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Cara
MIA
654 9th Ave (bet 45th & 46th St); 212-262-6767
Cara Mia remains a mainstay for both locals and theatergoers,
conveniently located just steps from Times Square. Reservations
are required strictly as a result of the very limited seating
here and it is best to avoid peak hours to assure you and
your guests obtain a table. The hearty, rustic décor
and the favorite specialties in generous portions, including
Capellini Modo Mio, Penne Margherita, Shrimp Scampi, and Linguine
alla Vongole make for great pre-or post-theatre dinner.
Carmine's
Midtown
200 W. 44th St (@ 8th Ave); 212-221-3800
Carmine’s tradition is to do everything in a larger than
life style: long lines, huge, banquet-like ambiance, bustling
crowds, colossal portions and a classic menu of less-than
refined American-styled Italian dishes. Nonetheless, Carmine’s
has been a hit with locals and tourists alike for seven years.
Service is cheery and knowledgeable. Entrees often serve 3
to 4 people, so sharing plates is encouraged. The best selections
include the massive portions of home-style pastas. Secondary
choices are the salads, seafood and meats, all of which are
heavily seasoned and don’t spare the garlic.
Da
Nico
164 Mulberry St (bet Broome & Grand St); 212-343-1212
DA Nico is a wonderful, non-touristy place amidst the line
of choices on Mulberry Street. Tucked behind an illusory entrance
and a dim café dining room, the back patio is light
and cheery with an impressive terra cotta floor and hues of
blue embellishing the brick wall façade. The best dishes,
thick yet crispy pizzas, are those that come from their coal
oven, a historical item, fronted by the bricks of the original
oven used by the great-grandmother of owner Nicholas "Nico"
Luizza.
Le
Madri
168 W 18th St (bet 6th & 7th Ave); 212-727-8022
Fifteen years and three restaurants later, Chef Patti Jackson
has ascended to the position of head chef for Pino Luongo’s
Le Madri, the distinctive and uncontested archetype for classic
Tuscan and Mediterranean dining. The setting here is immediately
breathtaking, with vaulted ceilings, whitewashed floors and
a repeated plaid motif in which no two are alike. Perfect
for a business engagement or special occasion, the service
is indulgent and the entire menu is unfaltering. Popular favorites
include a splendid rack of lamb, tender chops, daily risotto
specials and Amish free-range chicken breast with roasted
pepper-basil mashed potatoes.
Locanda Vini & Olii
129 Gates Ave (bet Cambridge Pl & Grand Ave); 718-622-9202
Locanda was conceived with the essences of Milan and Florence
as its inspirations. François Louy and Catherine de
Zagon Louy have combined their skills and gorgeously restored
the former Lewis’ Drug Store, preparing a straightforwardly
Italian menu. The setting is romantic and evokes the sentiment
of the bygone past of pre-WWII Italian film. The changing
menu includes specialties of homemade fazzolettini sauced
with seafood and lentils, brick-flattened chicken, and meaty
braised spare ribs. Fabulous monthly wine-tasting dinners
make the trip to Brooklyn a treat.
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