Babbo Ristorante
Visit Babbo, in the heart of Greenwich Village, to sample celebrity chef Mario Batali's hearty Italian cuisine made with fresh, seasonal produce. Chef Batali has won both the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Chef of the Year" and "Best Chef in New York City" awards. Babbo has an extensive wine list and lively bar and features homemade pasta, foie gras ravioli, whole grilled branzino with radicchio and pancetta, and an impressive grilled rib eye for two. The New York Times awarded Babbo an impressive three stars, reporting that "the proof is in the perfectly cooked pasta." Babbo is truly top-rated Italian dining in New York.
Babbo Ristorante
110 Waverly Place
New York, New York 10011
(212) 614-6670
babbonyc.com
Scarpetta
Dine in style at Scarpetta, in the trendy Meatpacking District. Chef Scott Conant's soulful Italian cuisine is recommended by the New York Times and the Michelin guide. The New York Times recommends Chef Conant's "buttery polenta with morels and preserved truffles--one of the most decadent things ever to happen to cornmeal." Scarpetta features a full-service bar and sidewalk cafe. After much success with L'Impero and Alto, Scott Conant's first two endeavors on the New York Italian restaurant scene, Scarpetta is a welcome new addition. Time Out New York rated Scarpetta "Best New Italian Restaurant 2009."
Scarpetta
355 West 14th St.
New York, New York 10014-5001
(212) 691-0555
scarpettanyc.com
SD26
For sophisticated Italian food in a hip, upscale atmosphere, make a reservation at SD26. Tony May ruled the roost on Central Park South for years with iconic San Domenico. Now he's moved downtown, partnered with daughter Marissa May, and gone fresh, young and minimalist with SD26, serving modern Italian cuisine in high style. As a tantalizing appetizer, the New York Times recommends smoked lobster with porcini and blood orange segments. Robert Lape, the restaurant reviewer for WCBS Radio, reported that Tony May should get "most of the credit for changing the face of Italian cuisine in America," including adhering to Italian cooking techniques and importing authentic, top-quality ingredients. Make a reservation at SD26 for an authentic Italian experience in a modern setting. This is certainly one of New York's top Italian restaurants.
SD26
Madison Square Park
19 East 26th St.
New York, New York 10010
sd26ny.com
Pelligrino's
Spend an afternoon in Little Italy working up an appetite and take your family to dinner at Pellegrino's. Feast on "red-sauce Italian" cuisine and to die for tiramisu and cheesecake on Mulberry Street. Black pepper filet mignon with Barolo wine sauce, calamari in white wine sauce, and linguini rustica with wild porcini mushrooms are shining stars on Pellegrino's menu. New York Magazine recommends Pellegrino's romantic vibe and homemade desserts as a top pick among Italian restaurants in New York.
Pelligrino's
138 Mulberry St.
New York, New York 10013
(212) 226-3177
Di Fara
Don't miss Di Fara. According to Frank Mancino in the New York Times, "It's like they dug up my grandma and she made the pie." The pizza is classic Neapolitan style, with ingredients imported from Italy. New York Magazine suggests watching Domenico De Marco make thin Neapolitan pies "the same way he's been doing it for more than four decades." It's worth the schlepp to Brooklyn.
1424 Avenue J
Brooklyn, New York 11230
(718) 258-1367
difara.com
Grotta Azzurra
Stroll through Little Italy and stop for lobster alla diavolo at Grotta Azzurra, Sinatra and the Rat Pack's former hangout. World famous tenor Enrico Caruso ate here, too. Originally opened in 1908, Grotta Azzurra has been renovated with an antique mahogany bar, pressed-tin ceiling and a climate-controlled wine cave. Favorites like penne alla vodka and spaghetti Bolognese are sure to please. Step back in time and spend an evening at Grotta Azzura, one of Little Italy's top Italian restaurants.
Grotta Azzurra
177 Mulberry St.
New York, New York 10013
(212) 925-8775
grottaazzurrany.com
il Laboratorio del Gelato
Head down to the Lower East Side for some out-of-this-world gelato. Sample unique, hand-crafted flavors like Thai chili chocolate, green tea and bourbon pecan gelato. According to the New York Times, proprietor Jon Snyder founded "Ciao Bella," a gelato company, when he was 19 and sold it when he turned 25. After September, 11, 2009, he decided to reinvest in Manhattan, and opened il Laboratorio del Gelato. Manhattan is glad he's back.
il Laboratorio del Gelato
95 Orchard St.
(between Broome & Delancey Sts)
New York, New York 10002
(212) 343-9922
laboratoriodelgelato.com
