"Yes, the stereotype of a romantic restaurant is a French bistro, but stereotypes exist for a reason, right? This cozy French bistro is located in Little Italy and is run by a Moroccan-born chef, the eponymous Joël Kazouini. Chez Joel specializes in the cuisine of southern France, though if you must have French onion soup or coq au vin, those are there, too." - Lisa Shames, Samantha Nelson