Hearth New American | East Village
403 E 12th St (1st Ave)
646.602.1300
Momofuku Ssam Bar New American | East Village
207 E 2nd Ave (at 13th St)
212.254.3500
http://momofuku.com/new-york/ssam-bar/
Notes: Asian-influenced, creative fare in a casual atmosphere. You can make online reservations ahead for the bo ssam (whole roasted pork) or rotisserie duck meal. Great pork buns.
Momofuku Ko New American | East Village
163 1st Ave (bet 10th & 11th St)
212.228.7293
http://momofuku.com/new-york/ko/
Notes: Counter-seating only, set multi-course menu showcasing highly-inventive Asian-influenced small dishes. Reservations accepted online only, opening at 10:00 a.m. each day. Read my full review of a birthday lunch here: Restaurant Review – Momofuku Ko.