| Babbo |
| 110 Waverly Pl. (bet. MacDougal St. & 6th Ave.) |
212-777-0303
www.babbonyc.com |
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| Food |
Decor |
Service |
Cost |
| 27 |
23 |
25 |
$74 |
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| "Every bit as fabulous as youve heard", Mario Batali and Joe Bastianichs "masterful" Village Italian is numero uno for pairing "inspired" food with an "encyclopedic" wine list; those snaring an "impossible" reservation find the service "smart", the carriage house setting "surprisingly relaxed" and being "bombarded with a big bill" bearable for a dinner thats "last-meal-on-earth good"; by the way, "upstairs is better if you want to talk." |
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| Del Posto |
| 85 10th Ave. (16th St.) |
212-497-8090
www.delposto.com |
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| Food |
Decor |
Service |
Cost |
| 23 |
26 |
23 |
$90 |
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| The Batali-Bastianich juggernaut takes an ultra-"civilized" turn (think "Babbo meets Bouley") with the arrival of this "grand" new Way West Chelsea powerhouse, a "peaceful" marble-and-mahogany extravaganza thats one of the years best newcomers with "nice spacing between tables" and "upscale" touches like valet parking and a piano player; the modern Italian menu is "haute", tabs are "stiff" and "head mama" Lidia Bastianich is on board, so theres a more "formal" approach; P.S. check out the primo private rooms. |
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| Crispo |
| 240 W. 14th St. (bet. 7th Ave. S. & 8th Ave.) |
212-229-1818
www.crisporestaurant.com |
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| Food |
Decor |
Service |
Cost |
| 22 |
18 |
19 |
$44 |
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| This "busy" West Village Northern Italian "delivers across the board" with "top-drawer" food served in "rustic" digs enhanced by "welcoming" service and a "piazza"-like, year-round garden; regulars protest its "getting too popular." |
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| Gonzo |
| 140 W. 13th St. (bet. 6th Ave. & 7th Ave. S.) |
212-645-4606
www.ashcreeksaloon.com |
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| Food |
Decor |
Service |
Cost |
| 22 |
17 |
18 |
$41 |
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| Pie-eyed proponents praise the "amazing", "must-try" grilled pizza at this Village Italian helmed by "hands-on chef" Vincent Scotto; sure, it can be "deafening" ("dont go with anyone you want to talk to"), but the mood is certainly "congenial" at this "overachiever." |
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| Basta Pasta |
| 37 W. 17th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.) |
212-366-0888
www.bastapastanyc.com |
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| Food |
Decor |
Service |
Cost |
| 21 |
16 |
20 |
$39 |
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| Diners "with open minds" are in for a "pleasant surprise" at this "unique" Flatiron Italian where "perfectly prepared pastas" from an "airy open kitchen" are given a "Japanese twist"; "lovely" service and presentation enliven the otherwise "minimalist" experience. |
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