Where is the best Italian Restaurant in Manhattan
 

Taking my first trip to NY and would like the names of a few hidden gems (local eateries). Doesn't only have to be Italian, but that is our favorite.

Thanks.

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dstan
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there are a few in Little Italy...

In little Italy, we like Cafe Sorrento on Mulberry.

Like any italian place, take the time to ask what they have that's good when you are there that night. I'm betting not once will the server recommend the spaghetti and meatballs :)

you can't get in to Rao's so go here:

http://baldoriamo.com/aboutus2.html

yum yum

I believe there is a really good one in Times Square called The Olive Garden. J/K:D. My favorite near my apt. (Midtown East) is Fiorini.^

Because of the proximity of Little Italy to the federal and state courthouses, many lawyers are habitues of Italian restaurants. For example, a favorite place to go during a lunch break or while waiting for a grand jury is Forlini's on Baxter Street.

The only restaurant in Little Italy in which I would ever eat dinner, however, is Il Cortile. This was the local favorite of the late godfather, John Gotti and the place where the cast of "The Sopranos" used to have a regular dinner ritual whenever a certain event happened on the show. If they know you, you can order many things that are not on the menu.

Note that the restaurants in Little Italy serve primarily southern Italian cuisine and are not very fancy.

It you want Italian haute cuisine, you should head uptown to places like Il Mulino, Felidia, Babbo, etc.

Monty's in the Village. Honestly there are so many incredible places in the city skip the Italian and try something like Daniel....

Little Italy? How blah.

I love, love, love Il Buco on Bond St. Convivio in Tudor City is also excellent. And, for all you UESers, Vico is a favorite, but not on the level of the other two.

My favorite high end Italian is Il Mulino, in the Village, although it's an extraordinarily difficult reservation to get. Felidia, in the E. 50s also is excellent.

My favorite neighborhood Italian is Le Zie, on 7th Avenue in the low 20s. Their specials always sound amazing, but my favorite thing there is, in fact, the spaghetti and meatballs. You'll be amazed how good spaghetti and meatballs can be!

I would not go out of my way to venture to Little Italy.

It is at 20th Street on 7th Ave. I eat there about twice a month, and it is definitely a great option. Casual, laid back and easy, but delicious food. They got a "listed" rating in the Michelin guide. The "specials" are often more consistent than not, but always delicious. There's nothing on the menu that I don't like. :D

See also this thread for some more options and also this post.

My UES favorites:

Due
Maruzzella (a little cheaper - our fav wine is the Il Falcone)

Some also like Primola, although I think it's a bit overpriced.

E. 58th, but definite ^ from me.

On the higher end, let's add Sette Mezzo and Circo.

My favorite is Scalinatella at 61st and 3rd. Don't order off the menu.

Sette Mezzo is Vico and vice versa. I just like Vico more as it's a little lower key.