1
Buvette
1
42 Grove St.
During the day, the darling little Buvette serves as a French-themed luncheonette, transitioning to a wine bar closer to evening. Sit at the marble bar, crack some walnuts and complement a glass of wine with a plate of artisanal cheese, charcuterie or tartines (small, open-face toasted sandwiches). Suppertime will find chef-owner Jody Williams stewing lentils with black kale and shallots or whipping olive oil into house-cured salt cod to make classic brandade de morue. Schoolroom lights and a whimsical chandelier lend a golden glow and walls are charmingly adorned with Quimper pottery.
2
Grand Banks
2
Pier 25
Located on the historic schooner Sherman Zwicker, this intimate raw bar and restaurant serves up all the delicious seafood trappings of summer, from oysters to chowder to lobsters rolls to Old Bay–flavored chips. The brainchild of Diner and Marlow & Sons founder Mark Firth, plus Double Happiness restaurateur Adrien Gallo, this eatery is a few notches cooler than your average floating restaurant.
3
The Fulton
3
Pier 17
Breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s seafood-centric menu are reason enough to head to the end of Pier 17 in the Seaport. The world-renowned chef wows patrons with warm octopus astride fresh mozzarella, signature egg toast caviar, and a decadent swordfish Milanese with sauce gribiche. The bi-level space is huge, decked out in romantic nautical murals and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows plus an outside patio to enjoy the waterfront view.
4
Anton’s
4
570 Hudson St.
Shake off the day at Anton’s, a cozy European-influenced bistro radiating with good cheer. Chef-partner Nick Anderer (ex-Marta, Maialino) tinkers with French and Italian classics, such as a silky omelette shrouded by a green salad and hand-cut angel hair pasta bathed in lemony-buttery francese sauce that crunches with bread crumbs. His West Village haven is also celebrated for its juicy roasted chicken. Grab a barstool if you just want a snack; try the “Hudson rarebit,” toast made with tangy melted cheese and béchamel.
6
The Butcher's Daughter - West Village
6
581 Hudson St.
The Butcher's Daughter is a plant-based restaurant, cafe, juice bar and “vegetable slaughterhouse." They treat fruits and vegetables as a butcher would meat: they chop, fillet and carve fresh produce into healthy vegetarian dishes and press them into pretty juices.