New Places to check out

dell’anima
38 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10014
at Jane St.
This is what happens when a former Babbo sommelier and an ex–Del Posto kitchen whiz get together and open an unassuming little trattoria: mobs of salivating foodies and goggle-eyed scenesters clamoring to get in. The joint’s not really set up for group dining, but they’ll gladly convert three banquette tables into a cozy nook near the open kitchen for parties of ten. It’s a tight squeeze, but the bruschette, antipasti, primi, and secondi are so good, no one’s going to complain, and it’s easier to book a party here than at Lupa. For now, at least.

Duane Park marks the return of Shawn Knight, last seen making delectable Southern fare at Natchez in the East Village. The restaurant was last known as the Duane Park Café. Duane Park 157 Duane St., 212-732-5555.

You can eat just like Gwyneth Paltrow at Broadway East, where her former personal chef mans the kitchen. This vegetarian-friendly spot boasts meatless dishes like coconut-crisped tempeh and Portobello confit. Broadway East, 171 East Broadway, 212-228-3100.

Akhtar Nawab’s Elettaria is open. On a stretch of Eighth Street better known for swarms of NYU students than for haute cuisine, his restaurant serves Southeast Asian-inflected fare like saag paneer spinach gnocchi and capon with sweet and sour tomato ravioli. Eletteria, 33 West Eighth St., 212-677-3833.

Sakae Sushi, a popular sushi chain based in Singapore that's already 65-locations-strong have opened their first U.S. location, in Midtown. The fresh fish here is ordered by computers at the table and delivered via a conveyor belt. Sakae Sushi, 405 Lexington Ave., New York, 877-725-2387.

Cupcake fans, rejoice: Magnolia Bakery's Upper West Side branch is open for business. Look for the same Sex and the City-approved sweets that are available downtown, in a homey black-and-white space with checkerboard floors. Magnolia Bakery, 20 Columbus Ave., New York, 212-724-8101.

Ushiwakamaru, the singularly named sushi spot, has opened in a below ground spot on Houston street after a long remodeling process. With blond wood and a long bar, it’s austere on the inside. The fish selection is extensive, and includes rarities like fluke, abalone, and giant clam. Ushiwakamaru, 136 Houston St., New York, 212-228-2141.

Legendary eatery Second Avenue Kosher Deli is back open after it was forced to shut its doors in 2007. But don’t mistake the new location–curiously, near Third Avenue–for a change in the menu. Second Avenue Kosher Deli, 162 E. 33rd St., New York, 212-689-9000.

Bar Blanc, a Greenwich Village bistro run by a trio of Bouley vets, lives up to its name with white banquettes and walls. Luckily the food branches out into other parts of the spectrum: look for elegant dishes like Japanese rice risotto with shrimp and oxtail consommé. Bar Blanc, 142 West 10th St., New York, 212-255-2330.

Philippe Massoud, the chef and owner of Ilili, is helming the city’s first high-profile Lebanese restaurant in a long while. Leather and cedar are the predominant decorating cues on the inside while the menu boasts both traditional meze like hummus and baba ghanouj and high-end items like Wagyu beef kebabs and charcoal roasted lamb chops with cardamom and garlic. Ilili, 236 Fifth Ave., New York, 212-683-2929.

Japanese in Billiburg

77 N. 6th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
nr. Wythe Ave
718-388-8985

such a cool new spot. You eat in little booths behind rollos. The food is delicious. Miso Oyster, Tofu, Rucola salad with tofu, the pumpkin pudding, the ice cream, all delicious!