Italian Restaurants in Manhattan (consolidated)
Sep 16, 2008, 10:25 pm
#31
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Ditto on Sette Mezzo.
It's simple, straightforward, excellent food. You'll be in and out in an hour. You may sit in the back (in cramped quarters) if you're not a regular. But the food should make up for it. In 20years and literally more than a THOUSAND meals there, I've never had a bad meal.
Trick is, don't read the menu -the specials are always terrific.
Be advised the place is cash only. And those aforementioned specials can be quite expensive. (Menu prices are actually quite reasonable.)
It's simple, straightforward, excellent food. You'll be in and out in an hour. You may sit in the back (in cramped quarters) if you're not a regular. But the food should make up for it. In 20years and literally more than a THOUSAND meals there, I've never had a bad meal.
Trick is, don't read the menu -the specials are always terrific.
Be advised the place is cash only. And those aforementioned specials can be quite expensive. (Menu prices are actually quite reasonable.)
Sep 17, 2008, 8:29 am
#32
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Ditto on Sette Mezzo.
It's simple, straightforward, excellent food. You'll be in and out in an hour. You may sit in the back (in cramped quarters) if you're not a regular. But the food should make up for it. In 20years and literally more than a THOUSAND meals there, I've never had a bad meal.
Trick is, don't read the menu -the specials are always terrific.
Be advised the place is cash only. And those aforementioned specials can be quite expensive. (Menu prices are actually quite reasonable.)
It's simple, straightforward, excellent food. You'll be in and out in an hour. You may sit in the back (in cramped quarters) if you're not a regular. But the food should make up for it. In 20years and literally more than a THOUSAND meals there, I've never had a bad meal.
Trick is, don't read the menu -the specials are always terrific.
Be advised the place is cash only. And those aforementioned specials can be quite expensive. (Menu prices are actually quite reasonable.)
Sep 18, 2008, 8:50 am
#34
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A favorite of mine is Brio (137 east 61st street). The first time we went was on a recommendation from a friend and we have gone back many times since. Not terribly expensive for New York, but not exactly cheap either. Never had awful service, but sometimes it could be better. However, the food is always delicious.
Another one is Grifone. Its on 244 E 46th St near the UN. Havent gone there as much as Brio, but still always good. The reviews are correct - Once you go a lot they begin to know you and it truly is like family. A fairly small place and very old fashioned.
While it may not be in NYC, if anyone ever out on the Island....In Westbury, on the corner of Post Ave and Old Country Rd is Cafe Baci. We've been going there for as long as I can remember and it is ALWAYS good. Be ready to wait though...on a Friday or Saturday be ready for 90 mins...but its worth it.
Another one is Grifone. Its on 244 E 46th St near the UN. Havent gone there as much as Brio, but still always good. The reviews are correct - Once you go a lot they begin to know you and it truly is like family. A fairly small place and very old fashioned.
While it may not be in NYC, if anyone ever out on the Island....In Westbury, on the corner of Post Ave and Old Country Rd is Cafe Baci. We've been going there for as long as I can remember and it is ALWAYS good. Be ready to wait though...on a Friday or Saturday be ready for 90 mins...but its worth it.
Sep 18, 2008, 9:05 am
#35
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I second the reccomendation for Grifone.
My personal favorite is a place called Marchi's on 31st Street in Kips Bay.
http://www.marchirestaurant.com/
My NYC native Italian-American family has been eating there for the past 40 or so years. It is a unique dining experience. There is no menu and everyone is served the same 5 course meal, which is served family style. The food is northern Italian and is very, very good. It's been owned and operated by the same family the whole time.
Here's how they describe the meal:
The lasanga is to die for.
It's resonably priced too for all the food that you get -- I recall it being approximately $50 per person.
It's a great with a large crowd and would make the perfect place for an FT event.
My personal favorite is a place called Marchi's on 31st Street in Kips Bay.
http://www.marchirestaurant.com/
My NYC native Italian-American family has been eating there for the past 40 or so years. It is a unique dining experience. There is no menu and everyone is served the same 5 course meal, which is served family style. The food is northern Italian and is very, very good. It's been owned and operated by the same family the whole time.
Here's how they describe the meal:
Originally Posted by Marchi's
The First Course consists of platters of antipasto . . . celery, melon, radishes, finocchio (a delicious Italian winter celery), Genoa salami, and a Lorenzo salad created by Signor Lorenzo Marchi, consisting of tuna fish, olives, capers, chopped celery, parsley, and red cabbage.
The Second Course is a steaming portion of lasagna, unlike any you have ever tasted. The pasta, of course, is homemade, and the sauce, made by Signor Lorenzo Marchi, is a family secret perfected only after many years of patient improvements.
Next you will be served delectably crisp, deep-fried fish, which virtually melts in your mouth. Savory cold beets and string beans are prepared with a simple oil and vinegar dressing to accompany it. As in everything you'll taste at Marchi's Restaurant, the flavors are delicate and subtle. Each dish has just a hint of something unusual in the way of seasoning to tempt your palate.
It's a far cry from the heavy concoctions usually thought of as typically Italian. Keep this in mind when choosing one of the fine Italian wines available. We offer an extensive wine list.
The Fourth Course consists of roast chicken and moist, tender slices of roast veal accompanied by a heaping platter of superbly cooked fresh mushrooms and a bowl of tossed salad.
The Fifth Course is dessert. You will find your table laden with a bowl of fruit, consisting of peaches, bananas, oranges, pears, and apples so perfect you'll think that they came straight out of a still life picture. A delicious cheese will also be served to complement the fruit. For your sweet tooth, there is the Crema Fritta (a lemon fritter) and a spectacular mound of Crostoli, which is crisp, fragile, deep-fried twists sprinkled with powdered sugar and piled high on the platter in an arrangement that looks like a fairytale castle.
Your dinner is completed with a serving of a demitasse. American coffee or tea is also available. Please visit us for a fine dining experience you will not soon forget!
The Second Course is a steaming portion of lasagna, unlike any you have ever tasted. The pasta, of course, is homemade, and the sauce, made by Signor Lorenzo Marchi, is a family secret perfected only after many years of patient improvements.
Next you will be served delectably crisp, deep-fried fish, which virtually melts in your mouth. Savory cold beets and string beans are prepared with a simple oil and vinegar dressing to accompany it. As in everything you'll taste at Marchi's Restaurant, the flavors are delicate and subtle. Each dish has just a hint of something unusual in the way of seasoning to tempt your palate.
It's a far cry from the heavy concoctions usually thought of as typically Italian. Keep this in mind when choosing one of the fine Italian wines available. We offer an extensive wine list.
The Fourth Course consists of roast chicken and moist, tender slices of roast veal accompanied by a heaping platter of superbly cooked fresh mushrooms and a bowl of tossed salad.
The Fifth Course is dessert. You will find your table laden with a bowl of fruit, consisting of peaches, bananas, oranges, pears, and apples so perfect you'll think that they came straight out of a still life picture. A delicious cheese will also be served to complement the fruit. For your sweet tooth, there is the Crema Fritta (a lemon fritter) and a spectacular mound of Crostoli, which is crisp, fragile, deep-fried twists sprinkled with powdered sugar and piled high on the platter in an arrangement that looks like a fairytale castle.
Your dinner is completed with a serving of a demitasse. American coffee or tea is also available. Please visit us for a fine dining experience you will not soon forget!
It's resonably priced too for all the food that you get -- I recall it being approximately $50 per person.
It's a great with a large crowd and would make the perfect place for an FT event.
Sep 18, 2008, 9:37 am
#36
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Actually, the food is slightly different at Vico. Interestingly, the ownership mix is different... Two partners own Vico; a third is in on Sette Mezzo - and he calls all the shots there. In my opinion, SM has the edge on food and efficiency of service. Vico would certainly be more comfortable for someone who isn't a regular at either restaurant. (At SM there's limited space, and if they don't know you, you'll be scrunched in the back.)
Sep 21, 2008, 1:41 pm
#37
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Thanks for everyones suggestions. We've made reservations at Le Zie for our group of 9 and we'll be splitting up and trying Felidia & Sette Mezzo in smaller groups for lunch.
Sep 21, 2008, 4:17 pm
#38
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Sep 21, 2008, 5:19 pm
#40
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My two favorites for Italian are Ama and Morandi. Ama is small and really wonderful, with dishes like fresh made pasta with wild boar sauce or rabbit sauce. Morandi is also a gem.
Sep 21, 2008, 6:41 pm
#41
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S.
Sep 21, 2008, 8:36 pm
#42
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Sep 22, 2008, 11:49 am
#44
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