This trendy Brooklyn spot from co-chefs Paul D’Avino and Jorge Olarte is quirky from start to finish, and that's exactly what makes it shine. The contemporary menu is equal parts modern and nostalgic, with an outlandish creativity to boot. It's all intended for sharing, so come with a gang and kick off the festivities with four squares of negroni Jell-O with Castelvetrano olives suspended inside.

The cooking has never been better at this high-energy galley built out of mosaic tiles and cozy wood paneling. Inspired by the coastal traditions of Spain and Portugal, the menu is packed with winners. Indeed, this is a kitchen that isn’t afraid of flavor.

Named for the street upon which it lives, this intimate "inn" has arrived on the scene, thanks to the venerated team of Rita Sodi and Jody Williams. Here, linen-clad tables and wooden floors are a nod to minimal Shaker style and set the stage for the early American cuisine. Imagine oysters raw, fried or pickled; rarebit; and hearty chowders. Crave-worthy vegetarian dishes have guests clamoring for more.

This fabled NY icon is high on most people's roll call. It's one of those places that manages the rare trick of being so confident in its abilities and can be all things to all diners. You’ll probably leave happy whether you’re here on a date, to impress the in-laws or seal a deal. The “Tavern” side is a prized spot for lunch, especially if you can sit at the bar.

Tacos are the main draw, especially when piled with the likes of tender flank steak or soft-shell crab. However, this kitchen team doesn’t stick to merely one dish or area of Mexico. Instead, they reach widely across a myriad of regions, always balancing abundance with fresh and vibrant flavors. The menu thereby tempts and tantalizes with such large and small items as the tropical hamachi agua chile and tlayuda crafted from smoky corn on a shell.

Ridgewood has a real gem on its hands in this neighborhood grill that goes above and beyond. The first room holds an easygoing bar with a talent for cocktails. Further in, the adjoining dining area comes to life as a roaring wood-fire grill bathes tables in flickering amber hues.

This small, sleek space punches way above its weight with dazzling neo-Levantine cuisine. Many kitchens boast about using fresh ingredients, but Shmoné takes that philosophy to another level, creating a new menu daily (though some items stick around). The cooking relies on the grill all the way through to dessert, where grilled figs atop Chantilly cream have made an appearance.

Tempura Matsui skillfully demonstrates why tempura is a celebrated Japanese cuisine type in its own right. The prized seats are at the counter, especially if you want to see the master at work. The chef uses a mix of sesame and cottonseed oils and the batter is used sparingly.

Brought to Mott Street, this charming spot from Chefs Ann Redding and Matt Danzer can be spotted from afar by its corrugated metal-and-wood façade. Inside, the design is just as you'd expect—mashed-up diner with Thai accents, like woven bamboo, rattan screens, and a counter with shiny wood seats. Behind is the kitchen that unlike the décor, exceeds all expectations. Look beyond the Americanized standbys and go for dishes with flavors that are fully realized.