Week of July 16-22, 2009

Beef tagliata with arugula at O'Barone

Photograph: Jeff Gurwin

O'Barone Chef-owner Fulvio Leone brings his native Italian sensibilities to the table at this rustic eatery. The slim menu stresses simple dishes, like tagliatelle with mushrooms, and melted tomino cheese with pancetta, while the wines hail from the country’s regional vineyards. 360 Van Brunt St between Sullivan and Wolcott Sts, Red Hook, Brooklyn (347-599-2758)

Cookie Road Husband-and-wife duo Jerzy and Aneta Szot have opened this cozy colorful bakery offering more than 20 desserts. On the menu are classic American items like cheesecake, key lime pie and chocolate chip cookies, but the pair’s artisan flair emerges in their intricate hand-painted cookies, which can cost up to $25. 94 Franklin St at Oak St, Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-383-8094)

Mantao Province—Tribeca’s shuttered Chinese sandwich counter—returns with a new location and name, but the menu is essentially the same: small sesame-flecked mantou, Northern China’s popular steamed bread, stuffed with a variety of fillings like fried egg with Chinese sausage, and an Angus burger with sambal sauce. Supplement the small portions with sides like a tofu salad, or asparagus with sesame vinaigrette. 235 E 53rd St between Second and Third Aves (212-888-2490)

Mary O’s Having worked at a Union Square–area Irish pub for 18 years, Mary O’Halloran felt it was time to go her own way. The result is this restaurant and bar that bears a wee Irish touch. Dishes such as fish-and-chips join American classics like the eight-ounce hamburger. The 16-seat bar has eight taps dispensing brews like Guinness and Brooklyn Lager, but anyone looking for a rowdy drinking scene should head elsewhere: This spot is intended for quiet conversation. 32 Ave A between 2nd and 3rd Sts (212-505-5610)

Compiled by Eve Binder and Daniel Gritzer

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