Pic courtesy of EuskaKultura
Ultra-talented chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero were fired from their previous jobs at the Spanish spot Tia Pol (where crowds consistently spilled out the door). So what did they do? Open up their own restaurant, Txikito, down the street—and promptly kick lots of ass with their robust, fragrant Basque tapas (which range from little sandwiches of tuna and piquillo-infused oil, to lamb chops grilled a la plancha, to daily specials like a warm chickpea-and-squid stew with a potent anchovy broth). The crowd in the dark, electric dining room is, fittingly, packed with Tia Pol regulars.
Txikito. 240 Ninth Ave. at 25th St.; (212) 242-4730.
Prices/Features: Moderately Priced/Vegetarian-Friendly