We are looking for a great place for either lunch or dinner on Arthur Avenue after wandering around the Botanical Garden. Suggestions please.

It seems to be very hit and miss whenever I try a place on AA for lunch. We did like Enzo's last month and last fall. Their menu looks like a dinner menu and priced accordingly. I had a pasta with clam sauce (white). The clams were very plentiful and very fresh.
I don't know about dinner, but you don't need a reservation for lunch.

Enzo's
2339 Arthur Avenue
718-733-4455

And I should add, because they are dinner size portions, you can share and try a few different things. I think I started with a whole artichoke last fall and it was very good.

I've enjoyed dinner at Roberto's. Not what I would call a meal to die for - but rather good, traditional NYC Italian. It was crowded and loud (not lively loud, but rather "I can't hear the person next to me" loud), and the wait staff was rather gruff. It doesn't bother me but it doesn't draw me back either.

If you want creative nouvelle Italian dishes look elsewhere. If you want good, old standby's then Roberto's would be fine.

1 year ago, we went to Giovanni's for dinner (traditional NY Italian -- excellent) & Egidio's for pastries. Highly recommend.

I like Roberto's very much. Or, you could try his less expensive trattoria (I have not tried that one yet but reports are good)


http://www.roberto089.com/menu_lunch_089.html

Zero Otto Novo. Excellent pizza and pasta, owned and run by the owner of Roberto - friendly service, try to go on a slightly off hour - it can get crowded.

All I remember was Mario's..or was it Gino's ... spedini ala romana ... omigod. It has been too long.. you are going to have such fun

It is Marios and they are still there, and the Spedini is still there too

http://www.mariosrestarthurave.com/

I second Zero Otto Novo. Ate there last December and loved it. Then hit a pastry shop for your just desserts, that are way more than "just."

Deb

Roberto's seemed to be trying too hard and not succeeding at it when I had dinner there last year.