MOOD-SETTING MENUS

Whether you’re heading out East or starting the weekend early, here are our top three choices for a Friday lunch in the city.

BÂTARD

Restaurateur Drew Nieporent’s Michelin-starred Tribeca spot opens for lunch only one day of the week: Friday. Sample the impressive, unfussy food of chef Markus Glocker with a twoor three-course prix fixe meal ($38–$48 per person) featuring lobster risotto, duck pie, or a pork tenderloin sandwich slathered in kohlrabi slaw. 239 W. Broadway, 212-219-2777; batardtribeca.com

LE BILBOQUET

Magnate Ron Perelman has finally taken this Upper East Side power-lunching mecca and society hub out East to Sag Harbor’s Long Wharf, and now it’s one of the hottest places in the Hamptons. You can sample the menu in advance (and have better luck getting a table!) at the original outpost—and don’t miss the Cajun chicken. 20 E. 60th St., 212-751-3036; lebilbouqetny.com

HAMPTON CHUTNEY COMPANY

For a more casual kickoff, dive into one of the dosas (crispy Indian pancakes) at either of this café’s city locations, owned by Isabel and Gary Macgurn. They offer traditional fillings like spicy potato alongside summer specials with avocado, peppers, and corn. There is also one in Amagansett if you want a continued fix. 464 Amsterdam Ave., 212-362-5050; 143 Grand St., 212-226-9996; hamptonchutney.com —M.E.

WHETHER YOU’RE HEADING OUT EAST OR JUST STARTING THE WEEKEND EARLY, HERE ARE OUR TOP THREE CHOICES FOR A FRIDAY LUNCH IN THE CITY.