"From the same group behind Emmer & Rye, Ezov is the East Side’s bold, stylish nod to Tel Aviv that is part Mediterranean bistro and part culinary playground. The menu plays with spices and textures, like seared octopus with black olive chermoula or a lamb fat butter dip. Order anything that comes with frena bread (the richer, fluffier cousin of pita). Inside, it’s sleek and buzzing, ideal for a night when dinner feels more like an event. Bonus: Impress your date by knowing the graffiti on the walls are the lyrics to Britney Spears’ “Toxic” in Hebrew. Place to-go orders online." - Darcie Duttweiler