MaÑana
27 E. 61st St.; 212-752-8900
“Tomorrow” may be the English translation of this new Mexican restaurant’s name, but you may want to eat there today. Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, the scene magnates behind spots such as Serafina and Geisha, have created a casual, eco-friendly joint built from recycled bricks and natural stone-dust plaster, decorated with brightly colored Aztec graffiti art. To create an authentic homey menu, they’ve hired Chef Omar Luna who’s working with Mexico City native Enriqueta Mendez to turn out quesadillas, ceviches, tacos and enchiladas. Like any respectable Mexican joint, they’re serving a slew of margaritas including mango, rose petal and hibiscus.
Must-have meal: Guacamole ($12) and a queso fundido (Mexican cheese fondue, $14); tacos de filete with poblano chiles rice and beans (above, $23); and homemade corn cake with dulce de leche and walnuts ($8).
Soundtrack: A mix of Mexican and other Latin American artists like Julieta Venegas, Manu Chao, Eddie Palmieri, Graciela, and Clara Nunes.
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 6:30 p.m.-midnight.
Apertitivo
780 Third Ave.; 212-758-9402
The Greeks are not necessarily known for pizza. Fish, yes. But doughy, cheesy, saucy pies? Not so much. So it may seem odd that the owners of Greek restaurant Avra decided to open a brick-oven pizzeria in Midtown. But they’re smart fellows: They’ve hired Italian native Claudio Cristofoli, former executive chef of Cipriani, to bring their Roman Holiday to life with a menu of bubbly pizzas, a selection of salads, pastas and house specials. The space is large and lofty, with vaulted ceilings and a white onyx bar that offers a list of 250 wines.
Must-have meal: Sautéed calamari with sausage, arugula and black olive vinaigrette ($9.95); a round pie topped with broccoli rabe, sausage, tomato and mozzarella (above, $18 for a small, $21 for a large); and Nutella pizza ($9.95).
Soundtrack: Mediterranean jazz such as Yves La Rock, Alexandros Christopoulos and Frederick Rosseau.
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11:30a.m.-11p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-midnight.