Hopefully the arrival of Anjappar heralds a further separation of Indian food into regions. In recent years, Chinese restaurants in New York City have been replaced by Yunnan, Szechuan, and Fujian ones. So too might Indian restaurants diversify beyond North Indian, South Indian, and Kosher Vegetarian. Anjappar is a good step in that direction. With its romantic decor and intense seasonings, it's best for: a hot date. More

The intersection of Lexington Avenue and 28th Street, affectionately dubbed "Curry Hill" for its high concentration of Indian restaurants and grocers, happens to be a cheap eater's paradise. Here's where to go for some of the neighborhood's best snacks, all for under $10. More

These days New York offers plenty of options for the Afghan cuisine, but Bamiyan, in Kips Bay, is among the oldest and best. More

Franchia made us feel like the dumplings they serve. This Asian-inflected, vegan restaurant offers serenity with a side of placidity. More

In this neighborhood, which isn't as sandwich-rich as others in the city, Ali Baba is one of the best options around. More

When we discovered that the family behind beloved cheese-and-sandwich shop Lamazou opened a bistro down the street, we looked forward to frilly curtains, mismatched plates, and other elements of an overstuffed, comforting vibe. After all, Lamazou is the kind of place that rounds down the price of your order, telling you to make up the difference whenever, or that takes the time to patiently explain the subtle differences between obscure cheeses, a queue out the door notwithstanding. But the newly opened Bistro Lamazou wouldn't be out of step in Las Vegas or in a 1970s acid trip. It's pretty off the hook. More

While there are plenty of savory options, like Salmon Wrapped Poached Eggs with green goddess dressing, their Nutella French toast was the sort of sweet, appealing dish that's irresistible on a lazy Saturday morning. More

Perennially packed, Penelope is no secret; residents and workers in the neighborhood turn up time and time again for comfort-food favorites. It doesn't make any attempt to reinvent the wheel, which might be just what makes the slightly countrified spot such a standby. More

Last month, I Trulli—an Italian restaurant focused on the cuisine of the Apulian region—opened Enoteca To Go for breakfast in the space of their wine bar, Enoteca. Pastries are set out along the counter, a menu of frittatas and sandwiches is available for order, and coffee and espresso by La Colombe is ready to take away, but we chose to make our menu selections and take a seat by the window. More

Assuming you're OK with the setting, Vatan makes for a lovely dinner: tables are far apart, a sitar plays softly from hidden speakers, you don't have to worry about what to order or how to pronounce it, and you're shielded from the fratmosphere of Third Avenue. It's best for: a gut-busting, palate-pleasing, serenity-restoring date. More