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| ITALIAN Gennaro: Italian. 665 Amsterdam @ 92-3rd; 25/16/$38; 665-5348; Amazing food; Dirt cheap.... I mean really cheap for high end quality. Average service, small place; Food incredible though. Wildly popular; Antipasto appetizer; Pasta entrees great; Tiramisu for dessert. Celeste: Italian. 502 Amsterdam @ 84th-85th; 24/12/$33; 874-4559; Wood oven pizzas; Naples inspired cuisine; Large portions – especially antipasti; No Rez/ credit cards; But, mouthwatering food including a secret cheese plate. Spiga: Italian. 200 W 84th @ Amsterdam; 22/17/$46; 362-5506; Romantic setting; Creative, improving food. Rustic décor; Consistent quality of food; Large portions of heartily prepared classics. Cesca: Italian. 164 W 75th @ Amsterdam; 23/22/$58; 787-6300; Hearty, rustic dishes; Trendy; Southern Italian; Roomy; Very popular; Celebrate here; Large open space; Vibrant bar scene; Classy yet comfy. Patsy’s: Italian. 236 56th @ BWay-8th; 21/18/$51; 247-3491; Old school feel; Restaurant decorated with celebrity memorabilia; Southern Italian classics; Sinatra’s old stomping grounds. At home cooking. Bricco: Italian. 304 W 56th @ 8-9th Av; 21/17/$45; 245-7160; Wonderful service; Amazing Anti-pasta; Brick Oven pizzas; Overall solid all the way around; Friendly staff. Famous ceiling with kiss marks. Il Corso: Italian. 54 W 55th St @ 6th Av; 23/20/$54; 957-1500; High end fine dining; Tables are separated nicely; Creative selections; Classy establishment & a friendly, professional staff. The Risotto and Tiramisu stand out. Remi: Italian. 145 W 53rd @ 6-7th Av; 22/22/$61; 581-4242; Venetian meals prepared flawlessly; Risotto dishes stand out; Lively space great for dates or groups; Tuna-filled ravioli; Murals set the décor. Lattanzi: Italian. 361 W 46th @ 8-9th Av; 22/18/$53; 315-0980; Pre-Theatre favorite; Wonderful back garden, friendly service, romantic setting; Food not bad either! Perfect before show. Becco: Italian. 355 W 46th @ 8-9th; 23/17/$44; 397-7597; All u can eat Pasta for $22.95- 3 selections to choose from; Other great selections on menu choices (way to go); Nice bar; Massive $25 a bottle wine list; Yet still upscale & perfect pre-theatre.
Carmine’s: Italian. 200 44th @ B-Way; 20/15/$40; 221-3800; Garlic King; Legendary Italian institution; Family Style; Massive portions; Great for a group; Loud and always packed; Incredibly fun if not the best quality wise.
Il Punto: Italian. 507 9th Av @ 38th; 22/16/$47; 244-0088; Despite a poor location, incredible food; More than made up for by welcoming staff & family owned excellence. Gorgeous inside; Puglian inspired menu.
Crispo: Italian. 240 W 14th @ 7-8th; 23/19/$46; 229-1818; Hopping spot; Romantic, date friendly; Affordable and top shelf. Gorgeous all-season garden; Daily pasta specials and polenta stand out.
Antica Venezia: Italian; 396 West St @ W 10th; 23/23/$52; 229-0606; Incredible service and décor in this romantic charmer; Great view of the Hudson and ideal romance spot. Anniversary heaven; Pastas and grilled entrees are wonderful; Extras – gratis cordials; Just a solid date spot. Barbuto: Italian. 775 Washington @ Jane-W 12th; 924-9700; 22/18/$50; Beautiful setting, especially in summer; Freshly prepared meals with stunning presentation. Season-driven kitchen with unique entrees; Eclectic scene Malatesta Trattoria: Italian. 649 Washington Av @ Christopher; 23/16/$32; 741-1207; Hugely popular, this classic West Village red-sauce / red wine mecca serves amazingly inventive and tasty meals; Outdoor seating available. Morandi: Italian. 211 Waverly @ Charles; 22/20/$53; 627-7575; Very nicely presented dinner menu; Also brunch, lunch and a bar scene; Keith McNally inspired; Rustic Italian in a high energy setting; Very popular, and magnetic space. Gusto: Italian. 60 Greenwich @ Perry; 22/20/$53; 924-8000; Like dining in Italy; Fantastic brunches featuring multiple Bloody Mary types; Pastas are rustic with such things as wild boar & oxtail ragus; Large, fun menu, complex at times; Wine list.
Grano Trattoria: Italian. 21 Greenwich @ W 10th; 23/18/$40; 645-2121; Packed with local regulars; Known for brick over pizzas; Homemade pastas; Large menu; Like dining in someone’s living room. Piccolo Angolo: Italian. 621 Hudson @ Jane; 25/13/$39; 229-9177; Great food; Neighborhood spot; Tiny and Popular; Fun staff; Red sauce classics featuring giant sized meatballs; Food expertly prepared. Maremma; Italian. 228 W 10th St @ Bleecker; 22/21/$53; 645-0200; An energetic owner pays homage to a cowboy region of Italy on Tuscan coast; Different spin on dishes; Colorful and flavorful specials; Unique Italian experience- downstairs better; Dell’Anima: Italian. 38 8th Ave @ Jane; 22/18/$53; 366-6633; Quaint, high end newcomer; Exquisite ingredients used in unique preparations; Bruchetta is excellent; Dinner can be pricy if you order wine. Babbo: Italian. 110 Waverly Pl @ MacDougal-6th; 26/23/$78; 777-0303; #1 in Zagat’s (not by Iannation) for Italian; Mario Batali’s Restaurant; Wildly popular; Epic food; Flawless service; Carriage house setting; The Village flagship of the Batali empire; Carriage house setting. Probably overpriced for quality. Otto: Pizza. 1 Fifth Av @ 8th St; 23/19/$38; 995-9559; Mario Batali owned; Gourmet Pizzas and great pastas; Dirt cheap for quality; North side of Wash Sq park; Great for parties. Designer pies; Incredible wines Lupa: Italian. 170 Thompson @ Bleecker – Houston; 25/18/$52; 982-5089; Impossibly good; Affordable pricing for quality; Popular, date central; Bohemian; Compared to Babbo; Hospitality top shelf; Tough to get a table- call a week ahead; Perfect rustic Italian fare- Mario Batali. Marinella: Italian. 49 Carmine @ Bedford; 22/16/$41; 807-7472; Wonderful home feel- you will feel like a regular; Northern & Southern Italian; So friendly as well; Like a living room. Blackboard menu; Relaxing vibe. Palma: Italian. 28 Cornelia @ Bleecker; 23/20/$48; 691-2223; Known for mouth watering Sicilian specialties; Mediterranean influenced food; Adoring staff, happy to serve you; Garden in summer; Romantic- like dining in Italian countryside; Smallish. Po: Italian. 31 Cornelia @ Bleecker – W 4th; 24/16/$48; 645-2189; Close to perfect cooking; Small; $50 6-course tasting menu way to go; Extremely small place; Always packed. Il Mulino: Italian. 86 W 3rd St @ Sullivan – Thompson; 27/18/$85; 673-3783; Epic quality food; Surprisingly large portions, often too big to finish; Impossibly tender osso buco falling off the bone with risotto; Effortless service, quality wine; Every dish is sparkling with quality. Works of art. Worth the $$ splurge. Il Corallo Trattoria: Italian. 176 Prince @ Sullivan-Thompson; 22/14/$27; 941-7119; Bargain basement cheap; Massive menu; Known for huge choice in brilliantly prepared pastas. Service/ setting is iffy. But food wows you. Mezzogiorno: Italian. 195 Spring @ Sullivan; 21/17/$44; 334-2112; Crispy beef carpaccio; Outdoor seating in nice weather; Pleasant dining experience; Tuscan classics that are always solid. Aurora: Italian. 510 Broome @ Thompson-WB-Way; 25/21/$47; 334-9020; Italian; Incredibly fresh pasta and ingredients; Beautiful, relaxing décor; Top service; Top of the line. Sexy space- though slightly small – but worth the quarters for an amazing menu of standard and creatively new selections. Pepolino: Italian. 281 W B-Way @ Canal; 25/17/$52; 966-9983; High end Northern Italian; Two levels- better upstairs & quieter; Cool, modern feel with excellent service; Tasty classics of highest caliber. Il Cortile: Italian. 125 Mulberry @ Canal-Hester; 23/20/$48; 226-6060; Innovative Italian; Garden room; True Italian feel. Sizable portions served by a friendly, experienced waitstaff. Garden room stands out. Il Fornaio: Italian. 132A Mulberry @ Grand; 22/15/$34; 226-8306; Fun, friendly environment. Gem of a find on tourist-central Mulberry where red-sauce classics dazzle. Large menu & fair pricing seal the deal. Pellegrino’s: Italian. 138 Mulberry @ Grand-Hester; 24/18/$43; 226-3177; Delicious fare; Touristy but still a delightful experience; Service is tops. Traditional Little Italy Classic; Possibly the best on this strip; Can sit outside; Treated like royalty. Angelo’s of Mulberry: Italian; 146 Mulberry @ Grand-Hester; 23/16/$46; 966-1277; Been around forever; Pasta and Garlic lovers gravitate here; One of the best in Little Italy. Red sauce classics; Lines out the door for a reason; Stereotypical, but tried and true. Il Palazzo: Italian. 151 Mulberry @ Grand-Hester; 23/19/$45; 343-7000; Incredible seafood; Italian food is complex & tasty. One of the best on Mulberry. Glass enclosed garden room. Authentic.
Da Nico: Italian. 164 Mulberry @ Broome-Grand; 22/17/$39; 343-1212; Absolutely nothing wrong with this fine Little Italy selection; Solid all round; Garden & back patio in summer; Large portions for moderate sums; Coal oven pizzas. Bianca: Italian. 5 Bleecker @ Bowery-Eliza; 23/17/$34; 260-4666; Date spot; Great value; Steal; Authentic food; Homemade pastas; Lasagna with béchamel & meat ragu; Attentive service; Cash only; Small. Peasant: Italian. 194 Elizabeth @ Prince-Spring; 24/21/$54; 965-9511; Unique menu and amazing setting; Opera-set open kitchen; Romantic and sleek; Romantic wine bar downstairs; Rustic & urban chic Apizz: Italian; 217 Eldridge @ Rivington-Stanton; 24/21/$45; 253-9199; Off the beaten track location is only reason tables available- but it’s close to tons of nightlife; Brick oven classics; Romantic and toasty vibe; Mascarpone Ravioli; Whole fish; Variety of classics. Falai: Italian. 68 Clinton @ Rivington-Stanton; 24/19/$50; 253-1960; Extremely unimaginably good Italian food. White on white décor; Exquisite dishes; Extremely inventive and creative use of ingredients. Il Buco: Italian. 47 Bond St (2nd St) @ Bowery-Lafayette; 25/23/$59; 533-1932; Unimaginably good Italian; Heavenly creations in a charming, perfect setting; Great date place & great scene; Stylish and cool; See website. Seasonal menu; Dining in a charming living room. Chef Ed Witt. Best wine list. Supper: Italian. 156 2nd St@ Av A-B; 25/19/$35; 477-7600; Inexpensive amazing Italian; Wine bar next door while you wait for a table; Incredible pastas. Simple yet superb; Always packed. Perbacco: Italian. 234 E 4th St @ Av A-B; 25/18/$43 253-2038; Italian-style Tapas - Small plates; Great preparation. Charming staff. Excellent wines. Casual setting that works food magic; Small like a Tapas place, however. Aroma: Italian. 36 E 4th St @ Bowery-Lafayette; 24/18/$40; 375-0100; Near Astor Place, this amazing & fresh gem always supplies a top experience. Cool for a pre-dinner drink as well; The menu has many creative entrees that are sure to satisfy; Worth a look. Duck salad, Veal, Gnocchi…all top shelf. Lavagna: Italian. 545 E 5th @ Av A-B; 25/19/$39; 979-1005; Intimate Italian; Wine List is outstanding; Value priced top notch food; Ideal date spot; Wonderfully prepared food. Diamond in the ruff. Frank: Italian. 88 2nd Av @ 5-6th; 24/14/$33; 420-0202; Homey feel; Cool and fun; Chalk board menus; Dirt cheap for food this good; Tight – but doable; Absolute diamond in the ruff; Not fancy. I Coppi: Italian. 432 9th St @ Av A-1st Av; 24/20/$47; 254-2263; Gorgeous, welcoming Italian. Year round back garden is key here; Incredible pastas & entrees; Wines list superb & extensive. Great people. Gnocco Café: Italian. 337 E 10th @ Av A-B; 22/17/$37; 677-1913; Fried Dough appetizer; Garden; Date spot; Heavenly food. Quality pastas- especially gnocco; Relaxed atmosphere with modest tabs. Dieci: Italian. 228 E 10th @ 1-2nd; 23/20/$39; 387-9545; Japanese ownership adds new flair to Italian cuisine; Small plates; Absolute perfection for service. Affordable pricing; Risotto, Lamb Bolognese; Yummy! Cacio e Pepe: Italian. 182 2nd Av @ 11-12th; 22/17/$40; 505-5931; Moderate prices, warm service; Solid fare. Garden in the spring & summer; Italian Gem. Try the signature pasta dish served in Parmesan wheel. Barbone: Italian. 186 Av B @ 11-12th St; 24/19/$43; 254-6047; Known for stellar pasta dishes; Top shelf treatment from chef-owner; Affordable and pleasant dining experience here. Back garden; Masterful. Da Andrea: Italian. 35 W 13th @ 5-6th Av; 23/15/$37; 367-1979; Small; So good it’s scary; Homestyle, affordable cuisine; New location- not been to; Treated like family; Mouth watering menu. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza: Pizza. 328 E 14th @ 1-2nd Av; 24/9/$13; 228-2004; Just a storefront setting but the new trendy spot in the city for the best slice; Signature artichoke dip –topped pie; Long lines but this is the new “John’s Pizza” Basta Pasta: Italian. 37 W 17th @ 5th Ave; 22/18/$43; 366-0888; Japanese-Italian fusion; Sushi dishes, amazing pasta dishes and main courses infused with both styles; Very sleek and cool décor; Open kitchen; Parmesan wheel used to serve spaghetti; Adventurous. Beppe: Italian. 45 E 22nd @ B-Way-Park; 23/20/$55; 398-2367; Wood oven fare; Packed; Northern Italian; Warm and inviting; Farmhouse setting; Charming dining room & painstakingly prepared meals. Novita: Italian. 102 E 22nd @ Lex-Park; 24/19/$53; 677-2222; Elegant, always improving fare; Standard and inventive fare; Great anniversary date spot. Tight-ish space; Fresh Mozz; Bruchetta.
Inoteca North: Italian; 323 3rd Av @ 24th; 23/22/$60; 683-3035; Denton brothers – owners of Lupa- Milan infused classics to Gramercy; Happening bar & incredible menu; Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Small plate format & great wine list. I Trulli: Italian. 122 E 27th @ Lex-Park; 23/20/$56; 481-7372; Gorgeous place; Inside fireplace; Outdoor seating; Great wine list; Classy place; Sleek and inviting. Brilliant wine list; Close to an institution. Trattoria Alba: Italian. 233 E 34th @ 2-3rd Av; 22/18/$40; 689-3200; Neighborhood spot. Crowd is filled with regulars coming back for classic, reliable fare. Take your time service; Menu has the dishes. Villa Berulia: Italian. 107 E 34th @ Lex-Park; 23/19/$49; 689-1970; Mature, crowd; Extremely friendly and attentive service; Incredible cooking; Great for a family meal or a romantic date. Quiet & more mature. Convivio: Italian. 45 Tudor City: 42nd @ 1st-2nd Av; 23/21/$53; 599-5045; Southern Italian; Incredible use of pancetta, tomatoes, and pesto; Superb antipasti; Beautiful garden; Delicious wine list. Elegant.
Osteria Laguna: Italian. 209 E 42nd @ 2-3rd; 21/18/$46; 557-0001; Very popular UN-area neighborhood mainstay. Solid fare, attentive service and seating outdoors. Venetian fare; Packed at lunch. Fabio Piccolo Fiore: Italian. 230 E 44th @ 2nd – 3rd Av; 22/21/$48; 922-0581; Solid all the way round; Great food, service, décor; Grand Central sleeper; Chef-owner that treats you like personal guest; Accommodating – will make whatever you like. Nanni: Italian. 146 E 46th @ Lex-3rd Av; 24/15/$54; 697-4161; Veteran institution with unreal food; Inventive menu; Waiters with true personality. Extremely expensive but food makes you forget. Mia Dona: Italian. 206 E 58th @ 2nd – 3rd Av; 22/20/$52; 750-8170; Gorgeous, semi-spacious setting; Classic dished from owners who run an upscale Greek place – Anthos; Innovative menu; Affordable for the upscale quality. Accademia di Vino: Italian. 1081 3rd Av @ 63-4th; 22/19/$51; 888-6333; Best dishes are the Carbonara, veal chop and the lamb; Welcoming new Italian restaurant; Great for dates; Wine list. Small plates to large meals; Spacious location; Massive encyclopedic menu; Uva: Italian. 1486 2nd Av @ 77-78th; 21/21/$40; 472-4552; Young, hip, great date spot; Affordable entrees; Great back garden for dining in warm weather; Great specials. Terrific wine bar as well. Maruzzella: Italian. 1483 1st Av @ 77-8th; 22/17/$40; 988-8877; Recent expansion improves an already good thing; Reliable and mouthwatering Italian selections with top service. Staff works hard to impress Spigolo: Italian. 1561 2nd Av @ 81st; 25/16/$55; 744-1100; Inventive food; Perfectly prepared; Owners offer personalized service and really care; Always packed & not terribly spacious; Desserts are outstanding. Firenze: Italian. 1594 2nd Av @ 82-3rd; 21/20/$44; 861-9368; Wonderful cuisine; Small place but infinitely romantic; Back garden in spring; Homey feel. Great ambiance; Relaxing, date-friendly dinner. Erminia: Italian. 250 E 83rd @ 2-3rd; 25/24/$62; 879-4284; Extremely Romantic spot; Family owned; For couples and anniversaries; Great service in a memorable setting. Ultimate date restaurant; You will drop a Benjamin or two. | |
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