PamNC

My husband and I will again be returning to Manhattan. Trust me, we have a full schedule of things to do, plays to see and restaurants at which to overindulge. However, we would like to visit the Botanical Garden in The Bronx, and Arthur Avenue as we adore Italian food. Unless we decide otherwise, we will only be up there for one day. That being said, which restaurant for dinner would be our best choice for the most delicious, authentic Italian food? I'm salivating just asking the question.

You've always come through for me, and I'm counting on you folks again. Thanks -

ekscrunchy

Provided it is not an evening that the Yankees are at home, I would head for Roberto's. They do not take reservations. You should order from the specials board, not from the actual menu.

Second choice might be Dominick's, also a no-reservations restaurant and, in this case, with no written menu. I have not been to Dominicks in a few years, however.

I would recommend eating in the area only for people heading for a baseball game, for those interested in food shopping, or for those like yourself who are headed for the Botanical Garden (or the Zoo). I would not make a special trip just to dine there, but I would go, and often do, just to shop or food. Just my own opinion, though.


I would try to get to the area early enough to allow walking around and visiting a few of the iconic food shops. If you get to the restaurants I mention above at opening time, you could chance them even on game nights. Otherwise, you need to get a reservation. You might try Mario's, which has good pizza and pretty good southern Italian fare and takes reservations by phone or OpenTable.

If you want an interesting snack, try Tony and Tina's, a pizza place known for their bureks--a reminder of the many Albanians who live in the environs. 2483 Arthur Avenue, near Fordham Road and north of the main shopping area by about 2 blocks.



http://www.roberto089.com/



http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant...ks-restaurant/


http://www.mariosrestarthurave.com/

flinn

A second rec for Roberto's. If you can, get there when they open. If they have the truffle pasta on the specials go for it.

ekscrunchy

Another dish that I like at Roberto's is the pasta that they prepare al cartoccio, in an aluminum foil "bag." I am not sure I've seen that anyplace else in NYC.

Roberto also has a pizza place in the neighborhood (with a branch in Manhattan) and reports have been good...there are other dishes on the menu besides pizza. I've never been, though.
(See link on website, above)

ekscrunchy

Nice pics of Roberto's, and their food.



http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2...ining-roberto/


They open at 5pm everyday except Friday, when they open at 4pm. Closed Sundays.

DebitNM

Another vote for: http://www.089bx.roberto089.com

PamNC

Thanks so much everyone! I'm going to let my husband decide on either Roberto's or Roberto's Zero Otto Nove. We could eat Italian food every day of the week, and either of these restaurants looks terrific. We'll definitely take heed of the "get there early" tip.

Ciao!

MableJills

Just wanted to post to say Roberto's is great. Definitely recommended

DebitNM

We love a white pizza with sliced potatoes and rosemary at 089

DebitNM

Pam, where did you end up eating?
{I saw your current thread and made me think of this one. Nice to see you again on here}