Dragonfly, New York

Cornelius Gallagher earned accolades as the executive chef for Oceana, but after he left, a trip to Vietnam, Thailand, and China sparked his passion for Asian flavors and inspired him to open DragonflyNY, according to the New York Post. Now, Chef Scott Gery has taken his place at the helm and continues to deliver a unique take on intricate Asian dishes. Gery and his team whip up elegant dishes such as crispy Vietnamese snapper nestled in rice pearls and dished with an apricot-tamarind sauce, and tater tots that gush with melted gruyere cheese and memories of Idaho.

Though the dishes are sophisticated, the restaurant keeps its vibe casual. Asian statuettes overlook the modern, warmly lit dining room’s booths and wooden tables. At the long, wooden bar, bartenders mix signature cocktails, including a green-tea martini with green-tea vodka, honey water, and fresh lemon.