Tocqueville

Hidden just steps from busy Union Square, Tocqueville is a refined dining oasis that's a secret even to many New York foodies. Enter through the austere reception area, past the heavy curtains and a six-seat bar, and you'll find the intimate dining area where chef-owner Marco Moreira's signature starter is the unctuous sea urchin angel-hair carbonara. Main courses are steeped in French...

Husband-and-wife team Marco Moreira and Jo-Ann Makovitsky make and serve extraordinary food with no pretension to an in-the-know (and knowing) audience. Chef Moreira is the Andy Goldsworthy of food---making beautiful creations from things found in nature, only his art is edible. Meals may start with a variety of raw seafood appetizers that layer luxuries of the sea: east and west coast oysters...