Johnny Utah’s
They’re full of bull. Literally. The centerpiece at this new Southwestern food emporium, in Rock Center, is Manhattan’s only mechanical bull—after all, there’s nothing like a nice gentle rodeo spin to help you digest those barbecued ribs. The chef, Marlon Manty, is a Danny Meyer vet from Blue Smoke, and he whips up hearty offerings like “poblano-style” braised short ribs and smoked chicken pot pie. Let’s hope the food stays down. 25 W. 51st St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-265-UTAH

Sea Salt
“When I go to Le Bernardin, I’m not sure why I am able to order the fish but I’m not able to taste the fish,” says chef Orhan Yegen. “Why should I taste coconut on my swordfish?” Fighting words from a man whose reverence for grilled whole fish reaches religious levels. To that end, he’s opened this East Village spot, which focuses on grilled fish that is unabashedly purist in its approach to honoring the food’s original flavors. 99 Second Ave. between Fifth and Sixth Sts., 212-979-5400

Wakiya
Looks like our Chinese takeout will just have to wait: Strir-fry goes ultra luxe at the Gramercy Park Hotel’s haute Chinese spot, which will have its “soft opening” on July 24. (Translation: People more important than you have already eaten there.) The refined cuisine, which has influences from places such as Shanghai and Beijing, is—in an interesting twist—from the Japanese chef Yuji Wakiya. The pedigree alone is a powerhouse: The place has the backing of GPH impresario Ian Schrager and is run by the team behind Nobu. 2 Lexington Ave. at 21st St., 212-201-2171

Southern Hospitality
Barbecue get the star treatment at this Upper East Side joint co-owned by Justin Timberlake. The menu features barbecued noshes inspired by the pop-star-turned-mini-mogul’s hometown of Memphis, and the vibe is equally down-home, with brick walls and wooden furniture. It’s an odd location for a barbecue joint, but—if his latest album is any indication—JT is just fine pushing the envelope. 1460 Second Ave. at 76th St., 212-249-1001

Georgia's Eastside BBQ
In what is looking like a barbecue renaissance, a fourth smoke joint has just opened in the city, adding to a ‘cue tour that stretches from Texas (Hill Country) to Memphis (Southern Hospitality). This one, on the Lower East Side, draws its inspiration from the ATL, where chef Alan Natkiel spent some years. Expect less flash than its predecessors: The place is tiny, but the prices are equally scaled back. Plus—shock!—they’ve got a vegetarian plate. Because, of course, carnivores shouldn’t have all the fun. 192 Orchard St. at Stanton St., 212-253-6280

The side dish …

Izakaya Ten has introduced a summer cocktail menu of festive drinks, many of which are made with the restaurant’s infused shochus. Try the Grapefruit Chu-hai (shochu and fresh grapefruit juice)—it’s perfect with the deep-fried octopus balls. 207 10th Ave. between 22nd and 23rd Sts., 212-627-7777

As part of its cinema series, small-plates spot Core, on the Lower East Side, presents silent films every Tuesday night at its garden dining space. On the schedule: “Nosferatu,” “Metropolis” and “Seven Chances.” 191 Orchard St. at Stanton St., 212-228-9888