In expensive Italian in Hell's Kitchen with a round table

[corgette]

The extended family is coming to town, and they want to go to Italian food somewhere around Hell's Kitchen/Midtown West. The restrictions are: the entrees can't be more than $20, and there has to be a round table to accomodate a party of 8.

I went and did some footwork in the neighboorhood, and I never realized how difficult it was to find round tables in space-conscious NY. Makes perfect sense, but I can't say I've noticed it before.

Any ideas? If there's somewhere good further uptown, I'd be interested as well. Thanks!

[fein]

sette is a good spot. i believed owned by the same people as puttanesca. the table in the back isn't round but instead square. it is good for a large group, i had 8 in my group...it was the perfect arrangement.

[comestible]

I know you said you've ruled out Bello, but I've eaten there with visiting relatives, and they definitely have a round table to accommodate you. Can't remember the prices but they didn't seem ridiculous.

[jazzfood]

La Locanda, 9th Ave. between 49th and 50th, has a good-sized round table, but room for eight? You'll have to take a look. The food and ambience are quite authentic -- recommended.

[RGR]

Hey, corgette,

I'm not a fan of Becco, but their ayce pasta special for $21.95 at dinner is perfect for your budget (mains on the regular menu are too high), and more importantly, there's a photo on their website which shows a round table with 8 chairs. Go to the site, click on "Gallery, then click on "Downstairs Dining Room, Detail."

http://www.becconyc.com

[corgette]

Becco was actually tossed around as an idea, and the gallery photos look perfect. Thanks for the tip!

[anil]

Dont know about $20/entree - Try Puttenesca on 56th & 9th Ave - South West corner) , or Bello on same location but on the other side of the road (North West corner)

[corgette]

Thanks, I thought of those, but both have already been voted down by the family, for various reasons. Puttanesca was my first thought but it has been deemed "too chintzy." I don't ask. Bello has been deemed "too pricey."

In all honesty, I don't know if a place exists that would make everyone happy, but such is life.

[sing me a bar]

Ralph's is a favourite of a buddy of mine. I enjoy it because it's so unpretentious and the staff is really nice. A very simple place but, given your price constraints, a possibility. Also, one can conduct a conversation, unlike at Puttanesca. It's on 9th Ave & 56th.