Pre-Theater Italian NYC
 

We are looking for an Italian restaurant for dinner pre-theater to feed six people with varying tastes. We have been given the suggestions below and wanted opinions. Have looked in Zagat, OpenTable and TripAdvisor for reviews but want Fodorite's rating please. Thanks!!

La Masseria
Scarlatto
EtcetraEtcetra
ViceVersa
Bond 45

Some of these are in the 40's and some in the 50's (location) so some will be more convenient to some theaters than others. Etc.Etc. & ViceVersa are owned by the same people. I think VV is the most upscale if that matters. I'd add Orso to the list and ask what ARE the varying tastes and who are the people involved? If everyone likes pasta and budget is an issue, Becco has a $20 pasta dinner you might want to consider and Trattoria Trecolori is a more all around "basic" Italian option that you don't have listed. I would add don't overthink this. The show should be the centerpiece of the evening. Just pick a place that's reasonably close to the theater that has something for everyone and will be comfortable for 6. Some of these places get very crowded and are very close for pre-theater. If you decide on Becco, ask to sit upstairs.

Hi mclaurie,
Thanks for your input. Location is no problem, we can walk from 40s or 50s. The varying tastes have nothing to do w/budget...just palate! Some like seafood, some don't, some like pasta, some don't, some like creative cooking and some don't. I would like a nice place (not necessarily fancy), not too loud, really good food with a decent service, good Italian wine within walking distance to 45th. We are all 50 somethings, having a reunion of sorts in the big city!
woohoo!
P

Patsy's----we loved it.

I'd go to Basilica IF you call well in advance and they can take you. Leave yourselves plenty of time to eat without rushing. It's small, local, very good food and should cover the various palates. http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/basilica/

Tramonti would be another place to consider but I haven't been there so can't compare it to Basilica pre theater. http://www.lunapienanyc.com/tramonti/#

It's on restaurant row, the same block as Becco and Orso and Lattanzi and Barbetta, all Italians and all except Orso, in my experience, very loud pre theater.

Carmine's and Tony di Napoli's are the 2 places that serve family style that are the normal recos for a larger group, but the noise is deafening and they attract lots of families with kids.

With so many good choices, as have already been recommended, the key question is: How much to you want to spend per person?

try nocello, or la vineria.

Agree with otto, Nocello.
La Msseria is also good, the farmhouse-alike decors.

Our team at work use both of them for lunch/dinner, and we are 8 people so they can cover your table for 6.

The only one you listed that I've eaten at is Bond 45. It's not the great, and expensive. I'd pass on that one.

I find tripadvisor restaurant reviews not all that useful (although I do fine hotel ones very useful). Menupages seems to have the most accurate comments/reviews from my experience.

I've had the pre-theater prix-fixe at Basilica. It was very reasonable and as good as most in that neighborhood.

Thanks for all the input and comments. Very much appreciated!
P

I actually thought Doug might chime in...Doug....are ya there?

While waiting for Doug, I'll add I used to recommend ViceVersa all the time but lately, it's not been that great AND I don't care for their prix fixe entree options. It's also not as close to your theater as some of the others. I had a friend go to Tramonti's the other night and she was underwhelmed. La Vineria reco'ed by otto is closed. I've not been to Nocello but it looks good. I also think La Masseria would be good and a better location for you.