The Ops people are behind Leo, so it’s no surprise that the naturally fermented pies are on point and the natural wines top notch. Throw in oil-slicked pizza by the (squared) slice, morning pastries, seasonal focaccias, soft serve, and a larger space, and Leo starts to shine just as bright as its older sibling.

Stephen Starr is known for his thoughtful spaces, and Upland may be one of his best: leather booths, warm woods, and glowing jars of preserved lemons lend an ambient glow to this Gramercy stunner.

As Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber’s first restaurant, Chez Ma Tante has always exceeded neighborhood expectations. Classically Greenpoint, the restaurant is a master class in everyday fare, dishing out deceptively simple plates that taste incredibly special — look no further than the pork shoulder with lentils and the buttery pancakes, a cult favorite.

A corner fixture with flair, Rolo’s delivers the sort of unfussy wood-fired cooking that Brooklyn always needs more of. This Ridgewood spot fires homemade pasta, crave-worthy polenta bread, and house-butchered and dry-aged, grass-fed steaks, courtesy of chefs who worked and met at Gramercy Tavern, then became good friends. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the two-sheet lasagna verde for dinner, be sure to get the “Mrs. Crispy” for weekend brunch, and do get there early if you want to try the highly coveted double cheeseburger. Pro tip: If you have trouble getting a table here, do consider making a Resy at their incred...

Impeccable views of the Manhattan skyline? Check. Strong and creative cocktails? Check check. Exceptionally good food to go with it? Triple check. That's exactly what you'll find at this lovely rooftop bar from the same talented chefs behind Chez Ma Tante and Le Crocodile. Pro tip: Try to stop by on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. for their Sunset Hour drink specials.

You won’t want to miss this always-buzzing breakfast-and-dinner bistro in the Lower East Side’s Nine Orchard hotel, where the people-watching can be as delicious as the food (Pro tip: Don’t miss the perfect pomodoro at lunch or nighttime).