Maybe I should start a new thread on good Italian places on the UWS... We'll be two adults and one 6 year old child so fancy and romantic isn't the big issue this time. Tasty and not too expensive is what we're looking for this time. I've been reading through reviews here, on Menupages, and various other websites finding good restaurant suggestions for our trip.

For deent Italian on the UWS at good prices try Gennaro on Amsterdam or Bella Luna on columbus. Both way better than Carmines - and they have normal human portions.

There are many, many threads on restaurants on these forums. Why don't you do a good search and pull up some of the voluminous discussions. Italian restaurants are often discussed ad nauseum, including options on the Upper West Side.

Doug, you're right about doing a restaurant search and I did one here. Between what I found here and on many other travel sites, MenuPages, and New York Magazine I compiled a list of what seemed to be good matches for our family and started the new thread for more feedback. So many choices!!

Carmine's is a blast for a group. Count me on the pro side.

We have dined at Carmines with large groups on several occasions and loved it every time.