MUST-BOOK: DA TOSCANO
A must-try for its seamless blend of downtown cool and Midtown polish, da Toscano’s uptown debut at the Iroquois Hotel delivers Italian dining at its most transportive. Helmed by chef Michael Toscano, the beloved New York institution pairs signature standouts—think octopus carpaccio, lamb neck agnolotti and veal chop Parmigiana—with an inviting new aperitivo destination at Lantern’s Keep. 49 W. 44 St., datoscano.com
WORTH A SHOT: CATCH NYC
Fifteen years in, Catch isn’t just back—it’s reborn. Expect pristine seafood flown in from Tokyo, caviar-laced bites, citrusy lobster pasta and precision-driven crudos layered with bold flavor. Standouts from sister hotspot The Corner Store—like its cult-favorite hand-cut fries—make an appearance, adding a craveable, downtown edge. Indulgent yet refined, it’s a relaunch that hits every note. 21 9th Ave., catchrestaurants.com
SKIP IT: AMERICAN BAR
Unless you’re hoping to run into everyone you know—accompanied by a steady strobe of influencer camera flashes—American Bar is hardly the place for a discreet dinner. The hotspot serves undeniably delicious fare, but these days the real main course seems to be the scene. Between tables angled toward the best lighting, phones poised above plates and the occasional impromptu photo shoot, dinner can feel more like a content creation session. To be fair, the chic interiors and buzzy crowd practically beg for a cameo on Instagram—so it’s no surprise the influencer set has claimed it as their own. 33 Greenwich Ave., americanbarnyc.com