Thanks to Deuxmoi, our culture’s modern-day Gossip Girl, we are given an all-access pass into the lives of our favorite celebrities and influencers.

But what about the biggest tastemakers of the generation? The people who, quite literally, feed our city’s roaring appetite? They determine what dishes will be insta-famous, what restaurants will be impossible to snag on Resy, and what culinary trends are so hot, and so not.

We’re talking about the brains behind your favorite bowl of Cacio e Pepe, and your lazy Sunday night sushi order.

See Also: Chef Jean-Georges Dishes On Making Culinary History

Eager to know more about the crème de la crème of the culinary world, we’ve connected with industry maven, Chef Buddha, on his favorite restaurants in New York City.

The young Executive Chef was previously at Eleven Madison Park and Gordon Ramsay’s 3 Michelin-starred London flagship working under the acclaimed Clare Smyth.

Currently, at the helm of HŪSO, one of New York’s most splurge-worthy experiences, Buddha has curated the first and only "farm-to-spoon” caviar speakeasy via an opulent 8-course tasting menu highlighting caviar in every course, including dessert.

Keep reading for 11 NYC restaurants with a Michelin-star chef stamp of approval.

Atera

77 Worth St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: New American

Atmosphere: Intimate

Must-order dish: Tasting menu

Congee Village

100 Allen St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Cantonese

Atmosphere: Fun and colorful

Must-order dish: Blue Crab Congee

Little House Cafe

90-19 Corona Ave, Queens/Website

Cuisine: Malaysian

Atmosphere: Hole-in-the-wall

Must-order dish: Golden Pillow (Curry Chicken Bun)

Per Se

10 Columbus Circle, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: French

Atmosphere: Ultra-lux

Must-order dish: Tasting menu

Eataly

Multiple Locations/Website

Cuisine: Italian

Atmosphere: Bustling marketplace

Must-order dish: Tagliatelle Al Ragu Di Manzo

Supermoon Bakehouse

120 Rivington St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Bakery

Atmosphere: Vibrant

Must-order dish: Pandan Cruffin

Via Carota

51 Grove St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Italian

Atmosphere: Rustic and cozy

Must-Order Dish: Cacio e Pepe

Eleven Madison Park

11 Madison Ave, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Upscale American

Atmosphere: White tablecloth

Must-order dish: Tasting menu

Wildair

142 Orchard St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: American-French Fusion

Atmosphere: Casual wine bar

Must-order dish: Beef Tartare

JUA

36 E 22nd St, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Korean

Atmosphere: Modern

Must-order dish: Tasting menu

HŪSO

1067 Madison Ave, Manhattan/Website

Cuisine: Seafood

Atmosphere: Petite and refined

Must-order dish: Pasta Con La Bottarga