Narcissa (Standard East Hotel, 21 Cooper Sq.; 212-228-3344)
Ever since Narcissa opened in January in the hip Standard East hotel, patrons have been flocking to sample the restaurant’s veggie-heavy cuisine — and its pretty-person scene.
The scene: Downtown artists, fashionistas and the type of people who never wait in line for a nightclub. The restaurant has hosted parties for Theory’s beloved designer, Olivier Theyskens, and has become a clubhouse for stylish scenesters — such as party fotog Patrick McMullan and comedian Aziz Ansari — and NYC elite, like a double-dating Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
The buzz: The carrot fries with jalapeño-tofu dip ($7) and the carrots Wellington ($20) have a cult following. And with the restaurant having launched brunch in May, guests can continue to ogle the crowd while indulging in daytime fare, like the Manchurian cauliflower ($16) or the meatier “cowboy breakfast” ($35), comprising a T-bone steak, barbecued beans, eggs and cornbread.
The res: Narcissa takes reservations a month in advance — and if you want any chance of snagging a coveted time slot, you ought to take advantage. Angle for a seat on the terrace — and keep an eye on who’s coming in and out of the just-opened private dining room.
Gato (324 Lafayette St.; 212-334-6400)
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay has been in the kitchen practically every night since Gato opened three months ago, slaving away on his inventive Mediterranean fare. All his hard work is paying off, according to critics, including The Post’s Steve Cuozzo, who praised the Noho haunt, calling it “infuriatingly excellent.”
The scene: Kelly Ripa and Jessica Seinfeld recently had a dance-off in the middle of the dining room while Eva Longoria and star stylist Robert Verdi watched on. Enough said.
The buzz: Flay’s kale and wild mushroom paella ($27) has been a universal hit; the restaurant’s scrambled eggs, made with bûcheron cheese and served with tomato confit toast ($14), can melt even the most skeptical of hearts. Those not Instagramming their food can be found trying to snag a pic of Food Network star Flay.
The res: Your best bet is to come early and grab a seat at the rectangular bar — facing the kitchen so you can watch Flay up close.
The Inn at Pound Ridge (258 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; 914-764-1400)
Sure, it’s in Westchester, but the Inn at Pound Ridge scene is on fire: Ever since Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened the spot in January, A-listers have been fleeing the city.
The scene: Ladies who lunch and hedge fund honchos mix with chic New Yorkers on country getaways. Martha Stewart, Brian Williams, Tom Brokaw, Tommy Mottola and Richard Gere are all fans of the restaurant. Even Bedford resident and former “Gossip Girl” star Blake Lively is a regular.
The buzz: Vongerichten’s signature tuna tartare with avocado, radish and soy-ginger sauce ($15) is a top-seller. The roasted hake with broccoli and grated ginger dressing ($25) and the black truffle and fontina pizza ($19) trail close behind. Top it off with a salted caramel sundae with candied popcorn, peanuts and fudge sauce ($11) and a refreshing ginger margarita ($15).
The res: Tables can be booked one month in advance, and you’ll need that much time to score one for a prime weekend night. The best seat in the house is upstairs by the fireplace — made even hotter if Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, happens to be sitting next to you.
Margaux (Marlton Hotel, 5 W. Eighth St.; 212-321-0100)
Tucked inside the newly restored Marlton Hotel, where Jack Kerouac used to shack up, Margaux is the pretty girl at the party who doesn’t even have to try. Ever since the cozy French/eastern-Mediterranean spot opened in January, it’s been drawing in A-listers and locals enchanted with the spot’s low-key-yet-elegant decor and healthful cuisine.
The scene: A mix of tech hotshots, art world power players and fashion girls. Lauren Bush Lauren and her husband, David (son of Ralph Lauren), and artist/Marc Jacobs muse Rachel Feinstein are fans of the restaurant, which has hosted fabulous fêtes, including a Moncler Fashion Week bash.
The buzz: Restaurateur/hotelier Sean MacPherson (of original It spot the Waverly Inn) has a knack for creating must-visit destinations. Margaux’s squid ink bucatini with lobster ($25) keeps customers satiated as they table-hop with a Pamplemousse Shandy ($14) in hand.
The res: Sound the alarms! Margaux now accepts reservations. The best spots in the house are Table 101, the booth nearest the entrance, if you want to see and be seen; and Table 308 in the back corner of the main dining room for those seeking a bit more . . . discretion. Now that it’s summer, hit up the solarium during lunch/brunch.
Decoy (529 1/2 Hudson St.; 212-691-9700)
People salivated when Ed Schoenfeld and Joe Ng announced they were opening a peking duck shrine in the former laundromat that sits below their West Village hot spot RedFarm. Decoy debuted in late April, and trust us, you won’t leave disappointed — or hungry.
The scene: Homey and comfortable. Big communal tables and a few seats at the bar are available for groups of young fun scenesters ready to get their duck on. A consciously uncoupled Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted dining with a female friend last week “just eating, laughing and having a general good time,” according to a Page Six source.
The buzz: The duck ($65) may be the standout, but the foie gras and strawberry tart ($6 extra) — contorted into the swan shapes — and the shots of duck consomme hold their own, too. Cocktails include the “Smoke N Spice” (Thai chili-infused sombra mezcal — plus dry ice for pizzazz, $14).
The res: Decoy takes them! Which is a blessing considering sister restaurant RedFarm does not, and lines often snake down the block.
Tavern on the Green(67th Street and Central Park West; 212-877-8684)
After a four-year hiatus, the storied restaurant is back — the May opening gala attracted the likes of Martha Stewart, Beth Ostrosky and Björk — and better than ever, according to The Post’s own restaurant critic Steve Cuozzo. The rustic look and market-driven menu by chef Katy Sparks are breathing fresh life into the Central Park institution, spearheaded by new owners, Emerald Green Group’s Jim Caiola and David Salama.
The scene: Well-heeled tourists, politicians and tradition-loving New Yorkers. Seth Meyers, Jon Hamm and Christie Brinkley each recently dined at TOTG. Christian Dior hosted a yachting-themed luncheon and the NFL threw a bash here during the recent draft.
The buzz: Critics have been happily surprised by the food, especially as the previous incarnation of the restaurant was known more for decor than dining in its final years (the structure is landmarked, after all; the food is not). Hit dishes so far include the ocean scallops with butter ($16).
The res: The place is spacious, so tables aren’t too hard to reserve. But if you want the best one in the house — Table 142, which sits in the center facing into the Central Park room and the courtyard — make sure to put in a special request.
Navy (137 Sullivan St.; 212-533-1137)
This quaint, nautical-inspired Soho restaurant, opened in late February, quickly transitions from neighborhood spot to artsy dining den for the creative and fabulous as the night goes on.
The scene: Dim lighting and small tables get boldface diners like Helena Christensen and Harvey Keitel in the mood for Navy’s seafood. In March, designer Erin Fetherston hosted a dinner at the boîte. A surprisingly large number of customers wear nautical stripes.
The buzz: French-looking waiters serve up aquatic fare like raw bar pickings ($3 to $15) put together by the beautiful cook Camille Becerra, a former “Top Chef” contestant. The lunch menu has been a hit, too, with its open-faced whitefish sammie ($13) and egg bowl with whole grains, veggies and sumac yogurt ($14). Wash it all down with the “Not So Virgin Mary” cocktail (port and tomato juice topped with an oyster, $15).
The res: On any night, a cluster of people wait for their tables smack center in the dining room. Book in advance to save yourself the wait — the best seats are the booths or one of the window tables.
Mission Chinese Pop-up(Frankies 457, 457 Court St., Carroll Gardens)
What might be the hottest restaurant of summer is a pop-up — and you better catch it while you can. Mission Chinese is continuing its uber popular pop-up series in the back room at Frankies 457 in Brooklyn now through June. It’s $35 per head, but the look on your friends’ faces when they see you got a res (e-mail [email protected]) will be priceless.