"You won’t find steak frites or salade niçoise at this West Village bistro, and that’s what we like about it. Instead, the chalkboard menus on the walls list things like oeufs mayonnaise, airy rice pudding, and a saucisse puree in a pool of onion gravy. Occupying an idyllic corner space on Christopher Street with big windows, Libertine plays the part of Neighborhood French Bistro perfectly, with pre-worn tiles, distressed mirrors, and a Serge Gainsbourg poster. Just know they don’t really have casual pop-in prices, so save this spot for a special date." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, sonal shah, will hartman