Famous Italian Restaurants in New York
- Asparagus Milanese at Babbo
Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca remains, hands down, the most famous Italian restaurant in all of New York City. Babbo opened back in 1998, when it received the esteemed James Beard Award as Best New Restaurant. With famed celebrity chef Mario Batali at the helm, its popularity only continues to grow. It helps,of course, that the food on tap maintains an unsurpassed level of excellence. Patrons should sample the goat cheese tortelloni, fennel-dusted sweetbreads or the marinated Gulf shrimp. - A casual dining establishment in the heart of New York City's beloved Little Italy, La Mela Ristorante provides a family atmosphere and topnotch food that has been pleasing customers for years now. Like all good Italian restaurants, Le Mela offers huge servings of truly authentic food. You may decide to order family style or a la carte, but either way you're guaranteed first-rate dishes. Partner the delicious gnocchi sorentina with a fine bottle of wine and you will leave happy.
- 'inoteca has a reputation as one of the finest Italian restaurants and wine bars in all of New York. Blessed with an elegant interior design and boasting a vast selection of more than 600 wines, 'inoteca has become one of the more popular dining establishments in the city. Begin the evening with a delicious antipasti plate. Follow that up with one of the many tasty paninis on tap, such as the grilled mushroom, mozzarella, pesto and spinach. Finally, top it all off with an extraordinary glass of wine.
- Mario Batali seems to have cornered the market on New York City Italian dining: He also owns the famed establishment known simply as Lupa. Since its opening in 1999, Lupa has garnered rave reviews from the city's most finicky eaters and critics. With a marvelous dessert and wine menu offered, it's certainly no wonder. Top off any meal with a dish of mouthwatering tartufo, creamy gelato or not-too-sweet biscotti.
- In a city jam-packed with pizzerias, many locals will be so bold as to tell you that Luzzo's holds the title as best pizza in New York. Once you try it, however, you'll agree. Known for its delicious Neopolitan style pizza, Luzzo's serves up fresh pies daily featuring fresh mozzarella, rich sauces, crispy thin crust and the finest meats. Try such specialty pizzas as the Brutta Ma Buona, topped with sausage, ricotta, olives and basil.
