To keep tabs on every New York restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Llama San
West Village
You’re here because: You want to impress that dinner companion who is never impressed.
You’re dining on: Peruvian-Japanese mash-up cuisine known as “nikkei,” but done through a New Yorker’s lens. Each dish is inventive yet delicious. Case in point: the Tonkotsu is breaded Iberico pork served with green udon noodles and pickled cucumbers.
Asset
Upper West Side
You’re here because: You’re looking for a solid, upscale-ish meal at midnight.
You’re dining on: While just about every new bistro in town boasts “elevated American fare,” Asset absolutely nails it, with big hits like Lamb & Manchego Empanadas and Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket.
329 Columbus Avenue (map)
Website
Nami Nori
West Village
You’re here because: You and your partner (be it professional or romantic) want Masa-quality eats without Masa-gorging prices.
You’re dining on: Stellar yet simple Japanese-inspired snacks like Nori Chips with Yogurt Chive Dip and Furikaké Fries alongside a slew of open temaki hand rolls accompanied by well-curated sake, beer and wine.
33 Carmine Street (map)
Website
Ciao, Gloria
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
You’re here because: This thoughtful, quality all-day cafe just saved you from ever snagging a lackluster deli sandwich or baked good ever again.
You’re dining on: Rotating fresh baked goods with an Italian pedigree, from Ciambellone to Savory Caponata Puffs to Pumpkin-Chocolate Loaf in the a.m. And for lunch, you’re going in on an architecturally superior sammy from the Sicilian to the Mortadella.
550 Vanderbilt Avenue (map)
Website
Būmu
West Village
You’re here because: You either have a large group dinner or you’re dining solo. It fetches for both affairs.
You’re dining on: Comprehensive and lively izakaya eats (read: Japanese pub fare). In the raw department, there’s uni, salmon and kanpachi, while big hit small plates include Agedashi Eggplant with Daikon and Bonito Flakes and Fried Oysters with Smoked Yam Puree.
61 West 8th Street (map)
Website
Moonrise Izakaya
Upper West Side
You’re here because: You want that trendy izakaya experience, but you’re dining with your teenager.
You’re dining on: Equally delicious but less intimidating Japanese favorites, such as Mapo Tofu, Chicken Karaage and Ramen.
74 Amsterdam Avenue (map)
Website
Hutong
Midtown
You’re here because: It’s a business dinner, but you’re over all the steakhouses — Peter Luger or otherwise.
You’re dining on: Some of the city’s best dim sum via a hifalutin Hong Kong import. You really can’t go wrong by closing your eyes and pointing at anything on the menu, but the musts include the Pork Dumplings, Kou Shui Chicken, Wagyu Mille-feuilles and Soft Shell Crab.
731 Lexington Avenue (map)
Website
This article was featured in the InsideHook NY newsletter. Sign up now for more from all five boroughs.
