New York tables: Going casual

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Greenwich Project

This bi-level spot in a restored old townhouse in Greenwich Village offers a bar and small-plates scene downstairs and a more formal full-service space upstairs, each outfitted with dashing, colorful design and creative concoctions from the kitchen.

Website: projectgroupnyc.com/greenwich-project
Number of seats: 74
Average per-person check: $42
Popular dishes: “Odd Couple" — sweetbreads, bacon, snails and roasted garlic foam; hamachi crudo with pickled ramps, jalapeño and sesame powder; sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with corn, lobster and truffle; scallops with curried eggplant, spring onions and tamarind
What people come for: Advanced cocktail list, choice between downstairs small-plates menu or full menu upstairs, restored old townhouse design
Address: 47 West 8th St.
Phone: 212-253-9333

Photo: Emmanuel Cayere

The Pines

Nestled in the midst of an otherwise mostly desolate industrial area of Brooklyn, The Pines serves up progressive and occasionally experimental fare with a sense of earthiness about it.

Website: thepinesbrooklyn.com
Number of seats: 32
Average per-person check: $40
Popular dishes: Octopus with sour plum, cherry pepper and guanciale; sable with manila clam, dulse and dashi; cappellacci with oxtail, crab brodo and sheep’s sorrel
What people come for: Repurposed-wood environs, spacious outdoor garden with potbelly fireplace
Address: 284 Third Avenue, Brooklyn
Phone: 718-596-6560

Manzanilla

This upscale proponent of the finer points of Spanish cuisine is the latest venture from chef Dani Garcia, otherwise disposed in Spain.

Website: manzanillanyc.com/
Number of seats: 105
Average per-person check: $75
Popular dishes: Tuna tartare with sea urchin cream, avocado, green apple and citrus dressing; pork “presa” with tomato pesto, potato and bacon terrine and asparagus
What people come for: Refined Spanish cuisine in relaxed and inviting atmosphere
Address: 345 Park Ave. South
Phone: 212-255-4086

The Fourth

Operated by the company behind Toqueville and 15 East, this downtown brasserie courts all dayparts with a mix of simple and sophisticated fare.

Website: onefivehospitality.com/restaurants/the-fourth-american-brasserie
Number of seats: 45
Average per-person check: $50
Popular dishes: Paccheri and California uni with Montauk squid and piri-piri; pink salt brick-roasted Amish country chicken with watercress, shaved spring vegetables and chile lemon vinaigrette
What people come for: All-day accommodations including a European-style espresso and wine bar and a welcoming “Union Square meets East Village” vibe
Address: 132 4th Ave.
Phone: 212-432-1324

Costata

Set in a townhouse in Soho, Costata finds chef Michael White making good on the reputation he made with his previous hotspot Fiamma Osteria, and with his existing restaurants, including Marea and Ai Fiori. But the focus of this restaurant is steak.

Website: costatanyc.com
Number of seats: 140 seats
Average per-person check: $100
Popular dishes: Costata Tomahawk ribeye for two; razor clam crudo; garganelli alla Fiamma with prosciutto, truffle butter and peas
What people come for: Dry-aged meats, crudo selection, bar scene
Address: 206 Spring St.
Phone: 212-334-3320

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Chicago Tables: Reflecting on heritage

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