Since its creation in 2002 by Hollywood heavy-weight Robert De Niro and film producer Jane Rosenthal, the Tribeca Film Festival has been drawing over 300,000 film lovers to downtown Manhattan for a two-week-long celebration of independent features and documentaries. With a tightly-packed schedule of events from movie screenings to panel discussions, running this year April 23rd to May 4th, knowing how to fuel up for the frenzy is essential.

While most festival-goers will be flocking to the traditional Tribeca staples instead of navigating the neighboring, and often complicated named-streets, psychoPEDIA has compiled a list of restaurants that won't be infiltrated by out-of-towners. So whether you're grabbing a bite before a flick or going for a leisurely meal after, here are six nearby eateries that are sure to please:

Mooncake Foods
Only a skip away from the Tribeca Film Institute, this slightly hidden diner serves a satisfying menu of Asian-fusion cuisine in it’s no-fuss setting off Sixth Avenue. Despite being a local hot-spot, generally packed during lunch hour, the famously efficient waitstaff and quick-slinging chefs will have your food ready in a flash, making Mooncake a perfect spot to drop in before a matinee. And with inexpensively-priced entrees like miso-glazed salmon, spicy hoisin fish tacos, and alternating daily dinner specials, you can enjoy a meal for the mere cost of a movie ticket.

Smith & Mills
This tag-team creation from Matt Abramcyk and Akiva Elstein of West Village eateries Employees Only and Beatrice Inn was garnering buzz well before its quiet opening last spring. Since then, patrons have been squeezing into this small, saloon-like space to enjoy its traditional American cuisine. Essentially a converted horse stable, the speakeasy setting will probably put you in the mood for a dirty Western and a stiff drink to sip on for hours. And with its easy-going, cozy atmosphere, Smith & Mills makes the perfect setting for having esoteric conversations with friends over the latest art-house flick.

Café Habana
While you may often find yourself standing in a line curving out the door of Café Habana, licking your lips while watching packed-in patrons enjoy their Cuban sandwiches and grilled corn with cotija cheese, making a visit to this little Latin American restaurant is well worth the wait. It's an eat-and-run type establishment, so you won’t want to dine here if you’re looking to make long conversation with your date. However, if you can't stand the wait for a table, the newer, full-service to-go post is luckily located conveniently next door for if you need to grab your corn-on-the-cob and make it to your flick in a flash.

Caffe Falai
This modern, casual Italian eatery is the newest outpost of a trio from pastry chef and baker extraordinaire, Iacopo Falai, of the eponymous Clinton Street Falai and neighboring Falai Pannetteria. The Lafayette Street café known for its daily supply of fresh breads and pastries baked in-house, although opened just last year, has slowly become a brunch staple. Housed in a bright-white-tiled and demurely-decorated atmosphere, it’s a place to enjoy light Italian cuisine of simple, satisfying dishes–- from eggs with fontina to homemade pasta dishes–- where you can clear your mind before embarking on the festival. But whether you’re going for a quick snack or a longer lunch, it's is cash only, so make sure to save a few bucks for a tub of popcorn at the movies if you still have room.

Kittichai
Opened in 2004 by Robin Lee of Tribeca’s famed Japanese sushi den, Nobu, and headed by the imported former executive chef of the Four Seasons Bangkok, Ian Chalermkittichai, this acclaimed Thai restaurant is comfortably situated in the 60 Thompson boutique hotel. The environment–- decorated in bamboo screens, lush silks, and a flower-filled reflecting pool–- might make you feel as if transported to a stage set for a Bangkok play, but the food will ground you back in reality. Although most of Kittichai’s menu is served a la carte and family style, the special $30 Pre-Theater Prix Fixe, served between 5:30 and 7:30 daily, makes a great way to fill up on food and feng shui.

La Esquina
La Esquina is known for being an exclusive and favorite spot for celebrities and foodies alike and operates until 5 am, covering all bases with its duo of dining options. From its casual café, to its outdoor taqueria dispensing fresh Mexican fare on the corner of Lafayette and Kenmare–- festival-goers can have free range of pre- or post-movie dining. And if you find your stomach grumbling through a late-night screening, knowing you can still enjoy a fresh taco on La Esquina's street-side red benches is always reassuring.


Other Recommendations:
Mr. Chow Tribeca, 121 Hudson St. (212) 965-9500
Blaue Gans, 139 Duane St. (212) 571-8880
Harrison, 355 Greenwich St. 212-274-9310
Edwards, 136 W Broadway, (212) 233-6436
Odeon, 145 W Broadway. (212) 233-0507
Nobu, 105 Hudson St. (212) 219-0500
Walker, 16 N Moore St. (212) 941-0142


First photo via PittinHollywood.com
Second photo by Jessica Dell
Third photo courtesy of Eater.com
Fourth photo courtesy of JellyBellyBear
Fifth photo by Jeff Gurwin
Sixth photo courtesy of New England Bamboo