Il Cortile question
 

Is Il Cortile northern italian food or southern italian? I am looking for a good southern italian resturaunt and would love the Little Italy setting but my searches haven't indicated which type of Italian it is. Thanks!

I've been there a couple of times, I would say it leans more toward Southern Italian, although I think you could find things from most all regions. It is the best food I have had in Little Italy.

I'm curious how many posts you will get telling you that Little Italy is horrid and not the best place to go in NYC for Italian. True, I suppose, but LI still has that "wide-eyed" factor for tourists.

It's not classic red sauce if that's what you mean by southern. Have a look at the menu here.

http://menupages.com/screenmenu.asp?...een=ST452.html

DaNico might be a little more of what your looking for. You can check the menu at that same site. I can attest to the Fra Diavolo.

Have been to the restaurant TWICE and had a fabulous experience and dinner both times....once in the front of the restaurant in the window, and once in their back "atrium" room. Both were fabulous and the food was outstanding! It definitely leans toward Southern Italian. And for a NYC visitor from Minnesota, Little Italy is so so fun.

It has both Northern and Southern Italian dishes, at least according to my Zagat's Guide. I have been to Il Cortile and definitely would recommend it. Little Italy is a great area to explore.