The sister to Piperade is flat-out fabulous if you're in the mood for tapas or Spanish-influenced small plates. Executive chef Gerald Hirigoyen celebrates his Basque roots with outstanding calamari with creamy tomato-and-garlic romesco sauce, scallops "mole cortado" with sherry and orange, sautéed hot peppers, tuna carpaccio, decadent foie gras sushi rolls, and astoundingly tasty warm chocolate cake with sautéed bananas. Just watch your budget -- at up to $12 per plate the tab can creep up on you. You might also want to check out their breakfast, which includes baked eggs with chorizo and manchego cheese. But don't come anticipating a formal dining environment or a cocktail: This small Financial District space is cafe-casual and beer-and-wine only.

Transportation: Bus: 15, 30X, or 41