Motorino has a great luncheon weekday deal. There us a place nearby that is really only known in the neighborhood, Luzzo's.

http://luzzosgroup.com/luzzos-group-...#what-they-say

I think that Carmnines would be good spot for you. I was there few times and quality was really good. About pizza, all of them are quite similar, but I choose Motorino. When I go out and want to try something new often check http://placeiliveexample.com. You can found all restaurants and etc.

Carmine's is ok, but it doesn't take reservations for two, and the waits can be 2 hours plus. Instead, try Tony's Di Napoli, which does take reservations and has better food (and smaller portions). Reservations this time of the year are a MUST, and you need to make them at least a week or maybe two in advance at popular places (yes, even neighborhood restaurants that accept them).

Salento, an another Fodor's topic you note you are making your first trip to NY soon. But you are making restaurant recommendations and making broad generalizations. Please clarify if you have been to NY and have tried these places.

I did a turn-about and ended up with these:

Night 1, Nice Matin (at our hotel)
Night 2, Swagat (forgot to mention Indian)
Night 3, Boulud Sud

We should eat well. I expect lunches will be at whichever museum we're visiting.

Thanks for all the good suggestions.

Salento on Nov 25, 14 at 4:57am
Help please. :( I am going to New York for the first time in 2 weeks. . .

Salento on Nov 26, 14 at 6:18am
I think that Carmnines would be good spot for you. I was there few times and quality was really good.


I see what you mean, IAmDonehere.

Huh, Salento?

Also, Salento just joined this month and have posted to just two postings. One as a novice and one as an expert. Quick learner.

Maybe he/she will return with some sort of explanation.

"Quick learner."

Yes indeed! Just one day between "going for the first time in two weeks" and "I was there few times..."

why not try Polish or Russian? Go to 86st brooklyn 18ave for some good Polish food; and to Brighton Beach fo Russian.

Also, when in Brooklyn for pizza go to L&B Spumoni Gardens on 86st.

Yes, how to be an expert on Carmine's and reco to someone - and which branch? Really there are SO many better Italian places - either a tourist trap or great for young groups with large appetites.

My DH just surprised me with a trip to NYC this weekend. We are staying at Ritz Carlton in Financial district on West Street. Does anyone know of a nice place for dinner near there (not Asian) that might have tables avaialble at this late date?

Many thanks! ;)

North End Grill, as for tables, I have no idea.

North End Grill is good, although I have not been since the original chef left. They are showing availability on Saturday night. I did not check Friday but it is easy enough to do.

There are many new restaurants in the area, but unfortunately, we have been to them to offer recommendations.

Thanks everyone. We are set for Saturday night, dining with my SIL and BIL at Sparks Steakhouse. Will check out North End grill.

IS there a Sparks downtown? I think you will find that there are other steakhouses in Manhattan that people prefer. I like the Strip House in Greenwich Village.

It's on East 46th Street. DH has been there a couple times and liked it. Apparently there was a mob shooting there years ago?? I have never been... They had availability on Sat night for 4 people. This will be our first time going to NYC together. :)

Yes Big Pauly Castellano was shot outside Sparks in 1985 by John Gotti's men.