Elise opens in Midtown: French-Italian food, creative cocktails and art-lined walls

Zoom in: Located in the former Table 1280 space, the restaurant is serving up small plates (scallop crudo with melon and bronze fennel), pastas (tagliatelle with rabbit ragu) and entrees (halibut with ginger beurre blanc).

• Desserts include housemade gelati and sorbetti, a chocolate mousse punctuated with za'atar, and more.

The wine menu favors French labels "from celebrated appellations to lesser-known winemakers bringing fresh perspectives to traditional styles."

• Look for a curated vermouth menu and creative cocktails from beverage manager Eric Potrikus.

The look: Designers Smith Hanes Studio lightened up the Renzo Piano-designed space with brighter wood floors and added red and green colors to contrast with museum white walls.

What's next: Weekday lunch, a five-course tasting menu and wine pairings.

State of play: Elise is open Tuesday through Sunday at 5pm. Reservations online