The late, globally acclaimed chef, Joël Robuchon, returned his L'Atelier to the Big Apple, having traded in a former grand hotel for this fashionable address. The locale is the cherry on top for a fan base, who know just what to expect: ace food, steep prices, and the best pommes purée in town. The sultry space dons an ultra-modern design and pristine open kitchen. Centered around a cherry wood counter, the dining room draws inspiration from those convivial Spanish tapas bars.

The cuisine is as luxurious as expected but the lavish ingredients aren't just accents here—they are stellar components of the many plates. The prix-fixe is an easy way to sample the breadth of the menu—from sea bass with fennel broth to spiced Long Island duck with young turnip.