Does anyone know of any good traditional Italian (i.e spaghetti & meatballs) restaurants in the midtown area? Staying at the Roosevelt. I'll be traveling with my 83yo mother so don't want to have to travel too far in the eve after wandering the city all day. Another question. As a child, we ate at the automats or Chock Full o' Nuts counters. I understand the automats are gone. Chock Full o' Nuts still around? Thanks!

Chock Full o' Nuts are also gone. Getting harder to find "Red Sauce" restaurants in midtown. Johnnie's on 45th between 6th and Broadway is probably the closest you'll come to it in the area. It's been around for 40 years and has good southern Italian food. It also offers an inexpensive pre-theater menu. Other choices include; Tony's DiNapoli on 43rd Street (between 6th and Broadway) is a good choice. Large portions served family style. Also John's Pizzeria on 44th between Broadway and 8th serves good pizza and pasta in a nice setting. Naples 45 is not bad and very close to your hotel on 45th between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avenues.

Just had a look in Zagat's to refresh my memory & discovered Ferrara's, from little Italy, has opened an uptown outpost IN YOUR HOTEL! The review says it's not as good as the downtown location, but you can't get any closer.

As you probably know, because the area is business oriented, the restaurants tend to be expensive & may be quiet in the evening. Two good old-fashioned southern italians are Giambelli's at 50th between Mad & Park and Nanni's on 46th betw. Lex & 3rd.

A newer, more "with it" place that's not too far (Madison & 39th) is Salute. It's thin crust pizza & pasta. They get a big after work bar scene but the dining room wouldn't be too crazy if you're eating early.

I just wanted to let you know that if you're in the mood for something different, there is an amazing turkish restaurant in midtown. It's called Dervish on 47th between Broadway and 6th (I think). Naples 45 is good, though.

Tony Danopolese (spelling is definitely wrong) is also a good italian joint. Its on 43rd Street between broadway and 6th. Right next to Heartland Brewery.

Appreciate all for the great suggestions. Nice to know there are still a few mom and pop type Italian restaurants left in the world. Where I am in N. Calif, most have gone under thanks to the "Spaghetti Factory" type of chain restaurants on every street corner. Also appreciate the info on the Turkish place. We'll check it out. Thanks!

Carmines on around 45th and broadway is very good! If you like garlic they even have mouthwash dispensers in the bathroom.

I would definitely try www.southsidecafe.com
I think they are on W47th street. It's a very little small restaurant but the food was fresh and plentiful. I had the seafood pasta ($16.95) and only ate 1/3 of it. or you can try the prix fixed menu at $24.95

I second the Carmine's idea. Lots of food, loud and fun atmosphere. John's Pizza is in what used to be a church. It has a huge interior atrium, complete with stained glass windows. And some of the best pizza in town.

It's been about 30 years since I've been there but what about Patsy's (not to be confused with the Patsy's pizza places) on 56th between Broadway and 8th. Zagat says, "Nostalgists favor this circa '44 red sauce Southern Italian. . .for its comforting classics and old NY feel that's much the same as when it was one of Sinatra's favorites." It goes on to say that some complain it ain't what it used to be, but hey, what is??

Patrick: I don't think that Patsy's is a "spaghetti & meatballs" kind of place. While good, the prices are $50 per person and up. Nothing about the restaurant has changed since you've been there except the prices.

Carmine's is great but only if you have a crowd. The portions are tremendous and the food is served family style. If you go with at least 6 people, you can taste a few dishes. If it is just the two of you (and one is 83 years old), chances are one appetizer may be enough. It is also loud, crowded and you have to wait for a table. Again, not ideal for mom.

MEA: We stayed at the Roosevelt in October. You will be very close to Grand Central Terminal (almost across the street) where there is a large food court with local restaurants, a big food market (I can't remember the name) and a few bakeries. We got breakfast there and took it back to our room to save time. The hotel is nice but try to get a renovated room as some of the rooms and bathrooms are very small. Enjoy your trip!

Trattoria Rino at 877 8th Avenue is just the place..they advertise pizza, but had great sauce and was very reasonabl..It's a very small and quiet spot. We went into it right after the theatre and within an hour there was a line waiting outside.. Would definetely recommend it. It was recommended by a waitress who laughed at our other choices...including Carmine's. As a senior myself I can tell you your mother would love the place...no hustle and bustle..quiet and very efficient service.

Thanks! Really appreciate all the advice. I knew that if I couldn't find great Italian food in NYC (and Midtown to boot!), I couldn't find it anywhere. Darn shame about the automats.....