Lupa Osteria Romana
170 Thompson St (bet Bleecker & Houston St); 212-982-5089
Everyone loves Lupa, the downscale Roman trattoria whose co-owners/chefs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have proven since 1999 - that the finest food doesn’t have to be astronomical in price. The food, service and ambiance rate a “10” here, but reservations aren’t easy to procure for the comfortable, quiet back room. The long waits for the front room are still worthwhile. Pastas, bucatini with sweet-sausage ragù, house-made salamis and hams, and fried baby artichokes are premiere attractions, the huge wine list is affordable, and don’t leave without having the tartufo for dessert.

Positano Ristorante
122 Mulberry St (bet Hester and Canal St); 212-334-9808
Positano is a wonderful neighborhood place for huge portions of southern Italian cooking. Owner Mario Giglio's stucco and brick décor compliments the charming intimate space, seats only a few dozen persons and offers some of the superior fare of Little Italy's many restaurants. Prices are pleasingly reasonable, the kind waitstaff is helpful with menu selections, and reservations are suggested for peak hours. The romantic setting is the perfect choice for large portions of their fine signature pastas and classic Italian entrees.

Scopa
79 Madison Ave (@ 28th St); 212-686-8787
The authentically northern Italian menu at Scopa features excellent food for midrange prices set in a larger than life atmosphere. Six ample rooms with 20-foot ceilings and a 60-foot bar present a high spirited happy hour, pleasing pop music and slightly slow service make Scopa the perfect choice for a leisurely business lunch or dinner with family. Grilled pizza with a crispy crust and pastas are favorites at Scopa, as well as regional selections of grilled seafood and meat platters, a raw bar and distinctive appetizers.

Tanti Baci Caffe
163 W 10th St (@ 7th Ave); 212-647-9651
"Italian for “many kisses, the beautiful, intimate interior at Tanti Baci creates a wonderfully romantic ambiance. Surreptitiously located on a side street, the universal motif is everything floral, with lovely, sublevel rooms winding to form an underground path of sentimental themes, perfect for couples. The food here is generously portioned as well as liberally spiced, prepared creatively and served efficiently. Pastas are the best choice here, but the freshness of the pleasing selection of meats, fish, vegetable dishes and pastas with classic sauces are also enjoyable."

ViceVersa
325 W. 51st (bet 8th & 9th Ave); 212-399-9291
There is no such thing as too many first-rate, sleek and stylish, beautifully decorated and superior food - Northern Italian restaurants in the theatre district. ViceVersa does it all and does it exceptionally well, with every menu item a winner, a stunning bar and a lovely outdoor garden that smokers have to love. Midpriced choices are here for the expensive palette, the popular favorites include the huge ravioli stuffed with veal, braised-lamb shank with grilled polenta and the sesame-coated salmon with a mild horseradish sauce. The respectable wine list rounds out this superior dining spot.