I’ve been eating my way around NYC for work and pleasure for the better part of a decade; these are the spots I’m loving at the moment. Check back monthly for updates. Photo: Nora Varcho
Less📍Added in May: In this house, a bakery is a culinary destination. Enter Laurel Bakery, newly opened on the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. The escargot—not snails, but a spiral-shaped pastry made with ramps and Cantal, a firm aged French cheese—is a must-try. Sweet tooth? Indulge in the pistachio croissant and kouign-amann, perfectly complemented by your favorite caffeinated beverage. Oh, and there’s a small sandwich selection beginning at 11 a.m. Don’t be dissuaded by the queue; it moves swiftly.
📍Added in May: Mountain House continues to shine as a beacon of authentic Szechuan cuisine, captivating diners with its bold flavors. The Swing Pork Belly with garlic is a standout, alongside fiery specialties like mapo tofu. For a delightful group share, order the spicy steamed bass with vibrant Chinese leeks. And be sure not to overlook the handmade dumplings in chili oil—there’s something irresistible about that numbing heat, ya know?
📍Added in May: Miss Ada beckons with Mediterranean delights in a snug setting opposite Fort Greene Park. Their mezze and skewer sections are a hit; my cherished picks are the sweet potato hummus, crispy cauliflower, and grilled halloumi. Don’t forget to order extra pita—it’s a must. Miss Ada is perfect for intimate dinners, casual hangouts with friends, or early family dinners, thanks to ample seating in the covered backyard.
📍Added in May: Three years back, a fellow foodie friend introduced me to Dame’s fish and chips pop-up in Greenwich Village. Since then, it has evolved into a modern seafood gem. While the crispy fish and flawlessly cooked chips are favorites, I find myself drawn to the squid-and-scallion skewers and grilled oysters (two orders each, please). Their market-inspired dishes are a delight too. Be sure to secure a reservation, and don’t shy away from the later seating options. It’s worth it.
📍Added in May: With friendly service and a bustling ambience, this long-standing corner establishment is a great option for brunch before a day of gallery hopping or a stroll on the High Line. Start with a green juice and a classic like herby scrambled eggs, or enjoy seasonal bites like the citrus salad. If you’re strapped for time, reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, so be sure to plan ahead to secure your table at this beloved Chelsea institution.
A&A, a Bed-Stuy institution, crafts the perfect doubles. This handheld delight features two pieces of flat, fried bread, curried chickpeas, and a flavorful blend of tamarind sauce and peppah sauce, a must-have condiment made with Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and chadon beni, a leafy herb native to the West Indies. Seating is limited, but doubles are a great grab-and-go experience.
Hotel restaurants can get a bad rap. But don’t fret. The all-day menu at this spot, located inside the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn, surprises with its playful, seasonal, and fresh offerings. Don’t pass on the breakfast fruit plate, which hides housemade jam underneath melon and Moon Drop grapes. Go for the hearty, plant-based Hippie Sandwich at lunch. And dinner? Black bass in puff pastry with scrumptious sorrel crème fraîche, the perfect dip for a side of french fries.
This all-day Mexican eatery is great for a casual lunch at the bar or catching up with friends for happy hour. The easygoing vibe doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here, I like to order for the table. Begin with the chicken soup, a broth balanced with fresh cilantro and mixed veggies. Tack on the cheese quesadilla and add mushrooms, then wrap up with the pork al pastor gringa, a fun, shareable entrée. What’s a Mexican meal without churros for dessert? You know what to do.
Plant-based cuisine need not be dreary, and at this vegan spot, flavor is the main character. Nods to the Caribbean meals I grew up eating are found in dishes like bake and saltfish, made with sautéed hearts of palm instead of cod. The vegan AU Burger is one of the best I’ve had. Part café and eatery, part concept store (including branded merch for purchase), and part cool place to hang and work remotely? Say less.
The M60 bus isn’t just for a trip to LaGuardia. It’s what I take from Harlem to venture to this Greek establishment in Astoria. My go-to order of lemon potatoes, gigantes—butter beans baked with parsley and tomato—and grilled octopus or a whole fish won’t steer you wrong. The large dining room is where residents gather for family dinners, after-church fellowship, and celebrations. As such, there are well-priced prix fixe options ideal for big groups. Otherwise, a walk-in will get you sorted.