Brasserie Cognac East

Alain Ducasse alum Florian V. Hugo honors his Provence roots at this UES spin-off of midtown's Brasserie Cognac. The bi-level restaurant evinces a split personality: The first floor is outfitted in traditional bistro decor (red leather banquettes, vintage mirrors), while the second skews modern (purple walls, silver chandeliers). Daily specials are scrawled on a winding staircase covered in black chalkboard paint. Hugo dispatches classic brasserie fare—niçoise salad and fillet au poivre, plus sweet and savory soufflés. Post up at the five-seat brass bar for 50 varieties of cognac (Rémy Martin, Leopold Gourmel) and three French beers on tap (a Jenlain blond and two Pietra ales).