Pork belly with figs and pistachios at A Voce Columbus (Photograph: Marlene Rounds)

According to Jay Cheshes, A Voce Columbus “charms without ever trying too hard,” and garners four out of five stars. [TONY]

The Upper West Side’s farm-forward Recipe gets four stars for being a neighborhood restaurant that serves “reasonably priced, homespun dishes that are executed with sophistication.” [TONY] Read more »

Monday Night Football at Brooklyn Bowl
Even game-day haters will endure a few touchdowns if free beer is involved. Score a voucher for a gratis pint by joining Brooklyn Bowl’s mailing list; then head to the bar to watch the game on nine high-def screens, with a tailor-made DJ soundtrack. FREE Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave between North 11th and 12th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-963-3369, brooklynbowl.com). 6pm.

Cake with syrup-soaked peaches at Civetta (Photograph: Virginia Rollison)

Civetta in Little Italy is a “soulless sophomore venture” from Sfoglia’s Ron and Colleen Suhanosky, which Jay Cheshes grants a mere two out of five stars. [TONY]

Williamsburg’s Sui Ren Izakaya gets three out of five stars for its booze-friendly Japanese food, though “many of the more creative small plates fell short.” [TONY]

We give four stars to Brooklyn Bowl, where the “cooking and cocktails are leagues above the competition.” [TONY] Read more »

Macarons from Aureole (Photo: Jeff Gurwin)

The following restaurants and bars are expected to open by July 1. Opening dates can vary, so be sure to call before heading out.

Aureole After a lengthy run in an Upper East Side townhouse, chef-owner Charlie Palmer’s New American pioneer is moving to sleeker environs in the recently constructed Bank of America Tower. Design star Adam Tihany has outfitted the rich interior with a dramatic spiral chandelier and a 3,500-bottle wine mezzanine, among other features. Executive chef Christopher Lee oversees the preparation of dishes for the lounge and barroom, as well as the more formal dining room’s tasting menus. Preparations include a corn soup with caviar and ancho-chili oil. NB: All checks get a 15 percent discount until September 15. 1 Bryant Park, 135 W 42nd St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-319-1660) Read more »