With its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, Masseria is a shining beacon amidst the area's glossy high-rises, restaurants, and shopping galore. The former warehouse—complete with the requisite exposed ducts, brick walls, and classic farmhouse vibe—is glam yet austere with a stainless steel kitchen, chrome and leather furnishings, pendant lights suspended from nautical rope and an impressive glass-encased wine cellar.

It’s all very relaxed albeit in a well-dressed way, and the feel-good aura extends to the staff, who clearly like working here as much as diners enjoy lingering over their meals.Chef/owner Nicholas Stefanelli's Puglian heritage comes through in the menu, which features four or five courses, along with a nightly tasting. The kitchen hits all the right notes balancing trendy and serious. Begin with a cigar box filled with focaccia so sinfully delicious, you’ll be tempted to scarf it all down—but don’t. You’ll want to save room for the spicy fish stew, a thing of beauty practically brimming with tripe and lobster, or house-made maccheroni with a thick and gamey goat ragù. Even dessert strays far from the pack, showcasing beet ice cream instead of the classic tiramisu.