Cozy/Neighborhood Italian on UES?

[ced9]

I live in the 70s on the East Side and I have been to Uva and Sfoglia and enjoyed both of them. But, I have yet to find the perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant. Sfoglia is a little pricey and Uva is a little loud. Does anyone have ideas? Thanks!

[UES Mayor]

No one seems to mention SISTINA's on 2nd bet 80-81st but this is truly a great place as well-not cheap-always has a crowd. The spaghetti and walnut sauce is unforgettable! I don't think its in Zaggat for whatever reason but just google them.

[bosox]

i happen to enjoy firenze, on 2nd/84th. it's very reasonably-priced, cozy, and they food is delicious.

[UES Mayor]

i have passed this place a million times but never tried-what should i have?

[bosox]

at firenze?
some of the things i recommend are:

Fettuccine ai Quattro Formaggi
Rigatoni Pecoraio
Vitello Fiorentina
Pollo Fiorentina
Pollo al Ponte Vechio

[OutinNYC]

Everyone's Italian tastes are different, but here are a few places I have enjoyed:

Zucchero i Pomodori: next to construction but very reasonably priced and decent food
Lusardi's
Paola's: friendly staff that remembers you
Italianissimo

[erica]

I am also interested in the responses to this question. I like Spigolo very much but it is difficult to get a table. I think Elio's has very good food, but it is also pricey and can be very loud at peak hours. I agree that Paola's is good. I had one good meal at Girasole but that was at lunch a few years back..

I have long wondered about Lusardis..anyone been here? Nicola's and Campagnola also seem to get good reviews on Zagat....any opinions about these two?

[idia]

Giovanni Venti Cinque -- a very romantic walk-down, similar to an Italian trattoria in Italy. It is small, charming ... but pricey.
(1 block from the Met Museum)

[TryThis]

There is Cafe Buon Gusto on 77th btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave., Marruzella's on 1st Ave btwn 77th & 78th St, Triangelo's on 82nd btwn 1st & 2nd Ave or Rughetti's on 85th btwn 1st & 2nd Ave.

[jackieparis]

We love Buon Gusto.

[liztish]

I love Paola's on 84th between 2nd and 3rd. Cozy, very private feeling and consistently great Italian.

[chefdater]

Spigolo on 81st & 2nd is a great cozy Italian spot. It might be on the pricier side but the food and atmosphere are worth it. It's my favorite Italian place on the UES.

[gramercyfoodie]

I second Spigolo rec...you do need to book well in advance (or try for a coveted bar seat) but the atmosphere is so cozy/home-y and the food is delicious.