Looking for Cozy Italian for Bday Celebration

[scanmike]

Hi,
My son (age 20) wants to take his girlfriend out for her birthday in Manhattan for either lunch or dinner . She lives in Rhode Island and is not that adventurous when it comes to food. However, she loves Italian food, especially homemade pasta (tortellini, gnocchi,) . Can anyone recommend someplace with a nice atmosphere and good food that won't break the bank. A nice summer prix fix would be ideal.

Thank you,
Denise

[harrison]

i did a quick scan and i don't think anyone mentioned Crispo yet.

[Stuffed Monkey]

what about Perbacco on E 4th in the East Village?
Cozy, with homemade pastas

[maxine]

Via Emilia is yet another lovely pasta place. It is on 20th by broadway. I haven't been to the new location, but the homemade pasta is great. Cash only.

I think Paprika has a good early-bird prefix. I like them, and Il baggatto as well.

[scanmike]

Will check it out. Sounds good. Il Baggatto is closed that week unfortunately. Malatesta sounds good also. Doesn't take reservations though, but I am sure that will be okay.

[SoccerSam]

One other suggestion.............Uva on the Upper East Side. Great covered outdoor area towards the back, excellent dishes. GREAT for a date/celebration!

[SoccerSam]

Paprika!!! It's a great little place on St. Mark's. Subways are nearby - food is excellent and not expensive!! Check it out.

[scanmike]

Paprika's menu looks great. Thanks for the recommendation.

[pslopian]

I really like Lupa - if I recall their pasta's and appetizers are quite reasonable and fall solidly in the comfort italian food category

[scanmike]

Hi,

My husband and I ate at Lupa once for New Years eve. Wasnt that impressed. Food was so salty. Maybe it was a bad night to try it.

[jenni6385]

you have to go to puttanesca...seriously, the best meal of my life...it's at 859 9th

http://www.puttanesca.com/

[jsgjewels]

Really? I live just down the block and have been a few times, but it's nothing more than a standard neighborhood italian imho. Roberto Passon a little ways down 9th ave is better, not to mention a million other italian places in other parts of town.

[cswim06]

There'a a great, off the beaten path place called Grotto on the Lower East Side. Not in Zagat but really tasty. There's also a lovely outdoor garden. Prices are very reasonable. It's on Forsythe St.

[rjm]

Piadina on 9th Street

[elizabeththinks]

I believe this is on 10th! :)

[erin07nyc]

Yeah it's across the street from Alta :)

[MRG]

Tantti Bacci on 7th ave and Charles St. They have two entrances. One outdoor on 7th Ave, another on Charles St. Very small and homey, but very cute.

[jdream]

I found the food to be pretty mediocre the one time I was there, though the setting is very nice.

[erin07nyc]

Malatesta is a great italian spot in the west village on Christopher St... wide open windows and outdoor seating make is great for summer, too. Food has always been delicious. A reservation is probably a good idea.

Piadina is also in the village, I think on 10th between 5th and 6th aves. It's a smaller, cozier place with a smaller selection of a few pastas, piadinas, a few appetizers and usually a fish special. I think they only take reservations for groups of 4+.

Both are very reasonably priced and I remember liking dessert very much at both.

[jdream]

Malatesta! Downtown, great homemade pastas (most around $10), pretty room, with outdoor seats that look on the water.

[idia]

La Fenice at 68th & Broadway should fit the bill nicely.
Ourdoor dining too.

[jsgjewels]

I have only heard terrible things about this place from friends.

[Jel212]

Il Bagatto has a fun/romantic atmosphere, not expensive, and very good, solid food.

[scanmike]

Checked out the website and the menu looks good and in the right price range.

Thanks.

[Jel212]

Yay! Let me know. When I was there I had parpardelle in venison ragout, and it was awesome. I think my boyf had pasta in a spicy red sauce - he adored it.

[princeofpork]

Il Bagato is closed for renovations for the next month.

[scanmike]

I know. I called. Too bad

[Jel212]

GOOD TO KNOW - thanks! August?

[UES Mayor]

Spigolo on 81/2nd -u need a reservation!!!!!!!!!! way ahead of time but not for outdoor seating. They have the best pillowy gnochi!! and i hate gnochi but love theirs!! Also have homemade specials and pasta

[scanmike]

Thanks. sounds pefect. How are the prices?

[gramercyfoodie]

very reasonable for the quality of the food ($22-ish for entree)...check out the menu at menupages.com. It is my favorite restaurant in the city. Again, you do need to book well in advance.