The Publican

The Publican has become a part of the fabric of Fulton Market highlighting farm-to-table fare long before it was a culinary catch-phrase. Among the first to open in the uncharted meatpacking district in 2008, its star has not dimmed. The restaurant is serene at 5 pm with Happy Hour diners slurping $1 oysters only to become a carnival of gleeful eaters and drinkers just 90 minutes later and into the evening. Although known for charcuterie and meat (butcher shop, Publican Quality Meats, opened in 2012), expect wonderful hand-selected and sustainably-raised fish, seafood and vegetables, too. Briny oysters, Alaskan halibut flanked with Spanish olives and kumquats, barbecued carrots, ramps with burrata and breadcrumbs, it's all great. The Publican has been with us for over a decade but the constantly evolving menu and extensive international beer roster keep it in the Top 10. Weekend brunch is among the best in the city, too.