ABC Kitchen

Owner and Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten assures diners that his menu is free of pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. His focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and as a result, ABC Kitchen's offerings change fairly regularly. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in the broadest sense, including sashimi, pizza, and even pasta and veal meatballs. The tea, coffee, and wine also carry the "organic" label (the wine list is exceptional).

The interior design relies heavily on restored and recycled materials and it looks amazing. There's something tasteful, subtle, and casually chic about the combination of wood beams, beautiful chandeliers and industrial lamps. The atmosphere is fun and lively, without a hint of pretentiousness, and the service is excellent. Plus, there's a little garden on the roof where they grow herbs and microgreens.

We recommend: housemade ricotta ravioli, herbs, and tomato sauce; wood oven-roasted Maine lobster, oregano, and lemon-chili vinaigrette; veggie burger, minted yogurt, and housemade whole wheat pita; spinach, goat cheese, and herbs pizza.

Cuisine: contemporary American.

Atmosphere: casual/trendy.

Crowd: well-known designers and their friends, gourmands, creative types.

Key info: The restaurant doesn't always open for dinner at exactly 5:30 p.m., so come around 6 p.m., or else you'll have to stand around awkwardly outside. 

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