Taste the Rustic, Ready and Sublime at SoHo's Most Flavorful Eateries

Sometimes all you need is a tiramisu, a pick-me-up and not an entire meal so wend your way to a SoHo treasure.When pastry chef Dominique Ansel opened his eponymous bakery on a tree-lined SoHo side street in 2011, it immediately won scores of local fans loyal to his miniature meringues, chocolate-covered canelle and flaky French pastries. What catapulted Ansel to the top of the charts is the preternaturally popular Cronut, a fusion favorite that is half croissant and half doughnut that continues to draw lines wrapped around the corner to this very sophisticated bakery that honestly has a lot more in its oven than Cronuts. Explore and enjoy the sweet life at Dominique Ansel's Bakery with his signature tarts, ice creams, sorbets and made-to-order savory baked goods.

Keeping thirsty New Yorkers sated since 1847, Fanelli's sits on the cinematically cobblestoned intersection of Prince and Mercer Streets. Surrounded by tony Tory Burch boutiques and a bi-level cosmetics counter, this historic pub is the second-oldest continuously operating drinking establishment in New York City. The culture and cuisine is fittingly old-school, with a wink in the eye of the occasionally gruff servers. The kitchen turns out consistent, crowd-pleasing pub grub like fried calamari and well-charred burgers with fries, and bartenders pour no-nonsense drinks and draughts from a 100-year-old bar in the center of the space. Go ahead, have a second round. After a long day of dodging the shopping masses, you've earned it.

The neon sign above this corner restaurant beckons to weary and hungry passersby, promising wallet-friendly and edible snacks for the late night munchies. The taqueria does not disappoint, with tasty chorizo tacos and plates of enchiladas. However, La Esquina does more. In the cafe around the corner, aged wood paneling and recessed bookshelves give off an air of worn-in familiarity, like the creases and contours of a favorite leather chair. You can enjoy more substantial fare like a pulled chicken stew with chipotle and cinnamon in this relaxed atmosphere.

Whatever you do, don't call this SoHo or Nolita, Cafétal Social Club is squarely at the cusp of Little Italy and is as close as a visitor gets to the soul of Little Italy. Its first life as a "social club," on the Little Italy/SoHo border alongside St. Patrick's downtown, was opened to members only for 60 years. Fast forward to its life as a trattoria without pretense: Friendly, warm, packed with characters you know you have seen on TV or the movies, media and locals (they're still here). Starring on the menu are "Charcuterie" style meats, cheeses – from local markets and vendors who have made this city famous: Faiocco, DePaolo, Parisi and Moe the Butcher. Try the farfalle with broccoli rabe and sausage, the hand-made focaccica pizza, the long, hot stuffed peppers (for the adventurous), bracciole, and pastries (from Veniero's), and Ciao Bella gelato. The espresso would make Naples proud. Vibes are low-key, service is smooth, and you feel like you are at a friend's house who really knows his way around the kitchen. Slip in to one of the window seats, order a Montepulciano, Nero d'Avola, and be transported to a busy little street in Amalfi or dine alfresco.

Legend has it that the two brothers from Alsace, France came to Soho and were so poor they threw nothing out, not even the salt. But they did buy a little restaurant that was on sale. And soon, people trickled downstairs out of their illegal lofts to try the steaks and fish at low prices, even cheaper at the bar. That was over 30 years ago, today its picture-perfect, candlelit interiors surround an impressive art collection. But none of that exterior beauty can compete with the inviting menu of Parisian brasserie favorites. A convivial crowd of up-and-coming models, elderly neighborhood regulars and the sort of women who look like they work in galleries happily convene for hearty glasses of Gamay and perfectly prepared steak au poivre.

From sushi to bakeries to fried chicken, Blue Ribbon Brasserie has become an institution in NYC, LA, Las Vegas and London. Rumor has it that the best steak tartare in town can be had here. The Brothers Bromberg's menu also boasts a variety of heavenly, chocolate-themed desserts that are perfect for late-night fits of entropy. Truth is the Bromberg brothers consistently get it right whatever it may be, from matzo ball soup to the fried chicken, to the beef marrow and oxtail marmalade eaten with hot crusty bread, no kidding. Blue Ribbon is a SoHo standby. Don't skip the Sullivan Street Spritz, by the way, a refreshing mix of Kronan Swedish Punsch and Hayman Old Tom Gin.

The long, well-lit space combines a 12-seat bar, perfect for grabbing a glass of rosado and a few pinxtos, as well as high-top tables and inviting leather banquettes toward the back. A young, good-looking crew, replete with designer shopping bags from the surrounding SoHo stores, fill all three spaces, chattering over glasses of house-made sangria and lightly sparkling cava. The crowd-pleasing Catalonian and Iberian cuisine is the true star, though. Tables runneth over with small plates like Medjool dates wrapped in salty bacon, plus silky slices of jamon Iberico with marcona almonds, as well as more substantial dishes such as grilled trout over lentils, or seared cubes of tender lamb.

The perennially packed Balthazar serves French bistro fare to about 1500 impossibly stylish guests of media moguls, models and the people who break freshly baked bread with them. The escargot, braised in garlic and white wine, are a favorite, as is the classic tarte tatin. Linger over a glass (or bottle) of wine, and you're sure to see at least one boldfaced name. The highly coveted rear booths are unofficially reserved for the truly elite, so let your glance pass over all the restaurant's flatteringly lit nooks and crannies – but don't stare, of course! This is New York, after all.

A neighborhood favorite for locals and travelers alike, The Dutch blends urban Italian and American flavors serving elevated takes on Southern American classics like seared scallops with citrus and slivers of radish, rabbit pot pie and perfectly fried local oysters. The buttery, jalapeno-studded cornbread is what other bread baskets aspire to be, and the inventive cocktails, solid beer list and carefully selected international wines by the glass keep things hopping at all hours. At the chic cocktail bar, a stylish, multi-generational crowd sips house-infused gins and classic Manhattans prepared by smiling, plaid-shirted professionals. Care for the briny and sophisticated? Check out the Prince (raw) Platter at $130.

On a small stretch of bars and restaurants favored by brunch-ing fashionistas and club kids heading to top secret dance halls, Osteria Morini is a class act. Never mind who walks in, the atmosphere is still a bit rustic yet sophisticated. And, all the guests no matter how high and mighty are all there to sample Michael White's impressive northern Italian fare, such as homemade pastas, slow-roasted short ribs and an impressive salumi bar. Those with a thirst for the Old Country can order a glass from the well-priced Italian wine list, or perk up with the substantial affogato, a shot of espresso served over vanilla ice cream in a sizable soda glass.