Illustration by Jean Jullien

(Photo: Courtesy of the chef)

Matthew Lightner
Atera
When most of his colleagues are hunkered down, playing it safe, it’s refreshing to see a cook shoot for the stars and succeed.

(Photo: Boru O’Brien O’Connell/New York Magazine)

Carlo Mirarchi
Blanca
With his own high-profile kitchen, this former outer-borough underground legend enters the big time.

(Photo: Noe Dewitt/Courtesy of Il Buco)

Justin Smillie
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
There are pasta wizards in this town, and there are accomplished meat cooks. Smillie is that rare young chef who is both.

(Photo: Daniel Krieger)

Joseph Ogrodnek and Walker Stern
Battersby
This inspired Brooklyn tag team proves that every once in a while, two cooks in the kitchen are better than one.

(Photo: Danny Kim/New York Magazine)

Andy Ricker
Pok Pok Ny
The James Beard winner isn’t really a New York chef, or new. But we’re glad to have him in town.

Related:

• Archive: “Cover Story”
• Articles by Adam Platt
• Table of Contents: Dec 31, 2012 issue of New York | Subscribe!