Papilles

The East Village is full of places the size of small U-Haul trucks that serve wine and Mediterranean food to people on dates. While Papilles, a white-brick space with about 10 two-tops and a handful of bar stools, is a part of this club, it also stands out by taking its French food quite seriously. Dishes like rabbit saddle with apricot chutney and mustard whipped cream are as good and complex as what you’d expect to find at a white-tablecloth French spot - and while other things, like the guinea hen, are less impressive, overall this place deserves a spot in your East Village date night rotation.