Table Stakes: August

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.

The Sosta
Nolita
You’re here because: It’s always a good time for fresh, fast pasta from hospitality gurus ESquared.
You’re dining on: Campanelle Pesto on a bed of homemade spaghetti with the option of gluten-free or zucchini noodles for anyone trying to take the belt in a bit.
186 Mott Street (map)
Website

Oscar Wilde
Flatiron
You’re here because: The history of the locale — the former headquarters of NYC’s Bureau of Prohibition, where mobsters listened in on federal agents — is about as interesting as the Irish playwright himself.
You’re dining on: Gin Slings, Bee’s Knees, Absinthe Drips and a selection of 300 whiskeys.
45 West 27th Street (map)
Website

P.S. Kitchen
Midtown West
You’re here because: You watched What The Health and you’re now vegan. Plus — you’re reading this correctly — all profits are donated to a charitable cause.
You’re dining on: Plant-based Fennel Tartine and Orzo Alfredo.
246 West 48th Street (map)
Website

Oka
Murray Hill
You’re here because: A wd~50 alum is bringing us a Japanese izakaya viewed through a New York lens.
You’re dining on: Asparagus with Smoked Salmon Kimchi and Udon in Dashi. Plus, Chef John is a certified sake sommelier, so get a sake pairing while you’re at it.
439 3rd Avenue (map)
Website

Mifune
Midtown East
You’re here because: You’ve had enough of the fast-casual craze and demand some elegant, high-end sushi.
You’re dining on: A $120 eight-course tasting menu that throws in some Roasted Wagyu with Wasabi on the side, paired with cocktails from an Angel’s Share alum. Preferably the Seven Samurai with sake, sherry, bitters and smoke.
245 East 44th Street (map)
Website