Cafe Gitane

At this virtual elder statesman of cute Nolita hipster hangouts, don’t be too cool to be cheesy: baked feta and a mix of olives and orange slices with crusty bread are easy ways to start off, or herbed goat cheese with chili flakes and pomegranate syrup. The tagines can be little dry but the spiced meatballs in turmeric tomato sauce, with hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and a drizzle of cilantro yogurt, are an inventive standout. Let’s be real, though: you’re not here for an epic meal — Gitane is all about sipping a glass of Bordeaux or shot of espresso while sitting at one of the sidewalk tables and ogling the street life.