Barbetta?
 

My mom suggested eating at a place called Barbetta before we go to the theatre. Has anyone eaten at this place (or heard anything about it)?

I found a menu online. It's rated as 'mid-range' Italian with entrees in the $15-$30 range. Looks like they had a fair selection of pasta and a few fish. (Mom and I aren't real big meat eaters, so that's good.)

Worth going to? Better suggestions within walking distance of the theatre district? Or near the WTC, for that matter...

Barbetta is an elegant northern Italian restaurant on West 46th Street in the heart of Broadway. It's a bit pricy but a wonderful dining experience.

It's been a number of years since I had dinner at Barbetta, but I remember that the food was very good - can't remember specifics except the dessert (I'm a sugar addict!), which was fresh strawberries in a beautiful crystal bowl, served from a dessert cart, and topped with a sabayon sauce - yum. It was summertime, and we sat on the small patio - try to be seated there if the weather is nice.

Another place I like near the theater district is Orso; very good Italian food, and more casual than Barbetta.
Bon Appetit!

I've not been to Barbetta, so I can't help you there. Generally the restaurants on 46th Street cater to the tourist trade and don't bother turning out particularly good food, but there are exceptions, I'm sure.

Two restaurants that I just mentioned in another thread, Vice Versa and Thalia, are near the theatre district and quite good. Also nearby is Esca, with excellent Italian seafood. Restaurant Above is not spectacular, but not a bad choice a bit further south. I used to think Local was an acceptable pre-theatre choice as well, but it is closed now.