The most cheerful new stop in the Belmont neighborhood, Siggy’s is brightened by natural light, plants and art, not to mention organic fresh ingredients with a Mediterranean flair. Don’t miss out on the gluten-free banana pancakes, vegetable frittata, and mint lemon spritzer on the brunch list.

From Asheville chef William Dissen comes an Appalachian-focused menu Uptown. The establishment, named for farmers and celebrations, both of which can be known as haymakers, is a key stop for higher end Uptown dining. Start with the heirloom cornmeal hush puppies and end with the apple and parsnip cake.

Chic and flickering with candlelight, the second, smaller Bistro La Bon location has a similar, but slightly more limited version of the menu at the Plaza Midwood flagship spot. Be on the lookout for half-priced wine bottle specials, but come prepared to order the crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet corn velouté, plus the ahi tuna tartare atop a Himalayan salt slab.

An intimate space coupled with seasonal small plates, Bardo has quickly become praised for artistic creations from a limited list of offerings. It’s worth booking reservations in advance on Resy.

This cozy, eclectic cafe is South End’s neighborhood stop for interesting wines by the bottle, cans of craft beer and kombucha, fresh-baked bread and bakery items, snacks (for dogs and cats, too), and a full menu of lunch and breakfast offerings. For something green, go for the avocado toast served atop a wooden paddle with bergamot EVOO, baby arugula and shaved onion; for a hefty sandwich, opt for the Banh Joe V with roasted pork loin, pickled carrot, jalapeno, cilantro, foie gras aioli, and cucumber.

The South End version of this popular local burger joint first opened as a slider concept before quickly pivoting to become a second location for its original, full-size burger menu. Fast-casual and laid-back with cow-print booths and a VIP loft, Bang Bang #2 offers burger bowls from salmon burgers to black bean burgers, plus hefty options like the Hangover burger with cheddar, potato bacon hash, a fried egg, and Bang sauce.

This cocktail parlor slides re-imagined bar bites across the bar tops while patrons sip handcrafted cocktails with interesting ingredients (think muddled watermelon). The delicately crispy flatbreads are a must — the pesto and avocado rendition carries arugula and cilantro pesto, avocado, shaved red onion, sun-dried tomato, cotija cheese, and a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts. What to expect in 2019: the roll out of a monthly guest chef dinner series featuring cocktails by Bob Peters paired with courses crafted by a guest chef.

From the easygoing nautical decor theme to approachable seafood entrees like classic lobster rolls, fried shrimp platters with slaw and fries, and grilled salmon over salad, The Waterman feels like a relaxed escape from the city. A must: Start with the smoked trout paté with crackers.

The vision of Customshop’s chef Trey Wilson, Flour Shop offers a close-up of the kitchen. The snug dining room is built around the open kitchen, in fact, so guests can witness the wood-cooking, the pasta-making, the bread-baking, and more. What guests won’t see: the garden in Wilson’s backyard that supplies fresh ingredients to the menu. Shared plates range from carpaccio, to ricotta-stuffed ravioli, to garganelli with spicy pork sugo.