Cuba Cafe, 8th Avenue

Part of the Chelsea's Finest Restaurants dining group, Cuba Cafe (200 8th Ave., 212-633-1570) is one of a handful of great eateries along bustling and tres-gay 8th Avenue - it's close to other members of the group, include Mare seafood and La Belle Vie. Cuba Cafe has made a name for itself with its potent mojito cocktails, dishy weekend brunches, and such menu mainstays as chorize with port wine, platain rellenos with smoked bacalao sauce, and tuna with a coconut-ginger ceviche.