Manhattan: Southeast Asian Spice & More

4.9 (6,132)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 12:00 – 15:30, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 12:00 – 15:30, 17:00 – 23:00

240 W 14th St

Start with Sappe's bold Isan cooking: bamboo-skewered grills, garlicky beef mama e-la and creamy khao soi gao yang. Wing zaab wings and Thai iced tea suit a lively friends' table. The compact room is high-energy; book ahead for dinner.

4.4 (1,061)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 11:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 23:00

98 8th Avenue, W 15th St

Next, switch to halal Chinese comfort food at Beef Up Noodle 2. Hand-pulled beef noodles, soup dumplings and lamb dumplings anchor a relaxed, cozy dining room. Portions are generous, so keep your appetite in mind when adding rich sides to a noodle soup.

4.4 (1,415)

Mon – Fri, 08:30 – 22:00; Sat – Sun, 10:00 – 22:00

284 W 12th St

The third stop steps away from the spice theme: Cafe Cluny serves French-inspired American plates in a cozy West Village bistro. Seasonal dishes and fresh oysters offer a different direction for the group. Weekend brunch draws a crowd; toffee cake with vanilla ice cream makes a sweet finish.

4.7 (1,210)

Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 21:30; Sat – Sun, 10:00 – 21:30

361 W 17th St

Finish in Chelsea at Locanut, a different kind of neighborhood table focused on gluten- and seed-oil-free cooking. Options include cauliflower risotto with herb-grilled chicken and wild salmon zoodles in a dairy-free coconut sauce. Friends with dietary needs should discuss them with the staff before ordering.