Motorino:
This top-notch thin-crust pizzeria was an instant hit in East Williamsburg, but will it compete in downtown Manhattan, which is now flooded with "artisan" pizza options? Anyone who's eaten at the original knows the answer's hell yes, and chef Mathieu Palombino is confident his authentic Neapolitan pizza will make its mark. He has the added advantage of inheriting a space already known for pizza excellence; it was previously the home of Una Pizza Napoletana, which left behind its Acunto wood-burning oven, handcrafted in Naples. Palombino's filled the 36-seat space with marble-topped tables and kept the vibe comfortably casual, with shiny subway tiling and wooden bistro chairs. Motorino's Manhattan menu is slightly smaller than the original, and includes seven classic pies, plus a variety of seasonal pizzas. 349 East 12th Street; (212) 777-2644
macbar: Open until 2 a.m. on the weekends, macbar is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy everything S'mac has to offer, just later. This pint-size eatery is designed to evoke everything mac-y and cheesy, from staff dressed in custom yellow Vans sneakers to walls "meant to evoke a noodle with curving walls of “taxi cab” yellow lacquer." Macbar will offer 12 types of mac and cheese, the most decadent by far being the Mac Lobsta', complete with chunks of real lobster smothered in mascarpone. Other flavors range from the simple Four Cheese to Mac Quack with duck confit. All macs come in three sizes, ranging in price from $6-$18. 54 Prince Street, New York, New York 10012; (212) 226 8877(Jaya Saxena)
Oceana: After almost two decades at 54th St, seafood big-hitter Oceana has moved into a larger space in the McGraw-Hill building. Time Out New York says they are "replacing the prix-fixe-only options of the past" with an à la carte menu and a raw bar featuring chilled mussels and king crab legs. The full bar menu lets patrons dine in between meals on sea scallop sashimi and good old fashioned fish and chips, and wash it down with the Oceana cocktail, made with infused vodka and yuzu. Of course, three private dining rooms could add a little extra atmosphere if you want some privacy with your oysters, and by next year their outdoor seating should be in place. 1221 Avenue of the Americas at 49th St; (212) 759-5941 (Jaya Saxena)
