These dishes from neighborhood restaurants aren’t on the menu. You just have to know.

Romano-crusted chicken at Princi Italia Photo by Danny Fulgencio

Only so much ink will fit in print. Ask any graphic designer. That’s one reason almost every restaurant serves a dish or two that is not on the menu. Some are famous. Others are the result of cravings, hangovers and happy accidents. Even though one or two might annoy the cook or waiter, these off-the-menu dishes keep customers smiling.

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Romano-crusted chicken at Princi Italia

Risotto rice pudding at Dough Pizzeria

Spanakopita at Gio’s Café and New York Deli

Señor Chico at Mi Cocina

Stir-fry at Kathleen’s Sky Diner

More off-the-menu dishes