Black Ant, a modern Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in the East Village next month at 60 Second Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues. The 2,800-square-foot location will have four different dining areas — a small lounge that seats 15 with an additional 15 seats at the bar, two dining rooms seating a total of 60 plus an open garden that will seat 40. Black Ant also will feature a private dining room with 25 seats. Owners Jorge Guzman and Mario Hernandez, the general manager and executive chief, respectively, are in talks to launch a Mexican restaurant in the West Village called Bacanora, which is named after a plant that grows in Mexico’s Sonora province. The duo also own Ofrenda in the West Village.

The Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop is located in the Gotham West Market at 600 11th Avenue, between 44th and 45th Street. Since majoring in Japanese in college, Ivan Orkin has lived in Japan, studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and opened two ramen shops in Tokyo. An unheard of feat for a foreigner, one of his Tokyo shops is a leading ramen destination in Japan. This is Ivan Orkin's first ramen shop in the United States. The menu consists of an authentic, yet creative blend of ramen, combining Japanese tradition with Ivan's personal tastes. His flagship location will be opening soon in Manhattan's lower east side.

OBAO bridges the gap from the streets of South East Asia to the Streets of NYC, bringing you combinations of various Thai and Vietnamese foods with a twist. This Citybuzz pick takes traditional dishes from Thailand and Vietnam like Pad Thai and Pho Noodles and adds a touch of luxury and elegance without ever compromising on authenticity.

Seven's Turkish Grill uses the freshest Ingredients. They do not use processed or frozen food. Everything here is made fresh.The food was outstanding, probably the best Turkish food I've had in the last few months, and the service was very efficient as well. You can get a mixed kebab platter with any 2 kebabs you want for about $18 and it comes with salad, roasted vegetables, rice, and bread. It's really a huge meal. We decided to get 2 of them to sample 4 kinds of kebab (Doner, Adana, Shish, and Beyti) and we also got the Ezme salad (much like a Turkish salsa) to boot. The flavors were spot on. Everything had that 'right off the grill' flavor, was succulent, and extremely juicy. We also got a knafe for dessert which was hot, fresh, and delicious.

The Cellar – what a discovery! I passed by the Beecher's Handmade Cheese store in Flatiron District many times, however it took me long time to discover the true gem they were hiding: the little wine bar/ restaurant. In the store, visitors can witness the old art of making cheese and buy the products. However, they also have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine with the delicious cheeses in their very romantic cellar downstairs. The Cellar serves a wide variety of wines, cheeses, meats and charcuterie in a quite unique environment. The candles, the small wooden tables, and the lack of windows make this little venue the perfect place for a date. Beecher’s – The Cellar 900 Broadway N 212.466.3340ew York, NY 10003

A New York institution since 1984, Rosa Mexicano turns wimpy tacos into bold, flavorful Flautas de Pollo, making South of the Border food upscale and gourmet cuisine. Starting the tableside guacamole service trend that has exploded across America, Rosa Mexicano is the end all, be all to authentic, modern Mexican cuisine that only New York can make seriously trendy and stylish. Rosa Mexicano is best known for its signature pomegranate margaritas, but seasoned diners (and drinkers!) know to go for a fresh cocktail made from any of the 100 tequilas stocked behind the bar. One such favorite is the Paloma: a tequila and grapefruit soda cocktail. The impressive interiors of New York’s two newest Rosa Mexicano outposts (Lincoln Center and Union Square) were designed by David Rockwell and feature electric-blue tiled water walls. But for that old-school Mexicana, all three of its NYC restaurants feature the award-winning tableside prepared guacamole that is not to be missed. In fact, it should be ordered before even cracking open the menu. It is made in the traditional lava-rock mortar and is well worth the $14 price tag. The rest of the menu is a journey into new territory of elevated, elegant Mexican dining from the Filete con Hongos (Filet Mignon with Wild Mushrooms) to the Jaiba Enchiladas (Jumbo Lump Crab Enchiladas). Insider's Tip: Make reservations early for a prime-time table. All three Manhattan locations get crowded and waiting for a table at the bar is not really an option due to the popular reputation of those pomegranate margaritas.

If you're looking for an authentic Mediterranean restaurant with marvelous prices and a fantastic atmosphere, you're only a cab ride away. Nestled in Gramercy, Barbounia allows its customers a glimpse into a Mediterranean dream. The restaurant is dimly lit and is decorated with towering pillars, ornate arches, and lavish floral arrangements.

The menu boasts many flavorful dishes from the region, specifically the countries of  Greece, Morocco, southern France and southern Italy. Such dishes include the Lamb Terracotta, which is Lamb Kebabs served with pepper chutney, pistachios, and tahini wrapped in an oven baked flat bread, and their pan-seared Yellow Fin Tuna served with creamed potatoes and vegetables. While enjoying their meal, customers can also sip on some of the many cocktails offered, including the Barbounia-tini made with fresh aloe-vera juice and foam. But that's not all, Barbounia also offers a champagne brunch on Sunday where you can get a never ending flow of champagne cocktails for only $12!

Few places command the same opening buzz and packed seats six years down the road, but Spice Market has become a mainstay destination in the ever-evolving Meatpacking district. A mega-restaurant - two floors of carved wood canopies and Southeast Asian inspired decor with a perfect people-watching patio- delivers food that's as delicious and consistent as one would expect from celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Spice Market is technically inspired from the street food of Southeast Asia, but the cuisine, which taps the flavors of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India, is delivered with luxurious style. For a perfect meal, start off with the Chicken Samosas- a perfect blend of crispy outer shell and moist meat inside; favorite entrees include Steamed Red Snapper with Shitake Mushrooms, Ginger, Scallions and Tarragon or the Red Curried Duck, where a side of the sweet Coconut Sticky Rice Steamed in Banana Leaf takes the spicy curry to another level; finish off the meal with the Thai Jewels and Fruits with Crushed Coconut Ice for a cool dessert. Meals are meant to be shared, so don't be afraid to order plenty for the table. Reservations are highly recommended as Spice Market is one of the hottest dining options in its trendy downtown neighborhood, but if all else fails, make sure to grab a seat at the bar where mixologists whip up unique spins on cocktail favorites like the Saigon Cosmo, Ginger Margarita and Pineapple Mojito.

For over eighty years, New York’s defining cultural moments have taken place at Russian Tea Room. Ever since members of the Russian Imperial Ballet founded the restaurant in 1927, it has been a second home for boldface names and the intellectual elite—an exclusive enclave where actors, writers, politicians, and businessmen planned their next deals and feted their friends’ latest Carnegie Hall performances. The lively tradition and legacy of the Russian Tea Room is alive and well!