At the Chez Sardine retool, Little Wisco fixture Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly takes on the cheese-of-the-moment with this creamy mozzarella number, drizzled in fruit-forward olive oil, sprinkled with roasted radishes and pocked with smoked red-pepper crèma. What sets it apart, though, are the boquerones (Spanish white anchovies) that hint at the bar’s namesake and add a welcome onslaught of salt and fresh-from-the-sea brine. $16.
Oh, we’re not done yet—there’s still a slew of standout eats to be had. To round out our 100 best dishes and drinks of the year, we’ve searched the city to find a new-age steakhouse stunner, a gonzo poutine plate and a fresh twist on that down-home classic, chicken and waffles. Load up on hot pretzel rolls, creamy burrata and more of New York’s best dishes of the year.