I’m flying up to New York for Christmas from 20-27, any new or excellent Italian joints in Manhattan worth trying, trying to avoid that tourist trap ? My “hookup” for Rao’s in Harlem isn’t coming through (been dying to try it, like 90% of NY)
a table. Don Angie is the same. Babbo has the pedigree and isn’t impossible to get. Any of Michael White’s places would be a good choice, particularly Ai Fiori and Marea.
Incidentally the best new pizza is Bread and Salt at Jersey City Heights, which is dangerously close to me.
It's a chain restaurant. Specializes in yes meatballs. Most of the Itlain restaurants in NYC are crappy now bc it tourist and yuppies eat anything and pay high so why make quality food when you make more profit saving cheap food. Meatballs is really good cant go wrong and even good Italian restaurants dont make good meatballs. Or Tony's another chain. Try the one on 63 rd and 3rd ave. The mixed sea food of black linguine. NYC born and raised.
where have you been and what do you want, specifically? there is so much great italian in ny it would be helpful for you provide more info on what you want. ambience?
Wherever you go, I would say at a minimum make sure it's a place that makes it's own pasta. So many places do (or at least claim to) that it shouldn't be hard
a table. Don Angie is the same. Babbo has the pedigree and isn’t impossible to get. Any of Michael White’s places would be a good choice, particularly Ai Fiori and Marea.
Incidentally the best new pizza is Bread and Salt at Jersey City Heights, which is dangerously close to me.
Jim, I've just recently heard about Bread and Salt, have you been to Razza? If so, do you prefer B&S?
It's a chain restaurant. Specializes in yes meatballs. Most of the Itlain restaurants in NYC are crappy now bc it tourist and yuppies eat anything and pay high so why make quality food when you make more profit saving cheap food. Meatballs is really good cant go wrong and even good Italian restaurants dont make good meatballs.
The reason why good meatballs are hard to find is more of a philosophy than anything. For Italians (not Italian-Americans), meatballs aren't really part of their cuisine. Same with parmigiana dishes that aren't melenzana (eggplant) -- chick, veal, shrimp parm aren't Italian either.
So what happens is if the Italian restaurant in the US is very high end they'll most likely eschew those choices because of judgment from the mother country. I'd imagine Il Mulino wouldn't serve those dishes for that reason even if they could prepare them really well.
Now having said all that, I'm an Italian American who has spent some time in Italy and raised in NYC. It is actually possible to like both styles of cuisine. The more "local" places that have been around a long time, even if started by Italian immigrants will tend to offer hybrid menus. After a long enough time, making money is more important than "purity" if that makes sense. Your customer base comprises mostly non Italian Americans, so you have to go with what works. Spaghetti Carbonara vs. All'Amatriciana is not quite as critical stateside...LOL....
In the end, to me, if it's good and made authentically it doesn't matter. Anything made at Rosa's Pizza in Queens is delicious.
I do miss good meatballs at time, so thanks for the rec!
It's perfect. A small family place, good food. Everyone minds his business. It's perfect. they got an old-fashion toilet...you know, the box, and... and... and... ah the chain-thing....
It's perfect. A small family place, good food. Everyone minds his business. It's perfect. they got an old-fashion toilet...you know, the box, and... and... and... ah the chain-thing....
I've heard they have the best veal in town, and people are dying to get in there.
It's perfect. A small family place, good food. Everyone minds his business. It's perfect. they got an old-fashion toilet...you know, the box, and... and... and... ah the chain-thing....
I've heard they have the best veal in town, and people are dying to get in there.
Best in the city
The best italian restaurant in Manhattan (and I've been to them all) Â
Vice Versa near the theater district.
Tarallucci e Vino downtown and UWS
Incidentally the best new pizza is Bread and Salt at Jersey City Heights, which is dangerously close to me.
Wherever you go, I would say at a minimum make sure it's a place that makes it's own pasta. So many places do (or at least claim to) that it shouldn't be hard
Some of the best italian I've ever had. Great atmosphere, cozy downstairs wine cellar with a few tables is my favorite spot.
I very highly recommend it.
Uva NYC - ( New Window )
Incidentally the best new pizza is Bread and Salt at Jersey City Heights, which is dangerously close to me.
Jim, I've just recently heard about Bread and Salt, have you been to Razza? If so, do you prefer B&S?
The reason why good meatballs are hard to find is more of a philosophy than anything. For Italians (not Italian-Americans), meatballs aren't really part of their cuisine. Same with parmigiana dishes that aren't melenzana (eggplant) -- chick, veal, shrimp parm aren't Italian either.
So what happens is if the Italian restaurant in the US is very high end they'll most likely eschew those choices because of judgment from the mother country. I'd imagine Il Mulino wouldn't serve those dishes for that reason even if they could prepare them really well.
Now having said all that, I'm an Italian American who has spent some time in Italy and raised in NYC. It is actually possible to like both styles of cuisine. The more "local" places that have been around a long time, even if started by Italian immigrants will tend to offer hybrid menus. After a long enough time, making money is more important than "purity" if that makes sense. Your customer base comprises mostly non Italian Americans, so you have to go with what works. Spaghetti Carbonara vs. All'Amatriciana is not quite as critical stateside...LOL....
In the end, to me, if it's good and made authentically it doesn't matter. Anything made at Rosa's Pizza in Queens is delicious.
I do miss good meatballs at time, so thanks for the rec!
I've heard they have the best veal in town, and people are dying to get in there.
Quote:
It's perfect. A small family place, good food. Everyone minds his business. It's perfect. they got an old-fashion toilet...you know, the box, and... and... and... ah the chain-thing....
I've heard they have the best veal in town, and people are dying to get in there.
Best in the city
Pricey but the food, service and ambiance is in a class of it's own.
Everyone if directed there has said it was the best dining experience they've ever had.
Don't think twice about this one.