Mel's

Reservations are a challenge to get at this hot spot where a casual menu is perfectly poised for sharing. Salads and vegetable-focused dishes kick things off, and while it's tempting to skip ahead, don't. Sure, some of the first course items may seem perfunctory, but look again. That gem lettuce is marinated, then grilled and served with burrata for something far from typical. Then there are the pizzas. Chef Melissa Rodriguez has the necessary skills to make a truly good pie (think paper-thin crust with chew and char).
The dessert menu is devoted to the ice cream sundae, but like the first courses, don't be fooled. These are all grown up with options including cara cara sorbet folded with meringue, and served with shortbread cookie and torched meringue.