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Vesuvio has famously been credited with being the most-filmed storefront in New York City and it's easy to see why. With its fanciful green curlicues and windowful of crusty Italian bread, this landmark, founded in 1920, embodies time-tested downtown picturesque; it's also the kind of casually friendly, neighborhood place where it comes as no surprise when a guy opens the door and sticks his head in just to ask at large, "Hey, is Anthony around?" Inside, the small, brick-walled dining area offers little to detract from the baked goods filling the counter. The homebaked bread—such as foccaccia, ciabatta and rolls—can serve as the basis for a sandwich of your own design, or you can opt for one of the shop’s six panini, from the vegetarian-friendly grilled Portobello to the mighty Vesuvio (cappicola, sopressata, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato and gaeta olive spread). For breakfast, the muffins are well-seasoned and moist while the croissants are feather-light. Strong coffee complements any pastry choice, and adds to the conviviality. — Jessica Branch