"Bottarga’s small, dark dining room is so sexy and fun it almost begs you to bring a date. The sounds of tables gasping at the crispy lamb belly and spoons clashing over a block of feta rises above the low, upbeat music, and makes for a buzzy hum at this Greek spot in Chelsea. The low corner seating or holiday-feeling heated terrace is our preferred spot, but it’s much easier to get a last-minute seat at the bar. For a same-week booking, call and ask for a table at the bar or the outside terrace. FYI, the terrace is covered, heated, and actually quite charming. Also, be open to a Monday dinner." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley