Cong Ly Restaurant, New York

Don’t let Cong Ly’s modest outer façade steer you away from the exceptional Vietnamese cooking located within this casual bistro, hidden away between Chinatown and the Lower East Side. The inner décor is bright, clean and comfortable, with large round tables and simple place settings that reflect core components of Vietnamese cuisine. This restaurant sources ingredients from nearby Asian markets, and the quality shows in dishes like their version of pho, perhaps Vietnam’s most recognizable culinary export. Of course, there’s also Ga Nuong Xa, Vietnamese grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, served over a bed of rice and accompanied by a simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Cong Ly is perfect for a quick, casual lunch, or as a place to expand your palate into the world of Southeast Asian cooking.