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Fresh seafood steals the show at Prespa, an unassuming Murray Hill spot which boasts a few outdoor tables shielded from the street by plants. Inside, a blond-wood curved bar with chairs upholstered in cream and aloe opens up to a beautiful high-ceilinged space, which is overlooked by a small balcony with seating at each end. Jazz and acoustic guitar set a lazy mood, and it feels like perpetual summer thanks to the beachy colors, wall tiles, and sconces that throw off a caramel light. Tuna tartare delivers sushi-grade fish on a bed of tangy chickpea and avocado relish with fried artichoke chips. Paper-thin cuts of zucchini and savory, salty prosciutto envelop red snapper on a grid of asparagus with drizzled black olive oil and leek vinaigrette. A similar vibrancy comes through even in the simple arugula salad, whose tart balsamic vinegar is so potent you can smell it as the plate arrives. — Kate Appleton

Tuna tartare, $13, zucchini-prosciutto wrapped red snapper, $22, Moroccan lamb shank, $19