You don’t have to play tennis or own a beach house to love this West Soho Italian cafe, you’ll just embody that energy while you’re here.

In 2021, Llama Inn in Williamsburg has loosened up into a laid-back Peruvian spot we’d visit on a random Tuesday night.

Deluxe Green Bo is a cash-only spot in Chinatown that makes great xiao long bao.

This Chinese restaurant on St. Marks in the East Village is home to some of the best soup dumplings in Manhattan.

Zaragoza is a longstanding Mexican deli in the East Village where you can get a couple of tacos, tamarind candy, and a jar of green enchilada sauce.

Roberta’s is a pizza place in Bushwick that kickstarted a Neapolitan pie movement in NYC and then started selling frozen pizzas nationwide.

Boss Cow is a Brickell seafood spot with raw bar options, ramen, lobster rolls, and more. It’s good for a date or dinner before a night out.

Colonia Verde is a Latin American restaurant in Fort Greene that’s ideal for date night outside.

Itamae is an excellent Peruvian/Japanese restaurant that serves the best Nikkei food in Miami.

Lolita is a Mexican place in the Seaport that’s more like a gothic bar than a restaurant.

Coalfire is a pizza place with tasty thin-crust pizza.

Vester is a Scandinavian-inspired coffee shop in Kendall Square with chic interiors and good coffee.

Black Sheep Bagel is a bagel and coffee spot in Harvard Square with wine and live music as well.

Gypsy Place is a relatively small coffee shop in Cambridge with comfortable seating and açaí bowls.

Honeycomb Creamery is an ice cream spot in Cambridge with inventive flavors like honey lavender and jasmine tea.

Hong Kong Eatery is a spot in Chinatown with good BBQ and a variety of other entrees.