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.

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

1. loverr32 on February 25th, 2009 12:53 pm

   go to Carmines!! but just know thats its family style so lots of food =] have fun!

2. Melanie on February 26th, 2009 11:03 pm

   I don’t know of any place specific, but there is a “Little Italy” area that might be worth looking into.

3. Stephen G on February 28th, 2009 5:25 pm

   It is. Try anyplace on Mulberry Street ……………

4. hfrankmann on February 28th, 2009 11:09 pm

   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.

   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.

5. Jake on March 1st, 2009 7:44 pm

   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.

6. chattemm on March 2nd, 2009 2:57 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.

7. Phyllis G on March 4th, 2009 11:34 pm

   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.

8. meowkitty0521 on March 7th, 2009 2:39 pm

   Barbetta in the Theater District is always lovely.

9. Susan on March 10th, 2009 5:25 pm

   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.

10. Rosebud on March 13th, 2009 7:31 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.

11. nalgirl on March 14th, 2009 5:31 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.

12. Jacob D on March 14th, 2009 7:16 am

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

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