Best Italian Restaurant in NYC (inspired by the "Italian Deli" thread)

S

Scott68

#43
#43
Vespa's on Northern Blvd. in Great neck. Sac's place in Astoria. Maybe they are not the best and being a long time customer, comfort is important. Of the countless people I've brought to both places, I haven't had any complaints yet.
 
B

Boywonder2

#44
#44
Daddycool said:
I must say and I am sure to get some boo's, but Carmines on 47 and Broadway is a good family style restaurant. It might not be the greatest Italian place but it is very good for the price.
Click to expand...
I agree, haven;t been there in a while but the last time I went with a group of guys we had a blast and the food wasn't bad.
 
M

mr. f

#46
#46
For my money Roberto's just off Arthur Ave. in the Bronx is the best in the city. He opened another place, more of a cafe, and thus far I haven't found the main restaurant's food to suffer. I just hope he doesn't spread himself out too thin.
 
J

justlooking

#48
#48
To me, Don Pep's is a perfect example of the kind of old school it's-been-there-forever people-say-the-Mob-loves-it Italian restaurant that people tout as being "authentic" and "not pretentious like all those new Manhattan places" but that actually, in the clear light of day, sucks.
 
S

Scott68

#50
#50
Authur Ave.

Twenty five years ago my parents would bring me there for dinner and there was never a bill, I can't remember why. I would go there periodically when I was dating a girl from Fordham U. and I always thought the food was "just ok". I think there are many pretenders there now, Albanians that speak Italian. No offense towards Albanians or the restaurants there, if you picked me up, drove me to the front door of any place there, blew me, carried me to the door and paid me, paid for the bill, I would probably decline the invite.
 
N

NYC55

#51
#51
I agree. I went to some popular place on Arthur Ave recently and the food was very average... almost bad. What blew me away was the bill $150 for 2. No way will I ever eat there again.
 
M

mr. f

#53
#53
Roberto's is not like most of the touristy Arthur Ave. restaurants. Much better quality food and great preparation. Also very authentic. The service can be spotty.

It should not be mixed in with some of the schlocky places in the neighborhood.
 
M

marcinny

#54
#54
I like Roberto's too. You better make a reservation if you decide to go there. It is in The Bronx but it is quite popular. Many come down from CT and Westchester to dine there.

Scott68 said:
Twenty five years ago my parents would bring me there for dinner and there was never a bill, I can't remember why.
Click to expand...
Hum... Did they use to kiss your father's hand when you'd leave the restaurant?

Scott68 said:
I think there are many pretenders there now, Albanians that speak Italian. No offense towards Albanians or the restaurants there, if you picked me up, drove me to the front door of any place there, blew me, carried me to the door and paid me, paid for the bill, I would probably decline the invite.
Click to expand...
The Italian restaurants in Arthur Avenue are still Italian (Dominick's, Mario's, Emilia's, Roberto's etc - Roberto's is not exactly on Arthur.) Albanians usually have the pizzerias.
 
F

franca

<color=pink>Silver</color>
#56
#56
Seriously, I could have a more satisfying meal if I cooked up some store-bought pasta with bottled sauce in my own kitchen than eating at Sac's. You can get a better meal by ordering a pasta dish at one of the millions of generic and completely interchangeable pizzarias in this city. Dino's just up the street, for example.

Except for the pizza. I will happily eat Sac's pizza.
 
R

RuffToy

#57
#57
I have been taken to a couple of restaurants in Little Italy. The little nondescript store fronts you would pass and never notice. Escorted through the place and brought outside where there's a few tables with a gorgeous view of fire escapes and alleys. Never once was offered a menu, had someone else order in foreign tongue and have had some of the greatest food in my life. I couldn't even tell you where they are. Straight out of the movie scenes.
 
Woodguy

Woodguy

#58
#58
Try Baldoria

I haven't been to Rao's yet (not for lack of interest, just lack of anyone with a connection) but have been to Baldoria (49th and 8th Ave) which is run by a nephew(?) of the owner of Rao's- referred to by some as Rao's with a reservation. Pretty nice place, decent bar, good solid food and entertainment upstairs Thursday thru Saturday. I love the veal chop parmesan, as big as the plate! Not on the menu, but they will make it for you.

Babbo is amazing, try showing up about 1/2 hour before opening time, and you can often get a table near the bar area, and sometimes in the regular dining area. Del Posto, also owned by Mario Batali (along with others) is a good place in the Meatpacking area.

Enjoy!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top