Located smack in the middle of the city’s popular Dimes Square neighborhood, Cervo’s is often overshadowed by Dimes and Corner Bar to the East, Clandestino bar to the West, and Kiki’s just south. But not to step into this small, low-ceilinged, utterly charming Portuguese-Spanish restaurant with dimmed lights, flickering candles, tiny tables, and a bar that transforms into an open kitchen, would mean missing out on something special. The place is always great, but feels particularly cozy on cold winter nights. We suggest pairing the clams in wine sauce, crispy shrimp heads, and piri piri chicken with whatever sherry the waiter recommends. —Julia Vitale

Julia Vitale is a Deputy Editor at AIR MAIL