Probably not what you’re looking for, but I have a lot of favourite menu items; typically I’ll go to a restaurant just for one of the following:

Burger: Vesper

Burger (runner up): Angry Goat

Pizza (at home): Pizza Wizard

Pizza (sitting down): Branca Midtown

Elevated/seasonal menus: AVVINO

Elevated/seasonal menus (runner up): REDD

Omakase: Taste of Japan

Fun Sushi Rolls (+seafood stew): Velvet Belly

Parm/French, Chik/Veal: Grandpa Sam’s

Xiaolongbao: Dumpling House

BBQ Brisket, Pork +Sides: Taste of Texas

Tacos: Are we still mad at La Casa?

Bagels/Cream Cheese: Are we still mad at Balsam?

Paella (and crickets): Ox & Stone

Plate (Flavour): Dogtown

Plate (Authenticity/Reliability): Schaller’s

Plate (Size4Drunkenness): Jimmy Z’s

Goofball Cocktails: Swan Dive

Coffee (black/cold brew): Fuego/Melo

Coffee (made drinks): Ugly Duck

Jerk Chicken: Side Bar

Breakfast Sandwiches: Bodega

Hot/Cold Subs: DiBella’s (Henrietta only)

Veg / GF Options: Owl House

Fast Protein: Chortke

Generic Brunch w/ Friends: Brown Hound

OTT Steak (specifically trio): Tournedos

——

NOTE: I’ve been to Cure, Cub Room, Good Luck, TRATA, Tapas, Lento, Native, Vern’s, Rocco/Rella, Fiamma, and others multiple times… but reflecting on things I vividly remember, I kinda come up short. The food/experience is good. I just can’t think of a specific thing I’d go back for.