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[title]Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya Brothers Eric and Bruce Bromberg's sprawling empire of Blue Ribbon–branded eateries includes their comfort-food flagship; a Las Vegas sushi bar; and a Williamsburg outpost at Brooklyn Bowl. Although the pair are known as the kings of late-night dining, this tenth location, a 150-seat space, is their first foray into a night-owl neighborhood, the Lower East Side. Hanging Japanese paper lanterns cover the staircase ceiling leading up to the second-floor restaurant. Pop in for yakitori and an infused shochu at the bar's outdoor balcony, which offers views of the Freedom Tower and the Empire State Building. Diners can settle in for omakase at the walnut sushi bar in the main dining room, while large groups can spin lazy Susans at the hand-painted black tables decorated in gold kanji. In addition to sushi, yakitori and signature dishes (fried chicken with wasabi honey), the expansive menu features new family-style dishes (like fried rice with sweetbread, tongue and poached egg), and single-portion plates, such as a short-rib-and-chuck burger topped with wild mushrooms and masago. 187 Orchard St between E Houston and Stanton Sts (212-466-0404)
Chez Nan Hong Kong–born chef Nan Zhang trained at Switzerland's two-Michelin-starred the Restaurant before opening this eclectic Lower East Side canteen. The 60-seat spot is outfitted with wood paneling, a stainless steel bar and antique lamps. Dig into globally inspired dishes like carnitas-and-pork-belly tacos with cauliflower; rainbow trout and octopus tossed with pasta shells, heirloom tomatoes and local greens; and short ribs five ways (roasted, braised, panfried, deep-fried and steamed), served alongside seasonal vegetables. 523 Grand St between E Broadway and Henry St (417-262-6626)
Empire Mayonnaise Having charmed indie gastronomes at Smorgasburg, chef Sam Mason and designer Elizabeth Valleau open a Prospect Heights shop showcasing their 50 artisanal mayos. Flavors include smoked paprika, black garlic, lime pickle and many more. 564 Vanderbilt Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-636-2069)
Little Zelda This diminutive Crown Heights cafe serves Toby's Estate Coffee, croissants and cheddar chive biscuits. 728 Franklin Ave between Park and Sterling Pls, Crown Heights, Brooklyn (347-378-2915)
Mile End Sandwich In 2010, Montreal native Noah Bernamoff and his wife, Rae Cohen, challenged the supremacy of New York delis with Mile End, a bright Boerum Hill eatery inspired by the smoked-meat titans of Bermanoff's hometown. The diminutive spot grew quickly, adding an ambitious dinner menu riffing on Jewish classics, as well as expanding the meat-smoking facilities to a Red Hook commissary. Now the pair brings Canada's deli traditions within a salami's toss of Katz's and Russ & Daughters. At this Manhattan offshoot, Bermanoff and Cohen focus on daytime staples: cured, smoked and hand-sliced brisket; slightly sweet Montreal-style bagels; and house-made pickles. Choose from more than a dozen different sandwiches, including signature favorites (the Ruth Wilensky: smoked beef salami with mustard on an onion roll) and new additions, such as calf's tongue on pumpernickel with an onion-raisin marmalade, and chopped liver and pickled egg. The menu also features soups (chilled pea soup with roasted asparagus), homemade shrubs and sodas (celery, cherry, ginger ale) and, of course, the Canadian-drunk food favorite poutine (fries blanketed in gravy and cheese curds). 53 Bond St between Bowery and Lafayette St (212-529-2990)
Pok Pok Ny Chef Andy Ricker gained national renown (and a James Beard Award) with a trio of quirky Thai eateries, serving lesser-known Southeast Asian specialties, in Portland, OR. He debuted his signature dishes in New York at takeout joint Pok Pok Wing first, and then at this full-service restaurant in Red Hook. In addition to Northern-style larb (minced meat dishes) and som tam (papaya salad), find offerings like muu kham waan (Mangalitsa pork neck glazed with a sweetened soy sauce), kai yang (charcoal-grilled La Belle Rouge hens stuffed with lemongrass and cilantro) and kung op wun sen (claypot-baked glass noodles with pork belly and prawns). The spare 30-seat dining room borrows from traditional Thai shophouses with mahogany paneling and a gridwork wood ceiling, as well as the country's roadside eateries with colorful oilcloths covering the tables. In the warmer months, diners can munch on glazed chicken wings and sip tropical twists on classic cocktails (like a tamarind whiskey sour) in the backyard, which is decorated with strings of colorful lights and milk-crate garden boxes designed by the urban gardeners behind Dekalb Market. 127 Columbia St between DeGraw and Kane Sts, Red Hook, Brooklyn (718-923-9322)
Singapura Get Malay fish curry and chili chicken at this Singaporean spot, from restaurateur Shiva Natarajan (Bhojan, Chola). Hanging floral lights, antique Chinese calendars and oak floors decorate the 40-seat space. 106 Lexington Ave between 27th and 28th Sts (212-684-6842)