Great Italian in Midtown West

[DCGUY5]

Need a great Italian in Midtown West for a couple of buddies in for 1 night. As inexpensive as possible but still want wonderful food ($10-15 pastas, $15-25 fish,meat...etc...).

Made reservations at Becco, but further reading told me to cancel asap!

Thanks!

[DCGUY5]

Okay, so since this post I've been to Trattoria Trecolori twice and each time it was great. Wonderful food, nice yet casual vibe and the right price. Thanks so much for the recs! So, now my wife and three year old are going to be in NY and I would like an Italian at about the same price, location doesn't matter (Manhattan) and equal quality food. What do you think? Thanks so much in advance!

[DCGUY5]

By the way, at this point I have a reservation at Vice Versa. I also have one at Nougatine but we don't eat red meat and their restaurant week menu includes a filet and they said "no substitutions."

[RGR]

We haven't been to ViceVersa, so I can't provide any personal imput, but lots of Hounds like it.

Via Emilia, on 21st St., b/t Park Av. S. & B'way, is famil-friendly and serves very good food. The homemade pastas are especially excellent, lasagna being a standout. It's a family-friendly place. They don't take reservations, but if you arrive early, you should be able to get a table without much of a wait. Cash only.

http://www.viaemilianyc.net

With regard to RW, are you going with your wife and toddler?

[DCGUY5]

Thanks again RGR...you are always so helpful. Yes, the whole family is going. I'll check out Via Emilia.

[RGR]

Hey, DC,

Nougatine serves the 3-course lunch prix-fixe all year round, and it always has two choices for each course. Were you planning to go for the dinner prix-fixe? If so, are you sure there aren't two options for each course? Sounds odd to me that there wouldn't be. (I haven't been able to find Nougatine's RW dinner menu on-line.)

Btw, I have not heard of any restaurant that permits substitutions on the RW menu, but they all have their regular menu available.

[DCGUY5]

Well, I think we made a decision. I picked three restaurants and we're trying to keep the costs to about $100 out the door and we don't drink alcohol. What do you guys think?

Vice Versa - Restaurant week
Aquagrill
L'ecole - just the two of us

Should we make any any changes? Basically, I wanted 1 midrange French, Italian and Seafood.

Thanks!

[CocHoliday]

IMHO, Becco has always been unimpressive. I live around the corner, and keep trying it for some reason (mainly because of the breadsticks and the toco (bean spread) sadly enough. There are lots of good Italian options in the neighborhood, however, if you're on a budget.

Roberto Passon....50th and 9th...good pastas. A little loud, but friendly.
Vice-Versa...50th between 8th and 9th...more expensive...a little more elegant and upscale.
There's a new Italian small plate place from the owners of Marseilles on 9th avenue in the mid 40's. I unfortunately cannot remember the name so I can't find it online, but it was damn good when I went, and affordable. Really enjoyed it. Anyone know the name of this place?

[dan f.]

Puttanesca at 56th and 9th, (859 Ninth Ave.) is worth it. My wife & a couple of college classmates went there, sat for hours, great time & great food, they reported.

[RGR]

Smart move, DCGUY5! The $21.95 ayce pasta special at Becco may be a bargain, but sometimes, you're better off paying a little more for a far better product. In addition, tables packed sardine-tight and an insanely high noise level do not make for a comfortable dining experience.

Trattoria Trecolori, on 47th St., b/t B'way & 8th Av., is a favorite of mine and many other Hounds. Well-prepared, tasty homestyle Italian food is served by a friendly, efficient wait staff in a space that has comfortably-spaced tables and pleasing decor. Prices are a perfect fit for your buddies' budget.

http://www.trattoriatrecolori.com

[G3B]

I like Trattoria Trecolori's food too. So seconds on that vote.

[fmrnyer]

I used this post to choose Trattoria Trecolori for pre-theather dinner last week for my group, ages 15 - 86 years old. The food was first-rate, the service was really nice and the prices were good. But I would describe the noise level here as 'insanely high' too.