Growing up in north central Thailand within a restaurant family had chef Ohm Suansilphong immersed in kitchens from an early age. And after stints that include Nahm (Bangkok) before eventually co-founding the NoHo favorite, Fish Cheeks—where he’s currently still a partner—Suansilphong has now teamed up with his wife, Kiki Supap, for KRU: a new hotspot offering modern takes on old Thai recipes once designated for the country’s royal family. In a sleek and moody dining room, the incorporation of elements discovered in historical texts from the 19th century, in addition to an overall masterful command of Thai cuisine, make for an exciting meal here. Must-try dishes include the Cauliflower “PLA” with Crab Meat; “LON” Cured Pork Jowl; “Kaeng Pa” Beef Tongue; and Rice Omelette that’s especially great for balancing out any spice.

Industry veterans chef Andrew Quinn (Hibiscus in London) and wine expert Cedric Nicaise (Aureole) helped Eleven Madison Park achieve some of the world’s top food and wine accolades during their coinciding stints there. And the duo have now joined forces to open The Noortwyck, a New American restaurant with fine dining-level food—but with the comforts of a neighborhood gem to frequent regularly. The seasonal menu features ingredients from local purveyors, and breads, pastas, and butchery done in-house that can all be paired with over 250 wines curated by Nicaise, along with cocktails. Popular dishes include the Seeded Parker House roll; Fluke Crudo; Agnolotti with honeynut squash and sage brown butter; BBQ Duck Breast; and Beef Tenderloin.

Not only are you set for a fantastic dinner here, but your after-meal plans now include raucous karaoke just steps away from your table. At Chino Grande, partners Josh Ku (Win Son, Win Son Bakery), Erica Hall (Win Son), and Paul Cacici, (co-owner of Carmenta’s) offer Asian- and Latin American-inspired dishes at a chill neighborhood spot that transforms into a karaoke saloon after hours (and not the private room kind, but the together-in-the-dining-room sort). Menu highlights include the Scallop Ceviche; Beef Tartare & Chips: skewer options in Swordfish, Chicken Thigh, and Beef: Fried Chicken with coconut ranch: and whole Lobster Au Poivre. And be sure to order the Banana Miso Custard for dessert to you know, help warm those vocal chords.

At Wenwen, Eric Sze and Andy Chuang of the popular East Village spot, 886, bring their magic to Brooklyn with this sibling eatery serving homestyle Taiwanese comfort foods bold in both flavor and presentation. Named after Sze’s mom, Wenchi, and wife, Wenhui, the airy space also expands to a cozy backroom named “The Alley” that transports diners to the back streets of Taipei. Popular dishes include the Sacha Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken, Lo Ba Beng, and familiar faves like Fly’s Head. And you’ll want to go family-style with the four shareable entree options: Whole Striped Bass w/ Fish Paste; Pork Belly & Cuttlefish; You Fan with Nueske bacon and uni; and signature (and very limited) Whole BDSM Fried Chicken.

The routine at this Los Angeles-born breakfast spot is simple: hop in line, order at the counter, find a seat, and then marvel at how amazing the signature Oatmeal Griddle Cakes are (sans syrup, and don’t even ask). Since making their NYC debut with a West Village flagship (heads up: a Carroll Gardens location is also coming soon), Breakfast by Salt’s Cure has become a local go-to for anyone free between 8 am–3 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays and hungry for griddle pancakes that are sweet, thin, and crispy edged and available in options like The OG, Banana Nut, Chocolate Chip, and more. From sandwiches and the Cheeseburger to combination Plates or their version of bacon (aka the Picnic Ham), the entirety of the concise menu is also excellent.

For fans of the previous Washington Street location that operated for more than 15 years, the Horatio Street reboot of Barbuto in the West Village offers many familiar comforts. The newer nearby space featuring an industrial aesthetic offers a seasonal Italian- and California-inspired menu that includes plenty of chef Jonathan Waxman’s classics. Enjoy faves like the Polpettone (crispy pork stuffed meatball); Insalata Di Calamari; Gnocchi; Potatoes; and famous Pollo Al Forno (roast chicken). And with sunlight pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the Hudson River as a backdrop, dine at one of 125 seats or 20 bar spots that are first come, first served.