Rice
81 Washington St., between Front and York Sts.; 718-222-9880
riceny.com
Hours: Daily, noon-11 p.m.
The name Rice should be a tip off, but just to clarify: This chic spot specializes in dishes from around the world that are traditionally served with that starchy accompaniment. There's a choice of 10 different rices that you can pair with such choices as Thai beef salad, Indian chicken curry, black beans, and many others. Most entrée-sized portions are $8-$10 (smalls are $4.50-$6.50), with the only exception being the $14 Lebanese-style chicken kabob which is enough to feed two. You can dine in their stylish dining room, or out on the bare-bones patio. But we suggest grabbing an order to go, heading around the corner, and staking out a spot at Brooklyn Bridge Park for an al fresco meal with a breathtaking view of lower Manhattan.

Photograph by Tisa Coen.