Babbo
Babbo's popularity among foodies hasn't waned a bit since it opened in 1998. Chef Mario Batali specializes in gourmet, inventive takes on traditional Italian meals. It is a decidedly upscale establishment, with such antipasti as grilled octopus, primi like goose liver ravioli, and secondi such as grilled venison filling out the menu.
Babbo
110 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10011
(212) 777-0303
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Grimaldi's Pizzeria is something of a Brooklyn institution, with its delicious pies and family-friendly atmosphere. It has the feel of an old-fashioned pizza parlor, with red-checkered tablecloths and framed photos of Frank Sinatra on the walls. All pizzas are fired in a coal brick oven. Diners design their own pizza, with toppings, such as ham, capers, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, anchovies, ricotta and pepperoni. Be forewarned, however--Grimaldi's tends to get very crowded around dinnertime. It might be a better idea to go there for lunch.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
19 Cadman Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 858-4300
Lombardi's Pizza
Lombardi's Pizza was New York's first pizzeria, having opened its doors in 1905. Situated in Soho, Lombardi's is known for tis pizzas taht come with magnificent crusts, which are hard and blackened on the outside, but soft and doughy on the inside. Guests build their own pie with an array of toppings choices, including wild mushrooms, imported anchovies and sautéed garlic spinach--or spring for one of the house salads, such as the homemade Caesar.
Lombardi's Pizza
32 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-7994
Carmine's
Carmine's is located in the midtown theater district, making it a favorite among tourists. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian cooking. Given the restaurant's popularity, diners will most likely have to wait at least an hour for a table if they come without a reservation.
Carmine's
200 W. 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 221-3800
Otto Pizzeria
Run by the owners of Babbo, Otto Pizzeria has an interesting seating system. Upon ordering, guests will be given the name of an Italian city. They then have to watch a railway timetable to see when their train will depart. At that point, they can dig in to one of Otto's famous creations, such as the garlic, olive oil and fresh chili pizza.
Otto Pizzeria
1 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 995-9559
