Maya

Richard Sandoval reinvents Mexican cuisine at this romantic Upper East Sider, the first in his string of upscale international restaurants (he also opened Maya Dubai). The steak tacos, served with cilantro- and jalapeño-flavored corn tortillas, and the seared scallops with grilled watermelon, are but a few of the standouts on the eclectic menu. Heavier main courses are enlivened with inventive sides like chile poblano–potato gratin; desserts like the “tres leches” bread pudding have similarly creative Mexican accents. An extensive selection of wine, cocktails (notably the signature Margarita Maya) and 85 different kinds of tequila foster a thriving bar scene.