Two or three spots, one page
Same critic, same scale, same board. The scorecards below settle the argument, or at least narrow the field to one.
Bloomfield · $$$ · Scandinavian, Seafood
Overall rank · No. 1 of 157
The breakdown
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Smoked sturgeon pate with seeded crackers
A genuine five. Nothing else in the city cooks like this. Nordic technique, house-cured fish, fearless flavor. The catch: it's tiny with oddball hours. Plan your week around it; it's worth it.
Lawrenceville · $$$ · Spanish, Tapas
Overall rank · No. 2 of 157
The breakdown
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House charcuterie & pintxos
A five, and a four-time James Beard nominee's best work. Spanish small plates and house charcuterie with a precision nobody else in town touches. Go hungry, over-order, don't rush it.
Lawrenceville · $$$$ · French
Overall rank · No. 3 of 157
The breakdown
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Rotisserie chicken for two
A French bistro firing on every cylinder. Flawless technique, a serious bar, a room that feels like an event. Expensive and hard to book; both are earned. One of the three perfect fives.