Almondine
Jacques Torres’s new bakery picks up where his chocolate shop leaves off—with fruit tarts, muffins, and macaroons, plus sandwiches on organic bread.
85 Water Street; 718-797-5026.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
Ice cream for purists in old-fashioned flavors with haute fudge and gooey caramel courtesy of the River Café pastry chef.
Fulton Ferry Landing Pier, Old Fulton Street; 718-246-3963.

Five Front
The satisfying American menu, comfortable bar, and scenic garden have made this friendly spot a neighborhood treasure.
5 Front Street; 718-625-5559

Grimaldi’s
The original owners are long gone, but crowds still congregate for blistery-crusted, Neapolitan-style brick-oven pie.
19 Old Fulton Street; 718-858-4300

Superfine
Fun and funky, with a seasonal menu and a Southwestern brunch defined by the Hatch chile peppers the owners import from New Mexico.
126 Front Street; 718-243-9005

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Rob Patronite | Robin Raisfeld
• Table of Contents: Oct 18, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!