CAFE GITANE

With all the ambiance of a charming sidewalk bistro in Paris, it should come as no surprise that NoLIta’s Café Gitane is named after a French cigarette. During the day, the French-Morrocan hotspot is ideal for a latte and either the baked eggs or avocado toast. The avocado toast here has a cult following, even though its recipe is widely known and easily replicated: Avocado, olive oil, lemon, and red pepper flakes on whole grain toast. Yet somehow, Gitane makes it magic. For dinner, we recommend you cozy up with a glass of Bordeaux and order meatballs—in spicy tomato sauce with hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and a drizzle of yogurt, they are a truly innovative standout. The couscous is no slouch either, and do add the Merguez sausage. One other caveat before you start singing the praises of French and Morrocan fusion, Gitane is cash only. Now go enjoy.