Photo: Mindy Best

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

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Photo: Courtesy of Buddakan

This soaring, sexy bi-level restaurant is sure to impress your out-of-town guests, but the Asian-inspired food is good enough to merit a visit on its own. Have a cocktail at the bar upstairs while you wait for your table, then descend the long staircase – perhaps to the huge communal table lit by dramatic chandeliers or a more intimate spot – and settle in for some family-style noshing.

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Photo: Courtesy of La Lunchonette

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.

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Photo: Daniel Krieger

Thanks to a recent expansion, this popular budget Greek spot is now enormous (and takes credit cards and reservations) -- but there’s still a mob scene at the hostess stand every night.

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Photo: Courtesy of Yerba Buena

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.

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Photo: Courtesy of Tea & Sympathy

This tiny English outpost in the West Village has been going strong since 1991 and shows no sign of slowing down.

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Photo: Courtesy of Gyu-Kaku

Perfect for a group or an interactive date, this California-based chain restaurant is a far cry from Benihana. Korean cook-your-own barbecue gets a Japanese twist; choose from assorted meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, then grill them yourself at your table and enjoy with assorted dipping sauces.

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Photo: UrbanDaddy

Macao Trading Co. has all the elements of an “in” place – discreet Tribeca location, spicy cocktails with exotic ingredients, and a “gimmick” – Chinese-Portuguese food (both small and large plates) with an old-world flair. But those cocktails, like the Drunken Dragon’s Milk – a grown-up pina colada with coconut milk, green tea vodka and Thai basil – are delicious.

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Photo: Courtesy of Hibino

Several blocks south from bustling Smith Street sits a quiet Japanese restaurant in Cobble Hill called Hibino. The restaurant is a collaborative effort between two chefs and a graphic designer.

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Photo: Courtesy of Craftbar

Tom Colicchio’s casual spinoff of his highly acclaimed Craft restaurant is a destination in its own right. The menu consists of a range of small dishes that include fried oysters with Old Bay aioli, and white anchovy bruschetta with braised leeks and a poached egg.

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Photo: Daniel Krieger

James is nestled in the Prospect Heights neighborhood on the corner of St. Marks and Carlton Avenue, tucked inside a century-old brownstone.

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Photo: Courtesty of Flatiron Lounge

Step back in time at the Art Deco-styled Flatiron Lounge for classic cocktails using fresh juices and quality ingredients, mixed by knowledgeable bartenders.

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Photo: Staff

This homey, brick-walled Italian spot is bigger than it seems--walk past the long, wine-bottle-lined bar up front and you'll find a cluster of tables in the back, with happy couples sipping glasses of wine and noshing on elegantly prepared, seasonal food like butternut squash soup and house-made gnocchi with fresh ricotta.

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Photo: Courtesy of Freemans

Expect traditional American and English comfort food like grilled cheddar toasts, roast chicken and three-cheese macaroni at this crowded, low-key restaurant at the end of a dark alley.

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Photo: Courtesy of Blue Ribbon Downing Street Wine Bar

The Blue Ribbon empire includes a bakery, sushi restaurant and brasserie, but this tiny bar (serving wine and cocktails) might be our favorite of the lot. There are just a few seats scattered around the bar and back counter-no tables-so if you're lucky enough to snag one, prepare to settle in.

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