With a seemingly endless list of great restaurants in New York City, it can often be overwhelming to try and figure out where to go. Thankfully, Eater does a great job of answering the age-old question, “can you recommend a restaurant?” Four times a year, they update their list of the essential restaurants, spanning a myriad of cuisines. I would like to share 10 spots on the list that I believe you need to check out!

Bjorn Koch

1) Bâtard

This restaurant is Drew Nieporent’s third in the space (previously Montrachet and then Corton). But do not let that scare you! The restaurants that have occupied the space have all been great, and have only improved and expanded upon each other. Chef Markus Glocker’s menu is fine dining without being stuffy or outrageously expensive. There are three different prix fixe options: $55 for two courses, $69 for three, or $79 for four. While dining here, do not forget to check out the cheese cart, which is carefully stocked with rare cheeses by partner John WInterman.

2) Lure Fishbar

Lure Fishbar is one of downtown Manhattan’s greatest power-lunching restaurants; this location is also the perfect choice for a fun date night. The menu includes a number of light, simply-prepared fish dishes, as well as heartier items such as a lobster roll or New York Strip. You will be sure to find a number of Lure regulars here who consistently come back for a “Bash-Style Burger” at the bar.

3) The Spotted Pig

The Spotted Pig, brought to you by April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman, is arguably one of the most influential restaurants of the last two decades. The West Village gastropub is an incredibly fun place to spend an evening, and the kitchen always knocks its dishes out of the park. If you have never been here before, the burger, gnudi, and chicken liver toast are all must-orders.

4) Gotham Bar and Grill

Gotham Bar and Grill has been around for over 30 years and is still one of the best restaurants in the city. Alfred Portale’s restaurant serves one of New York’s best lunch deals during the week: three courses of market-driven American fare for $36. While the prices are a little steep at dinner, the overall experience makes it worth the trip.

5) Gramercy Tavern

Gramercy Tavern is considered the king of farm-to-table cuisine in New York City. The front room is one of the best places in the city for a casual lunch or a romantic meal during the week. You will be welcomed to American cuisine with warm hospitality and unparalleled service.

6) Cosme

Cosme, located in the Flatiron District, is a chic restaurant from Enrique Olvera, one of Mexico’s most famous chefs. Olvera coaxes a lot of flavor out of seafood and seasonable vegetables; every plate at Cosme is a masterpiece. Some of the most notable dishes, include the uni tostada, the burrata with salsa verde, and the slow-stopping carnitas for two. The tortillas here may very well be the best in the city.

7) Ootoya

Ootoya is a stylish Japanese restaurant that offers a great meal for everybody. During both lunch and dinner you can order sushi bowls, soba, crispy tonkatsu pork, fresh tofu, or an excellent daikon salad with bonito. There are three locations throughout New York City, but the Midtown location is the most popular, especially for business lunches.

8) Betony

Bryce Shuman has brought elegant, yet accessible Modern American cuisine to this great Midtown restaurant. The service, led by GM Eamon Rockey, is warm and attentive, without being overbearing. I recommend stopping in for a drink at the bar before settling in for a full-on dining feast.

9) Amali

This handsome Mediterranean restaurant serves some of the best top brick chickens that the city has to offer. In addition, you will be sure to enjoy the seafood, pasta dishes, and charcuterie, which are equally as good. Amali is a popular destination for Greek wine enthusiasts.

10) Bar Boulud

Daniel Boulud’s casual bistro, located just west of Central Park, serves its signature terrines and pâtés of famed Parisian Charcutier, Gilles Verot, along with a complete menu of seasonal French bistro cooking.Bar Boulud is a destination for wine-lovers, charcuterie fanatics, and anyone that loves good French food.