New York City's Restaurant Guide

It can be hard to keep up with the restaurant-opening two-step to which New York City dances (it's tough even for locals). Rather than trying to hit all the new hot spots, consider a few of our latest favorites and the best ways to enjoy them:

For the fanboys and girls: Following the raging success of his Italian-leaning Locanda Verde, Andrew Carmellini opened The Dutch with a menu that stays closer to home. The dining room is a carousel for people-watching, with food cognoscenti and celebrities dirtying their napkins over fried-oyster sliders, pecan-speckled duck and coconut cream pie.

When visiting the broke college student: Intrepid diners and young scholars in the throes of testing their intoxication limits will appreciate the cheeky menu at Do or Dine. Consider Nippon nachos (dumplings smothered in nacho fixings) and shockingly delicious main courses of lamb breast or whole fried fish soaked with yuzu vinegar.

With a large group: Head to Tertulia, where Seamus Mullen harnesses Spain's ingredients and rides them out as a series of easily shared tapas. But beware: Toast topped with anchovies, tomato and sheep's milk and rice studded with snails, Ibérico ham and mushrooms are worth selfish hogging.

For a celebratory splurge: We had our initial doubts about Brushstroke, the latest from David Bouley, since other recent projects have been plagued with complications. But here he succeeds with a gorgeous and traditional kaiseki menu that hinges on the seasons.