L’abeille à Côté, the casual little sister to Tribeca’s celebrated L’Abeille, brings the same culinary brilliance but in a more relaxed setting that invites you to pop in on a whim. This is where Chef Mitsunobu Nagae lets his hair down a bit while maintaining the quality that earned its sibling such acclaim.

What makes this spot truly special is how it delivers sophisticated French cuisine with Japanese influences in a setting where you can actually chat with friends without whispering. The à la carte menu features more approachable versions of Nagae’s stunning creations – think perfectly executed steak frites with a subtle wasabi accent or the impossibly light gougères that disappear from the table in minutes.

The wine program deserves special mention, offering interesting pours by the glass that change regularly and staff who genuinely want to guide you to something delicious rather than upsell you. The bar area has become something of a neighborhood secret for those in the know.

While not cheap by everyday standards, L’abeille à Côté offers tremendous value for the level of cooking you’re getting. It’s the rare place that works equally well for a casual Tuesday dinner or when you want to impress someone without seeming like you’re trying too hard. This is destination-worthy cooking that somehow feels like your favorite neighborhood spot at the same time.