Another option for Italian in Manhattan is Forlini's on Baxter Street:
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantd...0&cuisineid=61
It's been just right outside Chinatown for decades. I was there the other night with friends and enjoyed some nice home made (and nicely priced) Italian dishes (I went with the special of sausage and BIG CLOVES of Garlic in Penne and sauce.)
It has a lot of character and some characters at the bar!