensures you are always well fed. The menu changes daily, and it’s in a strip mall so you know it’s legit. // Sawtelle. (424) 535-3041.

4/Michael’s Restaurant
Because back to his stomping grounds, Chef Miles Thompson brings new blood to a Santa Monica establishment. Leek and king crab tortellini with a crisp white al fresco is LA at its best. // Santa Monica. (310) 451-0843.

5/Tsubaki
Because izakaya hits Echo Park just in time for summer. Sake-marinated foie gras, chawanmushi, buttermilk kara-age, are just a few of the must-haves. Kanpai! // Echo Park. (213) 900-4900.

6/Commissary
Because sit in a greenhouse and get your veg on. Order the shared dinner for two and relax– who needs decisions? Let Chef Diego Echavarria curate your evening; he’s a pro. // Koreatown. (213) 368-3030.

7/Sotto
Because have you tasted the Fiorata pizza? Chef Steve Samson serves up a mean slice with salame piccante, provolone, and buckwheat honey. Spicy, salty, sweet– mangia. // Beverly Hills. (310) 277-0210.

8/Salazar
Because Frogtown’s go-to Mexican joint dishes out more than tacos. Pro tip: get the new Tierra salad and pair it with La Paloma, and don’t miss the sunny outdoor seating. // Frogtown. Book now on Resy.

9/L&E Oyster Bar
Because oysters and champagne is summer done right. L&E is the place to go for just that– light fare (think salad niçoise with raw bigeye tuna) and an impressive wine list. // Silver Lake. Book now on Resy.

10/Button Mash
Because video games and the best damn burger around. Word on the street is Chef Nguyen Tran toured Texas for the ultimate burger recipe. Mission accomplished. // Echo Park. Walk-ins only.

Resy is a reservations platform for the best restaurants. This list is our regular update on where to eat in Los Angeles. To get it via email, download and register for Resy today.

The Strawberry Margarita at Odd Duck.

Good things come in pairs. And in the case of these five winning combinations, really, really good things. From a strawberry duo that’s perfectly in season to some of the best patio food in the country, Austin boasts a spread of fantastic matchups.

Behold, your new go-to pairings:

1/Fried Quail Taco & Strawberry Margarita at Odd Duck 
Get ready for a bit of day drinking with this strawberry power couple. The fried quail tacos are topped with a strawberry pico de gallo, and the cocktail, laced with mezcal and topped with a dainty cube of strawberry shortcake, is the perfect complement. It’s lightyears beyond your corner Tex-Mex restaurant. //South Lamar. Book now on Resy.

2/Salumi de Tejas & Bubbles at Salt & Time
Salt & Time just re-launched its entire menu, so you’d be wise to try more than just a pairing. For now, start with an elegant happy hour. Try the Salumi de Tejas board for a sampling of house-made cured meats that reflect local flavors. Order it with a lightweight bubbly cocktail, like the Sbagliatto Negroni, a riff on the classic that incorporates cava. //East Austin. Book now on Resy.

3/Smoked Mackerel & Shochu at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
Nothing says springtime like a good patio session, and Kemuri currently has one of the hottest patios in town. Grab a pal, and order the amazing smoked mackerel along with a few samples from the shochu menu; Kemuri is one of the only places in town where you can get a wide variety of this Japanese spirit.//Holly. Book now on Resy.

4/Guacamole de la Casa & Fro-Mo at Grizzelda’s
Sometimes the only way to improve on perfection is to add bacon. At Grizzelda’s, “de la casa” means that and more: add bacon, roasted garlic, and pickled jalapeño. Pair with the house margarita and killer patio, and you’ll be in business. //Holly. Book now on Resy.

5/Fried Chicken & Sin City Punch at Little Barrel and Brown
The first element of this match is a classic all-in-one pairing (a pair within a pair, if you will): the buttermilk fried chicken you know and love, served on a bed of waffles and topped with chorizo maple syrup. Order it with a glass of the Sin City Punch – a springy brunch cocktail if there ever was one – with a strawberry-citrus-rosemary shrub, bubbles, cognac, and rhubarb bitters. //South Congress. Book now on Resy.

Lobster roll. Photo Credit: Izzy’s Fish & Oyster. 

Seafood isn’t a hard thing to come by in South Florida. But proper New England style seafood? Well that’s another story. Enter Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, the sleek restaurant in South Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. An ode to the New England summers of chef and owner Jamie DeRosa, it showcases the nostalgic flavors of the Northeast in new variations that will keep you coming back for more.

Here’s are five things to order, in a lineup of 10’s:

1/Lobster Roll 
Fact: it’s not a proper New England eatery without a lobster roll. And Izzy’s serves not one, but two variations on the classic dish to satisfy any craving. Filling a toasted, buttery roll, diners can either go hot and simple with a Maine lobster tossed in warm butter, or cool and delicious with chilled lobster tossed in mayo. Either combo is a winner.

2/Fried Clam Bellies
Think calamari 2.0. A mix of juicy Ipswitch clam bellies, lightly fried to perfection and topped with pickled fresno pepper for an extra special kick.

3/Lobster Poutine
How do you take poutine to the next level? Put some lobster on it. Top that with crispy waffle fries, mounds on gravy, cheddar, and bacon and you’ve got one epic take on the Canadian favorite.

4/Painted Hills Farms Burger 
While seafood is the star at Izzy’s, the burger proves it isn’t a one trick pony. A large sirloin patty topped with aged Gruyere, bacon, and – the game-changer – onion jam, housed inside a fluffy potato roll, rivals any burger on South Beach.

5/Whoopie Pies
Finish the meal on a sweet note, New England style, with a soft, chocolate whoopie pie overflowing with homemade marshmallow fluff.

Grab a seat at Izzy’s Fish and Oyster today!

Image Courtesy of Corkbuzz Wine Studio.

New York

40/40 Club
Named for the exclusive “40/40 club” in baseball – a subset of players who hit 40 runs and steal 40 bases in a season – this famed Flatiron hotspot plays host to sports fans wishing to replicate the excitement of courtside seats, with the added benefit of great company, delicious food, and an opulent lounge setting. Book now at 40/40 Club.

Aria West Village
With James Beard Award-winning chef Roberto Passon at the helm, Aria is a local taverna that serves rustic Italian fare to perfection – and boasts an extensive wine list to match. Book now at Aria.

Baz Bagel & Restaurant
Enjoy hand-rolled bagels, homemade cream cheese, and lox at this quaint Little Italy cafe. More than just a grab-and-go breakfast spot, Baz tempts you to stick around for the milkshakes, Challah grilled cheese, and matzoh ball soup. Book now at Baz Bagel & Restaurant.

Bevy
After stints at Daniel, Per Se, and, most recently, Rotisserie Georgette, Chef Chad Brauze uses his career-long relationships with farmers and artisans to create a truly seasonal menu at Bevy. With a focus on grilled fish, meats, and fresh vegetables, the menu is rustic, yet refined, and puts the ingredients front and center. Order items off the “roots, shoots and leaves” menu to share. Book now at Bevy.

Blenheim
At this farm-to-table West Village eatery, ingredients are “grown to order” with food sourced fresh from the restaurant’s Catskills farm. The cauliflower cacio e pepe is an indulgence you don’t even have to feel bad about. Book now at Blenheim.

Corkbuzz Wine Studio
Recently nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program, this quaint wine bar caters to the wine novice–with recreational wine classes–as well as wine lovers, sommeliers, and diners. Enjoy tintos and tapas with friends, or a romantic dinner for two with wine pairings by a master sommelier. Book now at Corkbuzz Wine Studio.

Her Name is Han
Creating a “home away from home” for Koreans living in New York City, this Murray Hill outpost proudly prepares its “Korean soul food” using only traditional recipes and ingredients. Book now at Her Name is Han.

Image Courtesy of Mettā.

Mettā
The joint venture of Henry Rich and Argentinean chef Norberto Piattoni (of San Francisco’s Bar Tartine), brings storied Argentine methods of open-fire cooking to Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The spacious dining room also accommodates a 7-seat chef’s counter, for those wishing to witness the char-grilling magic up close. Book now at Metta.

Motel Morris
From the team behind the beloved Chelsea eatery, The Commons, Motel Morris is a stylish, retro-inspired neighborhood restaurant on the same block. Chef Bill McDaniel, formerly of Red Cat and Mermaid Inn, is at the helm, serving up fun interpretations of American comfort food. Try the chicken fried pork chop and lobster pierogies, and be sure to nab an artisanal cocktail and onion ring-topped burger. Book now at Motel Morris. 

Olmsted’s backyard garden. Photo Credit: Evan Sung for The New York Times

Olmsted
In Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood, Olmsted– a joint venture of two former Blue Hill and Atera alums – is a culinary darling. The exquisite menu features local and seasonal ingredients (some of which are grown on-site); the innovative space boasts a backyard garden, where guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner desserts. The latter is not to be missed – the s’mores and frozen yogurt with lavender are bona fide sensations. Book now at Olmsted.

Pinch Chinese
Nab authentic Chinese comfort food in the heart of SoHo. With an all-star lineup that includes Charlie Chen, a former executive chef at Din Tai Fung, and general manager and wine director, Miguel De Leon, formerly of Chez Panisse, Per Se, and Momofuku, this seasoned team leaves little to be desired. Soup dumplings are the specialty; try them all. Book now at Pinch Chinese.

Reynard
This Williamsburg gem is set in the charming first level of the Wythe Hotel. Enjoy a daily, locally sourced, seasonal menu with house-butchered meats and dishes prepared on the wood burning grill. Book now at Reynard.

Roman’s
The Brooklyn neighborhood staple – which has built up a loyal following of revelers willing to queue for its daily Italian menu – now accepts reservations. With an extensive list of spirits and wines to choose from, you can’t go wrong with indulging in a delicious aperitivo or dinner. Book now at Roman’s.

Rouge Tomate
Billed as a “sustainable fine dining” restaurant, Rouge Tomate’s new Chelsea location is a redux of its original UES location (delicious food and extensive wine list intact). The menu is vegetable-forward and seasonal, while the expansive wine list includes 1,500 varieties of wine from around the world, the majority of which are organic or biodynamic. Book now at Rouge Tomate.

Smorgas Chef Park Ave
In a tribute to the hallmarks of Scandinavian cooking – food is sourced locally (and sustainably) and prepared with all-natural ingredients – Smorgas receives its food fresh from its Catskills farm. Thanks to the open kitchen format, diners can watch the exquisite menu preparations come to life. Don’t miss the Swedish meatballs, a combination of grass-fed beef and pork, and served with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. Book now at Smorgas Chef Park Ave.

Sorellina (Hoboken)
Located on Hoboken’s historic Washington Street, Sorellina boasts a seasonal, family-style menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The original 1930’s bar is the centerpiece of this wine bar & restaurant, where traditional preparations are infused with modern accents. Stop in for an aperitivo and a craft cocktail, or a hearty dinner paired with a dynamic Italian wine. Book now at Sorellina.

The Wooly Public
Step back in time at this swanky and eclectic FiDi stomping ground, located in the iconic Woolworth Building. Artwork adorns the walls, and tabletops are printed with vintage board games. Nosh on Peking duck tots and order a drink off the “Old Souls” menu – a collection of lesser-known classics developed by a Death & Co. veteran. Book now at The Wooly Public.

Image Courtesy of Kin Khao.

San Francisco

Kin Khao
You haven’t tasted Thai food until you’ve tried the offerings at Michelin-starred Thai eatery, Kin Khao. In lieu of pad thai and chicken skewers, this Union Square staple presents creative and artful dishes like Yaowaraj noodles, Bangkok Chinatown stir-fried rice noodles, and Khao mun gai–chicken fat rice. Book now at Kin Khao.

The Sequoia
Tuck into the Wayfare Tavern’s newly-minted sky view bar for cocktails and light bites. The grand space includes cocktail and food menus, complete with a raw bar, burger, and famed fried chicken– perfectly moist and crisp, it was voted some of the best in America by Food & Wine. Book now at The Sequoia.

Image Courtesy of Canlis.

Seattle

Canlis
The accolades at this cherished fine dining establishment need no introduction: two James Beard nominations and a longstanding Grand Award by Wine Spectator. But that’s not all. The contemporary space – which features sprawling views of Seattle – invites diners to enjoy a 4-course tasting menu in the dining room, and delicious cocktails and light bites –accompanied by live piano – in the bar area. Food is sourced locally and responsibly, putting the best possible ingredients on full display in each dish. Book now at Canlis.

Iconiq
This gastro eatery exquisitely combines French cooking techniques with Japanese ingredients for a harmonious (and delicious!) culinary mash-up. Among the menu highlights, the pièce de résistance is Iconiq’s foie gras risotto. Arrive early and grab a drink at the bar– it boasts a lovely view of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound. Book now at Iconiq.

Quinn’s Pub
Consider this spot your neighborhood hideaway turned up a notch. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and delicious food that rivals the craft brew offerings – a selection of Trappist ales, ciders, and craft cocktails, as well as 16 beers on tap. For dinner, don’t miss the roasted bone marrow, fish and chips, or steak frites. Book now at Quinn’s Pub.

Image Courtesy of Poogan’s Porch.

Charleston

Poogan’s Porch
Enjoy refined lowcountry cuisine at a Victorian mansion in Charleston’s historic King Street neighborhood. Pull up a porch seat and relax with a glass of wine and crab toast with caviar(!), or opt for a romantic dinner in the dining room of this charming Queen Street outpost. Book now at Poogan’s Porch.

Sorghum & Salt
Equipped with a chef’s counter and a 40-seat dining room, the former Two Boroughs Larder space has been revamped with Chef Tres Jackson’s latest eatery. The vegetable-forward menu includes delightful combinations, like the root vegetable bolognese, which is served with ricotta gnocchi and crème fraîche. Best of all, the menu changes almost daily. Book now at Sorghum & Salt. 

The Granary
Chef Brannon Florie imparts a lowcountry twist on his New American eatery, The Granary. Southern staples, like smoked barbecue-spiced pork chop, and Shem Creek shrimp and grits, are sourced with local, seasonal ingredients– and always done right. Book now at The Granary.

Image Courtesy of Salt & Time. 

 Austin

Bonhomie
This diner-style French bistro is Philip Speer’s answer to well-prepared everyday cooking. Among the highlights–which are bound to be sensations–are the pommes rosti (topped with scrambled eggs and bacon, or crème fraîche and caviar) and banana split profiteroles. Book now at Bonhomie.

Salt & Time Butcher Shop
There’s something for everyone at this artisanal butcher shop, salumeria, and full-service restaurant (read: a meat-lover’s dream). Best of all? Try the unique preparations on-site and then get the goods to go. Book now at Salt & Time.

Los Angeles

Bandera Brentwood
Say hello to a neighborhood restaurant that dishes out mouth-watering Southwestern bites, like iron skillet jalapeño cornbread and house-roasted rotisserie chicken. Complete the meal with a Marg for good measure. Book now at Bandera Brentwood.

Gulfstream Newport
North Pacific oysters are shucked to order and fish is served fresh at this seafood mecca. Looking to sweeten the deal with a surf-and-turf? Opt for “The Duke” – a USDA Prime Filet Mignon. Book now at Gulfstream Newport.

The Local Peasant Woodland Hills and Sherman Oaks
Two locations, one amazing American bistro & pub. The Local Peasant is the brainchild of the team behind Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian Roots. Enjoy comfort food specialties, craft beers, wine, and cocktails. And don’t miss the Buffalo chicken fries. Book now at The Local Peasant Woodland Hills and Sherman Oaks.

 Miami

Arson
As the name suggests, Arson’s char-grilled preparations pack a flavorful punch, bringing the storied methods of Spain and Latin America to Miami. Go ahead – devour a steak that’s prepared on their Josper Grill (with natural wood charcoals). Book now at Arson.

Image Courtesy of R+D Kitchen Yountville.

Napa

R+D Kitchen Yountville
Take advantage of the picturesque Napa scene, and retreat to the outdoor seating area – equipped with Adirondack chairs and a cozy fire pit, for snacks and light bites. Inside, enjoy an array of nouveau American staples, including roasted chicken, flat iron steak, an array of salads, and fresh sushi. Book now at R+D Kitchen Yountville.

Image Courtesy of DGS Delicatessen.

Washington D.C.

Bar Deco
Bar Deco, a hotspot inspired by the Art Deco period, serves next-level food and drink by mixing traditional preparation with globally-inspired flavors. Retreat to the rooftop on starry nights – or anytime, really. Book now at Bar Deco.

Civil Cigar Lounge
This one-of-a-kind cigar lounge and small-plate eatery pairs artisanal beverages with coveted cigars from around the world. Brought to you by the team behind W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist, Civil Lounge is located in the Chevy Chase Pavilion. Book now at Civil Cigar Lounge.

DGS Delicatessen
In the spirit of Old World Jewish kitchens and the District Grocery Stores of yesteryear, DGS Delicatessen brines, cures, smokes, and pickles everything that’s served in-house. Looking for an eight-day house-cured pastrami or duck fat matzoh balls? You’re in luck– Chef Brian Robinson shows what DGS’s are all about. Book now at DGS Delicatessen. 

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Image Courtesy of Kismet

When Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson teamed with restaurateurs Jon and Vinny to bring their culinary chops together for Madcapra in DTLA’s Grand Central Market, they struck a chord with the LA food scene. Jonathan Gold confessed in his review that he “could probably survive for a week eating nothing but the stewed lamb with stripes of burnt cabbage and a cushion of bland, soothing freekeh porridge.”

Kramer and Hymanson both hail from the New York food world, having tested their skills at Blue Hill and Glasserie before heading to Cali. Vegetables are the focus, while several of the recipes are based on Kramer’s mother’s cooking and the nourishing flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Before hitting the city’s top spot, get familiar with this Top 5 lineup.

1/Lemony Chicken and Pine Nut Pies
These delicious hand pies are a riff on traditional Israeli chicken soup – and a must-try. A lemony, minty chicken filling is wrapped in filo for the perfect bite of nostalgia.

2/Smashed Potatoes
Boiled, smashed, and fried, these potatoes are perfectly paired with the in-house labneh, which is richer and cheesier than the standard. Macadamia nuts, cured scallop, and Urfa pepper round out the dish.

3/Fried Cauliflower
A deceptively simple dish served with caper yogurt; it will leave you wondering how they made cauliflower taste so good. The secret is in the spices.

4/Jeweled Crispy Rice
What do you know about tahdig? It takes patience, skill, and a good nose not to burn the bottom of the rice pan, and Kismet has all of the above. The rice comes out crispy and golden brown, and it’s topped with dried fruits, nuts, and an egg yolk cracked over. Dig in.

5/Rabbit for Two
This dish was brought over from Glasserie, and for good reason. A huge plate of rabbit served multiple ways– stewed, kebabs, roasted, herbed out, and served with caramelized squash.

Grab a seat at Kismet today!

Ceviche at Coya. Photo credit: billwisserphoto.com

Miami’s peak dining season is well under way, and with it comes a slew of new restaurants. If your head is spinning, don’t worry; the latest Hit List breaks down some noteworthy new spots and Miami staples that are a must for your restaurant rotation.

1/Arson
2/La Petite Maison
3/Estefan Kitchen
4/Artisan Beach House
5/Cafe Roval
6/Jack’s Home Cooking
7/Charcoal
8/OTL
9/Coya
10/Perricone’s

1/Arson
Because when Deme Lomas hits the kitchen, you know it’s going to be good. At his newest eatery, the Spanish star of Miami’s culinary scene, the Josper grill takes the lead– everything from the duck prepared three ways to the squid-ink tagliatelle is cooked perfectly over the flames.// Downtown Miami. Book now on Resy.

2/La Petite Maison
Because this fancy French import is tres chic in every sense. Grab a seat on a plush banquette, take in the mismatched art, and channel your inner-Parisian while dinning on foie gras, roasted chicken, and of course, escargot.// Brickell. (305) 403-9133.

3/Estefan Kitchen
Because the rhythm is going to get ya (in a good way) at the latest eatery from the king and queen of Miami, Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Pro tip: don’t miss the lechon– it’s award-winning for a reason.// Design District. (786) 843-3880.

4/Artisan Beach House
Because Paula DaSilva’s triumphant return to Miami is worthy of celebration. Creative offerings like duck-filled paella and roasted monkfish are served with a side of the best water views in town.// Bal Harbour. (305) 455-5460.

5/Cafe Roval
Because this secret romantic hideaway makes for the perfect date night spot. Grab a seat in the garden, and feast on a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon topped with foie butter. Finish with nutella-filled crepes and  impress your date in no time.// MiMo. (786) 953-7850.

6/Jack’s Home Cooking
Because nostalgic Italian eats are a nice change of pace in uber hip Wynwood. Fresh made pasta, tangy chicken Parm, and the “gravy” and meatballs (served only on Sundays) will have the table saying mamma mia.// Wynwood.

7/Charcoal
Because choose your meat, and choose your adventure. With 18 different sauces, plenty of veggies, and everything from Florida-raised lamb to octopus on the menu, the combinations are just about endless. Challenge accepted. // Wynwood. Book now on Resy.

8/OTL
Because mega-club mogul David Grutman proves he knows a thing or two about restaurants, too. The superseed butter-topped brioche toast and matcha latte are as tasty as they are Insta-worthy.// Design District. No reservations. 

9/Coya
Because ceviche is a must in Miami, and Coya dishes out some of the freshest. Wash it back with a smokey Mezcalita, and enjoy a meal fit for an Incan king.// Brickell. Book now on Resy.

10/Perricone’s
Because after 20 years in the biz, it’s still hard to top Perricone’s pasta game. On Thursdays you can snag most of them for just $10. Don’t worry – no judgment if multiple plates are ordered.// Brickell. Book now on Resy.

Resy is a reservations platform for the best restaurants. This list is our regular update on where to eat in Miami. To get it via email, download and register for Resy today.

Image Courtesy of Bonhomie.

It’s about that time again: winter is over, SXSW has come and gone, the bluebonnets are blossoming, and new restaurants are popping up all over the city. This month’s lineup includes not one, but two new barbecue jams, a revamped old favorite, and the highly-anticipated new restaurant from Austin industry vet Philip Speer.

Here’s the Hit List for your spring eating agenda:

1/Bonhomie
2/Launderette
3/Leroy and Lewis
4/Birdhouse BBQ
5/Barrel O’ Fun
6/Mattie’s
7/Old Thousand
8/Jugo
9/Sorellina
10/The Local Post Pub
Bonus/Austin Taco Project

1/Bonhomie
Because Philip Speer is back on the scene. His “French bistro-inspired American diner/American diner-inspired French bistro” might be just what Austin needs right now: a wonderful everyday eatery. Think cheeseburgers, a whole menu of pommes rosti, and banana split profiteroles. //Allandale. Book now at Bonhomie.

2/Launderette
Because the salted chocolate babka sticky bun (!) with vanilla bean icing is too good to miss. As is the zucchini bread. And the burger. //Holly.  Book now at Launderette.

3/Leroy and Lewis
Because when the founding pitmaster at Freedmen’s and the former GM at Contigo go into business together, only good things can happen. At barbecue truck Leroy and Lewis, the delicious offerings include alt cuts of smoked meats and fun sides. Find it conveniently parked next door to Cosmic Coffee & Beer, off South Congress. //Dawson. Walk-ins only.

4/Birdhouse BBQ
Because it’s locally sourced but non-traditional. Austin is getting a new wave of barbecue, and Birdhouse is front and center with its smoked lamb necks and quail dogs. //Holly. Walk-ins only.

5/Barrel O’ Fun 
Because the latest iteration of the Alamo Drafthouse has a circus-themed bar, natch. During the day, it’s a kid-friendly spot that’s great for grabbing a snack before heading to the movie theater for the latest cartoon flick. After dark, enjoy a selection of 45 tap beers and a soda fountain-inspired cocktail menu. //Mueller. Walk-ins only.

6/Mattie’s 
Because historic Green Pastures got a new look and a new restaurant. Named after one of the original owners of the property, Mattie’s offers riffs on classic dishes, like pimento cheese, gumbo, and roast chicken. //Bouldin. 512-444-1888.

7/Old Thousand
Because this East Side Chinese restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite. Fresh off of two good reviews—in the Chronicle and the Statesman—Old Thousand is making good on its promise to serve “dope” Chinese. And the neighborhood is into it–and better for it. //East Austin. Walk-ins only.

8/Jugo 
Because everyone needs their fruits and veggies. Austin’s latest juice and smoothie joint is from Shawn Cirkiel’s Parkside Projects, and this downtown charmer is determined to start your day off right. //Downtown. Walk-ins only.

9/Sorellina 
Because all of the best pizzerias seem to open in West Austin, and Sorellina is the brightest of the bunch. Come for the wild boar prosciutto, stay for the expert wine list. //Spicewood. Walk-ins only.

10/The Local Post Pub 
Because 10-pound nachos are the guilty pleasure you never knew you needed. Save room and indulge on the burgers, beer, and wings, too. //Crestview. Walk-ins only.

Bonus/Austin Taco Project 
Because this gem isn’t your everyday taco joint. ATP wraps flavorful, globally-inspired foods—bulgogi, Thai octopus—in tortillas, proving you can make delicious tacos out of pretty much anything. //Downtown. Walk-ins only.

Chef Eiji Ichimura. Photo Credit: Evan Sung.

In a sushi scene dominated by fanfare and fusion, a master doing what he does best – perfecting life-long techniques with each dining service – is the rarest, most progressive approach of all. 

Tucked away in the side streets of Tribeca’s industrial buildings, sleepy streets, and cobblestone corners, is Japanese sushi import, Ichimura.

With exacting thought given to every detail–the grandiose oak door was handcrafted by Japanese carpenters, the white-washed wall tiles are hand-cut to resemble the facades of New York brownstones–old world Japan meets new world New York. This brilliant mash-up of dueling metropolises invites guests to enjoy ‘the meal of a lifetime’ – no plane tickets necessary.

With only ten seats, Ichimura’s 22-course omakase service is intimate and interactive, allowing Chef to gauge the palate of his diners in real time. Another favorable advantage of having diners in such close proximity? The fish can be consumed within seconds of being served, as it is intended. But more than that, the 10-seat sushi counter honors tradition: it’s a nostalgic tribute to the storied sushi bars that Chef Ichimura grew up with in Tokyo.

“Whether you go to an old-style [sushi bar] or a traditional one, where the husband and wife live upstairs, you will always find a six to ten-seat counter,” says business partner, Idan Elkon. “The idea is you’re going to eat from the master–and the master is cutting the fish, assembling the sushi, he’s grading the wasabi.” For this reason, the inviting space is absent of decor: “We came up with a concept that we didn’t want any tables, because we wanted it to feel like you were in someone’s home,” says Elkon.

This poised simplicity is consistent throughout, and the minimal space is a canvas for the imaginative and brilliant presentation swirling behind the counter.

As Elkon explains, “We don’t want anyone focusing on the decor; we want everyone focusing on their black plate–on their sushi. We are just about the sushi. The appetizer, everything, is a prelude to the sushi.”

So what makes the sushi at Ichimura so special? Not only the quality of the fish, which is delivered direct from Tokyo’s Tsukiji and Kyushu Fish Markets each morning, but also the refined technique with which it’s prepared. With a technique called “fish aging,” Ichimura uses salt, vinegar, time, and temperature to yield the best flavor possible, just as a master wine maker ages a Bordeaux to premium effect. And because of the variables from one fish to the next (even within the same species), Chef’s alchemic process means he will taste every piece before settling on the 16 courses of fish he serves each night. Put simply, one hasn’t tasted sushi until he or she has tried Chef Ichimura’s masterful preparations.

Aji – Horse Mackerel. Photo Credit: Evan Sung

For Elkon, who dined at Brushstroke somewhere near 75 times, and 200 times over the course of Chef’s career, it’s the appreciation of quality and precision that sets Ichimura apart. “You have all these sushi bars that try to be everything to everyone,” says Elkon. “It’s hard enough to be the best at one thing, let alone many. We just strive to be the best at making sushi.”

One can’t help but describe the Ichimura experience as artful. In a scene swept up in trends, the craft-focused master wins.

Grab a seat at Ichimura!