Sunday, August 30th, 2009

I am still looking for the classic New York Italian restaurant. Any New York natives have any great ideas?

I am taking my first trip to NY and I want to find a great classic Italian restaurant. A place with history and famous old patrons would be great. I don’t want a new place but a place with character. The Waverly Inn sounds great but possibly too pretentious and hard to reserve.
Sorry I need to be more specific. I want fancy, romantic and at least 4 star rated.

The best place used to be the Grotta Azura located at Mulberry and Broome, in little Italy. While it closed for a few years, it is open again but under new management.
It is over 100 years old and the renovations were well done.
it has character! Try it! Then you can go to the famous Ferrara’s for a great italian dessert.

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12 Responses to “I am still looking for the classic New York Italian restaurant. Any New York natives have any great ideas?”

loverr32 Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 5:07 am

go to Carmines!! but just know thats its family style so lots of food =] have fun!
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Melanie Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 5:19 am

I don’t know of any place specific, but there is a "Little Italy" area that might be worth looking into.
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Stephen G Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 5:30 am

It is. Try anyplace on Mulberry Street ……………
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hfrankmann Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 5:54 am

Puglia has been there since 1919. They make there own wine in the basement, or at least thats what we thought when I used to go there. 189 Hester St.

http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=30920

Edit:
Il Mulino is the highest rated traditional Italian restaurant in Manhattan. It is in what was a traditional Italian neighborhood.
86 W. Third St.
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Jake Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 6:43 am

In New York State, there is this great little pizzeria called La Hacienda, that serves the best pizza and wings ever. the address is 3019 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York. It’s really old and the owner has been there forever. The service is great. but if your looking for a restaurant in New York City, then i can’t help you there. Hope this helps.
References :
experience

chattemm Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 7:12 am

i would suggest carmine’s. it has a family appeal, has been used as a setting for a movie (i just forget which one), and had famous old patrons to boot. the service is fast and friendly, helpful as well. when we ate there the waitress gave us advice on the portions and what was good to order. for other choices (there are a lot of good italian restos in ny) i suggest getting a copy of zagat.
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http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=italian+restaurants&near=New+York,+NY&fb=1&view=text&cd=17&attrid=&latlng=40757338,-73986048,4019355804281775652&ei=x7rNR7n4KaikrAKg4umFBA

Phyllis G Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 7:24 am

There’s a wonderful & charming Italian restaurant on Restaurant Row at 361 West 46th St. The name is: Lattanzi.
(212) 315-0980.
No Sundays & No credit cards!!
Why don’t you see a Broadway show & go for dinner??
It’s within walking distance of the theater district.
Phyllis G.
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meowkitty0521 Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 7:32 am

Barbetta in the Theater District is always lovely.
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Susan Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 7:44 am

The best place used to be the Grotta Azura located at Mulberry and Broome, in little Italy. While it closed for a few years, it is open again but under new management.
It is over 100 years old and the renovations were well done.
it has character! Try it! Then you can go to the famous Ferrara’s for a great italian dessert.
References :

Rosebud Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 8:32 am

Hi, I was asking to my old friend, a newyorker, he said to me :
Carmine,
Ralph’s
Patsy’s
and Queen Marie Brooklyn
all with character, and *****
OK with Susan, Grotta Azura closed.
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Sorry, I cannot help you more, a good question to Zagats.com

nalgirl Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 9:15 am

il Mulino. Make an early reservation. Possibly 5 p.m. when they open for dinner. The absolute best Italian food you will ever eat. The prices are expensive, but well worth it. Zagat rated 27.
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Jacob D Says:
August 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am

I went to NY. I would have to say the best authentic Italian food would be in Little Italy. All good and homemade.
References :
experience

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