Part Parisian bistro and part your grandmother's dining room, Hudson Cafe in the West Village has a little bit of an identity quandary—not that there's anything wrong with that. By day, the dainty shop caters to lunchtime bustlers looking for a panini, a pastry and a cappuccino on the go. At night, out come the votive candles and the wine glasses, catering to a more relaxed crowd looking for plates of charcuterie and bowls of moules.

Nick Cervera and Lupe Elizalde, who run the upscale Mexican bistros Mole, extend their reach across the pond, bringing in the flavors of France and the Mediterranean to their latest project. Sandwiches and soups dominate the daytime menu, like a wild mushrooms panini ($9.95) with taleggio and truffle oil, a roasted leg of lamb sandwich ($9.95) with tarragon mustard and The "628" salad ($9.95) with tomato, red onion, fennel, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, celery and Sicilian tuna.

Supper means larger, hot dishes like a Pork Loin ($18) stuffed with dried fruit and pistachios, Crispy Salmon ($19) with fennel and onion confit and a classic Beef Bourguignon ($18) served with garlic and parsley smashed potatoes. Three tap beers and wines by the glass are available in the evening and a nightly oyster bar will debut once the weather turns more favorable.

Neighborhood folk can breeze in for breakfast, too, with Balthazaar pastries, a full line of espresso drinks and some small breakfast treats like French toast ($8.25) and an organic egg and cheese sandwich ($5.55) on offer as well. If you ingest your food in liquid form, opt for a fresh pressed juice—the "Energetic Chelsea" with apples, beets, carrots, ginger and lemon sounds tasty—or a healthful fruit-and-veggie smoothie.

628 Hudson Street between Jane and Horatio Streets, (212) 390-1744

Hudson Cafe Menu