Copine

"Copine isn’t just a place where you could dress up - it’s a place where you probably should. The space looks like that AirBNB in Vancouver you found online that’s way too pricey to justify staying at just because you won’t be paying tax on M&Ms at the Duty Free. The service is excellent and the food is French-ish, so you’ll probably eat nice steak or some truffle risotto." - aimee rizzo

"Copine is impressive by design thanks to chocolatey-wooden furniture and a Glassybaby on every table. It also has a menu of French-ish dishes worthy of acknowledging a graduation, home purchase, or completed laundry pile. Among the crudos, smoked pork bellies, and tempura-battered salmon is Copine’s greatest contribution to the world: a warm brioche thyme roll so fluffy you could forgo cake and jab a celebration candle through the middle. " - aimee rizzo

"Wait, what's an upscale tasting menu restaurant doing on this guide? It's not a mistake—while Copine hosts a $165-per-person prix fixe, they serve a Sunday night takeout dinner kit that is an absolute standout. In particular, watch for when the weekly menu features their savory lemon-zested buttermilk fried chicken with aged cheddar mashed potatoes, some kind of green vegetable, and thyme brioche rolls with perfect butter." - aimee rizzo

"Copine is inherently impressive by design. The feels intimate thanks to chocolatey-wooden furniture and a Glassybaby on every table—and the mostly-French menu is excellent. Among the crudos, smoked pork bellies, housemade agnolotti, tempura-battered salmon topped with roe, and exquisite cuts of beef is Copine’s greatest contribution to the world: a warm brioche thyme roll. It’s fluffy, a little earthy, and when you cut it open to layer on some fresh butter, it’s much steamier than whatever happens after dinner." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"If you know someone who irons their jeans, you should take them to Copine. It's a minimally-designed, special occasion spot where each dish is more elegant than the last and the service is as incredibly warm as their f*cking phenomenal thyme brioche roll. And while you could make a reservation for the $120-per-person tasting menu, featuring dishes like risotto with bergamot mousseline or grilled bavette with smoked potato croquettes, we might like their Sunday-only takeout dinners even better. In particular, do not miss their rosemary-scented buttermilk fried chicken—it doesn't make an appearance often, but when it does, you'll want it." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley