bug

Thinking about this restaurant before theater in NYC. Anyone been there? Interested in moderately priced but good italian, non-touristy if possible but close to theater district.

Any other good options in that area of midtown? French would be good too.

mclaurie

Don't know it bug but the prices look great. The places usually mentioned here are on restaurant row (46th betw 8th & 9th) Becco for $21.95 all you can eat pasta dinner, La Rivista, Lattanzi, Orso & Barbetta -all more expensive. There's also Cascina on 9th & 45. Why not try Trecolori & tell us how it is.

For French, Pigalle (48 & 8th), Pierre au Tunnel on 47th (old fashioned but good) or Le Madeleine.

ellenem

I know this place and like it for unpretentious, good, authentic Italy-Italian food in the theater district. Not you're average red sauce place. I'm pretty sure they make their own pasta.

Patrick

Having passed L'Allegria several times in tha past couple of weeks (corner of 44th and 9th) and always noticing the wonderful smell and the fairly substantial crowds, I checked it out on Chowhound to find mostly raves about this very moderate (dare I say inexpensive?) Italian. Ate there Thursday night late after a show, and the food was really great. Nice smallish place with good atmosphere and not exactly jammed in as at so many other places. Pasta puttanesca and veal dishes were really sensational.

Not exactly French, but rather varied Meditteranean food is Marseille on an opposite corner. Again checking out Chowhound I found a list of comparisons between it and LeMadeleine with Marseille coming out the clear winner. Had a great dinner (roast striped bass with Tunisian seasonings)there the other night and plan to go back this Thursday night (Turkish Thursday) for a special of roast goat -- maybe not everyone's taste, but a favorite of mine. Really neat place!

JeanG

I second L'Allegria. It's our favorite neighborhood Italian; they are very consistent. They also have the best pizza in the Theatre district.

Marseille is also excellent but in a completely different price range. We never seem to escape there for under $100 for two, although theoretically you should be able to. Maybe it's the atmosphere that induces us to order a bottle of wine and enjoy three courses slowly.

btp2

I love Trattoria Trecolori. The food is great and the prices are decent. I recently went there before a show and told them we were in a rush to catch a show, and they gave us prompt and friendly service.