Swoony’s in Brooklyn. Really Outstanding Cooking, the Lobster Orzo and Dorade were some of the best seafood dishes I’ve had in the city. I also appreciate that there’s not a single dish on the menu that costs more than $37 (The Short Rib).

It’s pretty insane how many great restaurants are packed into the tiny Red Hook and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods. Within walking distance of Swoony’s are Bar Bete, Red Hook Tavern, Defonte’s Sandwich Shop, Hometown Bar-B-Que, and Lucali, all of which I’ve enjoyed fantastic meals at.