Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)
-   -   Looking for an Italian Trattoria in New York City (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/looking-for-an-italian-trattoria-in-new-york-city-568582/)

janiekins Nov 3rd, 2005 09:43 AM

Looking for an Italian Trattoria in New York City
 
Would love to find a great Italian Trattoria in New York City - we can take a taxi anywhere - price is no option - looking for great food and fun atmosphere - any suggestions? Looking at Lupa, Lattanzi, Pepolino, ITrulli, Otto??

Gekko Nov 3rd, 2005 09:57 AM

Without a doubt, check out <b>Spigolo</b>, very new, on the Upper East Side, corner of 2nd Ave and 81st Street.

The food is amazing; in fact, NY Times food critic Frank Bruni gave it 2 stars (he's Italian and very tough on Italian restaurants -- only two have received two stars from him in all of New York, and Spigolo is one of them).

Definitely call ahead for reservations. The chef/owners, a very nice couple, live above the restaurant.

Enjoy Spigolo!

ekscrunchy Nov 4th, 2005 02:23 PM

Spigolo is very good but it is tiny and super crowded. If taxi money is really no option, I would head for the Arthur Avenue neighborhood in the Bronx; Roberto was born in Salerno and his restaurant of the same name is a real New York treasure that few tourists ever enjoy due to the long ride by taxi or train. I would also add Babbo to the short list..you may get in if you are willing to eat early. Ditto Lupa.

katmurph Nov 7th, 2005 10:25 AM

I love Otto!! Great Food!!

It is kind of crowded and on the Loud Side!

Kal Nov 7th, 2005 11:33 AM

Loved Otto, too.

VERY friendly staff. Had no problem in helping us with Italian wine selections.

Went for Mrs Kal's 50th, I mean 39th b'day last year.

I could make a meal of a few cheese platters and wine!

Ristorante Grifone on E 46th had very good Nor. Italian cooking in a nice NYC style setting.

Lotta good 'uns in NYC.

china_cat Nov 7th, 2005 12:10 PM

I really liked L'Impero on the East side, near the UN (Tudor City Place, at 42nd between 1st and 2nd). The friend who recommended it said it's his favorite Italian in the city, but he also loves I Trulli.

Gekko Nov 7th, 2005 01:13 PM

While I really love Mario Batali's &quot;designer pizzas&quot; at Otto, and L'Impero is simply one of the best overall dining experiences in NYC, I wouldn't describe the look or atmosphere of either as &quot;Italian trattoria.&quot;

If Spigolo is not possible due to its immense popularity, then ZaZa is a solid option (First Ave at 65th Street). ZaZa shares owners with the always-a-scene Mediterraneo, but it's much more intimate (and I personally prefer the food at ZaZa).

Enjoy!


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:05 AM.