Double Crown

The style magicians at restaurant design firm AvroKO (E.U., The Stanton Social) have worked their magic on the former Manahatta Lounge space. The twist? This British-Indo-Asian spot is only the second venture—after Soho's neo-Australian Public—that they've both designed and owned. Leaving the kangaroo meat behind, AvroKo's taking a chance with another offbeat concept: the menu and decor pay homage to the British Empire's influence in 19th-century India, China and Singapore. Even in a city inundated with fusion cuisine, dishes like tandoori marinated foie gras with Earl Grey prunes are sure to raise a few eyebrows. Completing the round-the-empire jaunt are cocktails like a British-style dry gin that's topped off with elderflower and Thai red chili foam. We can almost hear Graham Greene applauding from beyond the grave. 

See more: NoHo restaurants, East Village restaurants, British restaurants