1. 1. Bondi Road

   153 Rivington St., nr. Suffolk St.; 212-253-5311

   At this surfer-themed fish-and-chips shop, diners select entrées from a list of imported Australian and New Zealand seafood and then ask to have it grilled, sautéed, or battered and fried.

2. 2. Bruschetteria

   92 Rivington St., nr. Ludlow St.; 646-415-8681

   Perhaps hoping to corral the spillover crowd from nearby ’inoteca, this sunny little shop serves panini and bruschetta plus wines by the glass or bottle.

3. 3. Cronkite Pizzeria

   133 Norfolk St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-375-1500

   Is Michael Ayoub of Williamsburg’s Fornino angling to be tagged America’s most trusted pizza man? The former Cucina chef has brought his pizza obsession and homegrown herbs to the Lower East Side.

4. 4. Kampuchea Noodle Bar

   78-84 Rivington St., nr. allen St.; 212-529-3901

   Former Fleur de Sel managing partner Ratha Chau sheds the fancy French trappings for Southeast Asian street food, focusing on the regional specialties from his native Cambodia. Opening on November 21.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Nov 20, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!