Centro Vinoteca   (Photo: David Leventi)

Centro Vinoteca
74 Seventh Ave. S., nr. Barrow St.; 212-367-7470.
The menu at this noise box of a restaurant is almost a textbook compilation of currently trendy Italian dining styles.

Freemans
End of Freeman Alley, nr. Rivington St.; 212-420-0012.
A nondescript Lower East Side alley empties into a taxidermist's dream dining room.

La Esquina
203 Lafayette St., at Kenmare St.; 646-613-7100.
This Mexican spot is owned by the proven nightlife entrepreneur Serge Becker.

Momofuku Ssäm Bar
207 Second Ave., at 13th St.; 212-254-3500.
The mobbed showplace of a unique brand of earthy, Asian-accented "Refined Meathead" cuisine.

The Spotted Pig
314 W. 11th St., at Greenwich St.; 212-620-0393.
New York's first and still finest gastropub, courtesy of Mario Batali.

More Hot Restaurant Scenes >