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These Local Gems in NYC Come With Serious Rewards

From peach salads and shareable plates to Aggari lobster, these restaurants have it all, including rewards.

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This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

The hardest part about dining out is deciding which place to go, and what to order — especially when you’ve grown tired of your accustomed spots. In cities like New York, there’s an abundance of new dishes and new experiences to discover — you just have to know where to find them.

That’s where Seated comes in. Seated is the restaurant discovery app that curates a vetted list of local restaurants where you can earn up to 30% back in rewards when you dine. All you have to do is book through the app and upload your receipt; then, based on the restaurant’s reward rate, you’ll earn a portion of the bill back in the form of Seated Rewards you can spend on your favorite brands like Amazon, Uber, Delta, Lululemon, Starbucks, and more.

Ahead, fantastic eateries across the boroughs that come with more perks than just great food and drink — find out where you can earn serious rewards when booking with Seated.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

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Baar Baar

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At the Indian gastro bar Baar Baar, Chef Sujan Sarkar embraces regional Indian flavors with local produce, making for a modern interpretation of traditional Indian cuisines. The progressive menu boasts small plates like potato tikka chaat and beetroot murabba, while entrees feature paneer pinwheels and prawn Alleppey curry dishes. Cool off a spicy palate with a side of saffron rice or garlic naan.  Here, you can earn up to 11% in rewards when you book a meal with Seated.

Courtesy of Baar Baar

Vinegar Hill House

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Some of the best restaurants are those that have always been right in front of you; that couldn’t be more true of Vinegar Hill House, a standout in Brooklyn’s dining scene since it opened in 2008. Tucked away in an old, cozy carriage house, you’ll find it to be a relaxed eatery that uses fresh ingredients for its raved-about dishes. Better yet? Seated offers up to 9% in rewards for charred octopus served with dill yogurt and lemon and cast iron chicken topped with shallots and sherry vinegar. But, save space in your stomach because rich, Guinness chocolate cake (decorated with cream cheese frosting) is the must-try dessert to order. 

Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House

Montesacro

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Montesacro (the name of a working-class neighborhood in Rome) aims to pay homage to those affected by the aftermath of the Second World War. Taking inspiration from classic taverns in the region, you’ll find bestsellers like slow-roasted pork, peach salads with whipped ricotta, spaghetti with buffalo mozzarella, and Roman-style pizzas. But the real reason to visit Monesacro is the patio, one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets: a covered area with more plants than a greenhouse. Sip on an Aperol Spritz or a Strawberry Mezcalita and pretend like it’s summer for as long as you want. Earn up to 23% in rewards when you book a delicious meal here with Seated.

Courtesy of Montasacro

Portale

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In a city swimming in Italian restaurants, you’ll be remiss to not book your next meal (and earn up to 18% in rewards) at Portale the next time you’re craving pasta. In the heart of Chelsea, you’ll find James Beard-winning chef Alfred Portale, who brings his passion and heritage into a renovated carriage house. The menu offers elevated dishes that explore the many regions of Italy: Think ora king salmon paired with roasted fennel, risotto with ruby red shrimp and bacon, or bolognese topped with black truffle and Parmigiano. 

Courtesy of Portale

Entering Bolero in Williamsburg is like finding yourself in beautiful Vietnam. Chef Matt Le-Khac’s inventive new restaurant puts a twist on the traditional Vietnamese dishes and elevates them with unexpected herbs, sauces, and ingredients. A few must-try’s: con ngheu hap, steamed clams in beer, and the bánh mì chiên tôm, fried shrimp toast points, thit heo quay hai cách, “pork two ways,” and of course, bún bò huế, spicy lemongrass, and beef soup. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh new Vietnamese ingredients at the in-house storefront, which occasionally includes produce grown by Le-Khac’s father at a farm in nearby Pennsylvania. Make sure you book a meal through Seated, so you can earn up to 9% in rewards.

Courtesy of Bolero

dell'anima

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The chef’s counter experience is best when you least expect it — and tucked away in Gotham West Market is the recently reopened dell’anima. Earn up to 22% in rewards when you dine in, and order a la carte from the daily changing menu, given the local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. While it’s still warm out, order a round of cocktails and split eggplant alla puttanesca, burrata, or lemon-soaked arugula to start. Then, fill up on risotto with housemade sausage or hanger steaks with summer squash. 

Courtesy of dell’anima

LOOK Thai by Plant Love House

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Searching for real Thai street food? Look no further than Look, a Brooklyn-based eatery with an extensive selection of dishes. Look, part of the Plant Love House’s mini-empire of restaurants, is best known for its Thai noodle soups, but there’s much more to enjoy. Enjoy classics like crispy wontons, Pad kana tofu, and larb moo salad, or be adventurous with a steaming bowl of caramelized popcorn chicken or farm-raised duck curry, while enjoying the outdoor setup. It doesn’t hurt to order a cocktail either, like the passionfruit mojito or the Thai Mão, all of which you can enjoy while earning up to 9% in rewards with Seated.

Courtesy of Look Thai by Plant Love House

Bushniwa

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Sushi lovers tend to flock to Manhattan for the best sushi and rolls, but there’s great sushi to be found in Brooklyn, if you know where to find it. Those in the know flock to Bushniwa in Bushwick for authentic-grade sashimi — delicacies that have up to 9% in rewards. Chef Kuni, who apprenticed at the Tokyo Tsukiji and Ueno Fish Market, breaks down the fish by hand to create a premium list of sushi and sashimi, including cuts of hamachi toro, king crab, and hiramasa. 

Courtesy of Bushniwa

Bar Beau

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A stylish Williamsburg coffee shop by day and a restaurant-meets-bar by night, Bar Beau (where you can earn up to 18% in rewards with Seated) is the answer to the day-long  “where do you want to go?” question. For cocktails, try a house staple like the Forget-Me-Not with single-malt scotch and chili honey. At dinner time, shrimp udon, sesame tofu noodles, and chicken liver mousse (made with plum whisky and cabbage tiger slaw) are some favorites to try. 

Courtesy of Bar Beau

Bar Benno

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Don’t just go to Benno, go to the recently opened Bar Benno — an ode to the Parisian bistro. Chef Johnathan Benno, best known for his time at Per Se and Lincoln Ristorante, is bringing a French discipline back to the Evelyn Hotel, now with an Art Deco vibe and an expansive horseshoe bar. That means all of the classics: steak au poivre, Maine lobster remoulade, rotisserie chicken, and a fruits de mer plateaux. Indulge all while earning up to 14% in rewards when you dine in with Seated.

Courtesy of Bar Benno

Lamia's Fish Market

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There are plenty of good seafood spots in New York, but few are as immersive as Lamia’s. Nestled in the center of East Village, a fish-forward menu is striking and apparent — with an aquatic-themed indoor aesthetic to match. Book a table, earn up to 18% in rewards and dive into crab cakes, fried calamari, or octopus cocktail to begin. Or, taste a fresh catch of fish by the pound, which includes black bass, snapper, or dorado. 

Courtesy of Lamia’s Fish Market

Dolly Varden

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This quaint, Hell’s Kitchen-based restaurant is inspired by New York in the 1920s, and the last passenger train locomotive to run up the West Side of Manhattan (hence the name). So expect to see lots of red hues and vintage train car seats, even a streetary inspired by a vintage train car. But what to order? To kick things off, start with a libation, like the Harlem Sunset (Blanco tequila, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus, and lemon juice), the Aristocrat, (bourbon, allspice, and lime juice), and others. Menu favorites include a roasted half chicken with confit onion, pan-seared scallops, and baby back ribs — dishes that taste even better when paired with rewards that can reach up to 23% with Seated.

Courtesy of Dolly Varden

Rangoon

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You’ll find Rangoon in the heart of Brooklyn with Chef Myo Moe championing to keep Burmese cuisine and traditions alive. Inspired by a classic bistro, this eatery bridges the gap between comfort food and simplicity, just check out the menu. Spicy pork shoulder slaw, coconut chicken noodle soup, and prawn fitter salads are among the elite selections. Follow it up with roasted pumpkin (paired with masala), fish flake curry, and creamy garlic noodles. Don’t forget: you can get up to 14% in rewards when booking any of these meals through Seated.

Courtesy of Rangoon

Paisley

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If upscale Indian dishes are what you’re looking for, look no further than Tribeca’s Paisley. Chef Peter Beck earned a Michelin star at his past restaurants (Tamarind), so expect nothing short of delicious as you order from a range of small plates. Enjoy sizzling vegetable curries, Chilean sea bass paired with skillet potatoes, or Aggari lobster topped with a melon seed sauce that will earn you up to 14% in rewards when booking with Seated.

Courtesy of Paisley
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

Baar Baar

At the Indian gastro bar Baar Baar, Chef Sujan Sarkar embraces regional Indian flavors with local produce, making for a modern interpretation of traditional Indian cuisines. The progressive menu boasts small plates like potato tikka chaat and beetroot murabba, while entrees feature paneer pinwheels and prawn Alleppey curry dishes. Cool off a spicy palate with a side of saffron rice or garlic naan.  Here, you can earn up to 11% in rewards when you book a meal with Seated.

Courtesy of Baar Baar

Vinegar Hill House

Some of the best restaurants are those that have always been right in front of you; that couldn’t be more true of Vinegar Hill House, a standout in Brooklyn’s dining scene since it opened in 2008. Tucked away in an old, cozy carriage house, you’ll find it to be a relaxed eatery that uses fresh ingredients for its raved-about dishes. Better yet? Seated offers up to 9% in rewards for charred octopus served with dill yogurt and lemon and cast iron chicken topped with shallots and sherry vinegar. But, save space in your stomach because rich, Guinness chocolate cake (decorated with cream cheese frosting) is the must-try dessert to order. 

Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House

Montesacro

Montesacro (the name of a working-class neighborhood in Rome) aims to pay homage to those affected by the aftermath of the Second World War. Taking inspiration from classic taverns in the region, you’ll find bestsellers like slow-roasted pork, peach salads with whipped ricotta, spaghetti with buffalo mozzarella, and Roman-style pizzas. But the real reason to visit Monesacro is the patio, one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets: a covered area with more plants than a greenhouse. Sip on an Aperol Spritz or a Strawberry Mezcalita and pretend like it’s summer for as long as you want. Earn up to 23% in rewards when you book a delicious meal here with Seated.

Courtesy of Montasacro

Portale

In a city swimming in Italian restaurants, you’ll be remiss to not book your next meal (and earn up to 18% in rewards) at Portale the next time you’re craving pasta. In the heart of Chelsea, you’ll find James Beard-winning chef Alfred Portale, who brings his passion and heritage into a renovated carriage house. The menu offers elevated dishes that explore the many regions of Italy: Think ora king salmon paired with roasted fennel, risotto with ruby red shrimp and bacon, or bolognese topped with black truffle and Parmigiano. 

Courtesy of Portale

Bolero

Entering Bolero in Williamsburg is like finding yourself in beautiful Vietnam. Chef Matt Le-Khac’s inventive new restaurant puts a twist on the traditional Vietnamese dishes and elevates them with unexpected herbs, sauces, and ingredients. A few must-try’s: con ngheu hap, steamed clams in beer, and the bánh mì chiên tôm, fried shrimp toast points, thit heo quay hai cách, “pork two ways,” and of course, bún bò huế, spicy lemongrass, and beef soup. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh new Vietnamese ingredients at the in-house storefront, which occasionally includes produce grown by Le-Khac’s father at a farm in nearby Pennsylvania. Make sure you book a meal through Seated, so you can earn up to 9% in rewards.

Courtesy of Bolero

dell'anima

The chef’s counter experience is best when you least expect it — and tucked away in Gotham West Market is the recently reopened dell’anima. Earn up to 22% in rewards when you dine in, and order a la carte from the daily changing menu, given the local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. While it’s still warm out, order a round of cocktails and split eggplant alla puttanesca, burrata, or lemon-soaked arugula to start. Then, fill up on risotto with housemade sausage or hanger steaks with summer squash. 

Courtesy of dell’anima

LOOK Thai by Plant Love House

Searching for real Thai street food? Look no further than Look, a Brooklyn-based eatery with an extensive selection of dishes. Look, part of the Plant Love House’s mini-empire of restaurants, is best known for its Thai noodle soups, but there’s much more to enjoy. Enjoy classics like crispy wontons, Pad kana tofu, and larb moo salad, or be adventurous with a steaming bowl of caramelized popcorn chicken or farm-raised duck curry, while enjoying the outdoor setup. It doesn’t hurt to order a cocktail either, like the passionfruit mojito or the Thai Mão, all of which you can enjoy while earning up to 9% in rewards with Seated.

Courtesy of Look Thai by Plant Love House

Bushniwa

Sushi lovers tend to flock to Manhattan for the best sushi and rolls, but there’s great sushi to be found in Brooklyn, if you know where to find it. Those in the know flock to Bushniwa in Bushwick for authentic-grade sashimi — delicacies that have up to 9% in rewards. Chef Kuni, who apprenticed at the Tokyo Tsukiji and Ueno Fish Market, breaks down the fish by hand to create a premium list of sushi and sashimi, including cuts of hamachi toro, king crab, and hiramasa. 

Courtesy of Bushniwa

Bar Beau

A stylish Williamsburg coffee shop by day and a restaurant-meets-bar by night, Bar Beau (where you can earn up to 18% in rewards with Seated) is the answer to the day-long  “where do you want to go?” question. For cocktails, try a house staple like the Forget-Me-Not with single-malt scotch and chili honey. At dinner time, shrimp udon, sesame tofu noodles, and chicken liver mousse (made with plum whisky and cabbage tiger slaw) are some favorites to try. 

Courtesy of Bar Beau

Bar Benno

Don’t just go to Benno, go to the recently opened Bar Benno — an ode to the Parisian bistro. Chef Johnathan Benno, best known for his time at Per Se and Lincoln Ristorante, is bringing a French discipline back to the Evelyn Hotel, now with an Art Deco vibe and an expansive horseshoe bar. That means all of the classics: steak au poivre, Maine lobster remoulade, rotisserie chicken, and a fruits de mer plateaux. Indulge all while earning up to 14% in rewards when you dine in with Seated.

Courtesy of Bar Benno

Lamia's Fish Market

There are plenty of good seafood spots in New York, but few are as immersive as Lamia’s. Nestled in the center of East Village, a fish-forward menu is striking and apparent — with an aquatic-themed indoor aesthetic to match. Book a table, earn up to 18% in rewards and dive into crab cakes, fried calamari, or octopus cocktail to begin. Or, taste a fresh catch of fish by the pound, which includes black bass, snapper, or dorado. 

Courtesy of Lamia’s Fish Market

Dolly Varden

This quaint, Hell’s Kitchen-based restaurant is inspired by New York in the 1920s, and the last passenger train locomotive to run up the West Side of Manhattan (hence the name). So expect to see lots of red hues and vintage train car seats, even a streetary inspired by a vintage train car. But what to order? To kick things off, start with a libation, like the Harlem Sunset (Blanco tequila, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus, and lemon juice), the Aristocrat, (bourbon, allspice, and lime juice), and others. Menu favorites include a roasted half chicken with confit onion, pan-seared scallops, and baby back ribs — dishes that taste even better when paired with rewards that can reach up to 23% with Seated.

Courtesy of Dolly Varden

Rangoon

You’ll find Rangoon in the heart of Brooklyn with Chef Myo Moe championing to keep Burmese cuisine and traditions alive. Inspired by a classic bistro, this eatery bridges the gap between comfort food and simplicity, just check out the menu. Spicy pork shoulder slaw, coconut chicken noodle soup, and prawn fitter salads are among the elite selections. Follow it up with roasted pumpkin (paired with masala), fish flake curry, and creamy garlic noodles. Don’t forget: you can get up to 14% in rewards when booking any of these meals through Seated.

Courtesy of Rangoon

Paisley

If upscale Indian dishes are what you’re looking for, look no further than Tribeca’s Paisley. Chef Peter Beck earned a Michelin star at his past restaurants (Tamarind), so expect nothing short of delicious as you order from a range of small plates. Enjoy sizzling vegetable curries, Chilean sea bass paired with skillet potatoes, or Aggari lobster topped with a melon seed sauce that will earn you up to 14% in rewards when booking with Seated.

Courtesy of Paisley