"Dara in Midtown Village is especially useful for their generously portioned $16 lunch special or an easygoing group dinner. The Thai spot has flaky chicken puff, drunken noodles with plump shrimp, and a whole branzino that should have your undivided attention, but the decor may steal some of the spotlight—there are constellations on the wall and a glowing moon behind the counter. But the families and pre-night-out friends in the dining room appreciate those warm, considerate touches just as much as the hint of coconut in the crispy duck curry (our favorite)." - candis mclean, alison kessler