Wingspan is still worth checking out especially since it's so easy to try on BGA. There is a reason it's so popular, it works well for many people. Everdell is another very popular one with great production. Kinda falls into the same camp in that it often shows up on these "popular games that didn't work for me" lists but it's quite good for what it is.

On the smaller side Wild Space can be a good entry point. Small box, inexpensive, very easy to play, fun combos.

Or if you want to jump straight into the deep water and go for the best that's Lorenzo Il Magnifico for me. Deus is another one I like a lot but that has a map component too.