Ernesto’s is a Basque-inspired restaurant on the Lower East Side where you’re going to want to hang out for a while.

Rossopomodoro isn’t the best Italian restaurant in the West Village, and it isn’t the second or third-best either. But it’s still a useful place.

Gaetana’s is an old-school Italian spot in the West Village that tends to stay quiet. If you want to hide from the world, stop by for a chicken parm.

Douzo is a casual handroll spot on the LES where you’ll want to become a regular.

There’s a constant wait at Fish Cheeks for a reason. This Noho spot makes some of the best Thai food in the city, including an excellent crab curry.

Atla serves excellent Mexican food in a bright, all-day space in Noho. It’s great for a casual lunch or an upscale dinner.

To some people, Achilles Heel is a bar. But we think it’s one of the best restaurants in Greenpoint. Bring a date, sit by the fire, and eat something.

Frangos is a Portuguese counter-service spot in the East Village that’s all about peri peri sauce.

Anton’s is a throwback restaurant in the West Village where you’ll want to eat pasta and drink a martini.

Le Crocodile is a French restaurant in the bottom of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. Stop by, eat some chicken, and admire the high ceilings.

Sushi of Gari serves some of the best sushi on the Upper East Side.

The East Pole is a restaurant where you should meet a friend for a martini in the east 60s.

Bangklyn East Harlem is a casual spot with really good Thai food and a collection of vintage clothing in the corner.

Angkor Cambodian Bistro is an incredible Cambodian restaurant in the East 60s you should tell everyone you know on the UES about.

The menu at Broa changes often, but we’ve never had a bad dish at this Portuguese BYO spot in Jersey City.

Korai Kitchen is a Bangladeshi spot in Jersey City with a delicious, $20 buffet that changes daily.