You could easily walk right past this tiny gem on a quiet stretch in Tribeca; one the outside, it’s nondescript and unassuming.

Find respite on a desolate stretch of 10th Avenue in West Chelsea at La Luncheonette, a little slice of France in the unlikeliest neighborhood. Just blocks away from the madness of the Meatpacking District, this hidden jewel serves up rustic, hearty French fare. The space is sparse yet charming – specials written in chalk on blackboards, a glistening tarte tatin sitting on the counter, exposed brick walls and slate floors, and hooks in the corner for everyone to hang their coats. You’ll find classic French dishes prepared without fuss – duck confit salad, sautéed skate in a caper-butter sauce, stick-to-your-ribs cassoulet. A glass of wine is a must, as is lingering over a slice of that warm tarte tatin with a cup of faintly cinnamon-spiced coffee.

On the weekends, tight quarters and boisterous crowds can make it difficult to hear your waiter in this lively Latin American restaurant. But the cocktails and food are well worth the clamor.