Rec for Great Italian

[maripepa]

i'm in NY for the weekend with my boyfriend and we're looking for a great italian restaurant to try. something authentic with great atmosphere, great red wine, and great food (pricey is ok). We're staying in Midtown, but i dont' mind taking a cab somewhere else in the city for a great dinner/ evening. We are from Austin, so great italian restaurants are a treat! thanks

[fourunder]

I'm a Rustic Italian Fan, so Peasant gets my recommendation. Less is More.

[rrems]

I love Crispo, but if price is not important I would choose l'Impero or Alto. Check their menus and see which one appeals to your taste. L'Impero emphasizes southern Italian and is a bit more rustic and Alto is northern and more refined. Both are great, but my personal preference is l'Impero, particularly for the atmosphere. Fiamma just got a great review this week in the Times, 3 stars, but I have not been there in years. Sounds very promising and I hope to try it sometime.

[RGR]

We just had an exceptionally delicious dinner at L'Impero. Excellent wine pairings for my husband (I don't drink). Very good service -- friendly and efficient. Understated elegant surroundings, but not a hint of stuffiness. Several menu options: a la carte, a 4-course prix-fixe, and a 7-course tasting dinner.

http://www.limpero.com

[JungMann]

I'm a fan of their sister restaurant, Alto. Bruni gave it high marks and I can't help but agree.

[Simon]

Il Giglio...old-school romantic Italian in Tribeca...fantastic wines, gratis antipasti, shrimp fra diavolo, etc...my fav upscale Italian in the city...

[Lucia]

Crispo, Peasant, Apizz
More expensive (and if you can get a reservation), Babbo

[Spiritchaser]

I'm just beating a lot of people to the punch by saying: Crispo

[pellegrino31]

You certainly are speaking on behalf of a lot of people! I love Crispo and think it would be perfect.

I also like Apizz though it doesn't have a very extensive menu, what they do have is amazing (esp short ribs and gnocchi).