There’s no avoiding it: if you plan on going to the “Double Chin,” plan on waiting. The no-reservations Southeast Asian spot has been pretty much slammed since opening in 2011. We recommend arriving before 7pm, putting your name down, then grabbing a drink at GoGo Bar downstairs. When you do get a table, crowd-pleasing dishes might include barramundi and caramelized pork salad, or diamond clams in jungle curry. For more by the same restaurant group, check out lively Japanese joint Yakimono, stylish Italian diner Grill Americano, glamorous fine diner Society, or sleek omakase restaurant Kisumé, all within walking distance.

photo credit: Steven Woodburn