Nello's-help me prove there are better Italian restaurants!

[abenjamin]

My boyfriend is obsessed with Nello's, the price tag alone gives me the chills. I want to take him to three different Italian restaurants in town where the quality of food is better, the price isn't as outrageous, and the overall experience is more enjoyable. He is European and has lived in Italy for quite some time so I think he leans towards more traditional dishes. I have been to Lupa, Babbo, Crispo, etc and have enjoyed them all but am not sure that's his taste.

Suggestions?

[Lucia]

Peasant, Apizz, Po.

[Cpalms]

are you sure he is not a bit "obsessed" by the see and be seen scene at Nello's? it would appear that many europeans are given their clientele ....in that 'hood I would take him to Bottega del Vino...

[MMRuth]

I'd forgotten about BdV (amazingly, since I recommend their coffee so often). I usually sit in the front and have a panino and a glass of wine, but I have eaten in the dining room as well, and the food was very good.

[Cpalms]

Yeah, I like BdV quite a bit...their pastas are great as well, frankly the whole menu is great, coffee include, that front little room is great in the winter to grab a quick bite,....its EXPENSIVE however.....im in there often, I dont hear much english spoken in their these days...

[TedyB]

I haven't been there in some time, and there actually haven't been many reviews lately but I absolutely adore Ballato's (Emilio Ballato's) on Houston between Mulberry and Mott...great menu, awesome atmosphere, the best homemade mozzeralla (get 2 orders!!) I always enjoyed the veal dishes and simple pasta dishes, like the pappardelle and mushrooms! House wines are pretty good as well. Small place so you might wait on weekends. Very similar to alot of the finer places I have eaten at in Italy, and we used to always see the chef checking out the dining room which to me is always a good sign. very reasonable for the city also. goodluck

[kcijones001]

Paul and Jimmy's - 123 East 18th Street
www.paulandjimmys.com

Nanni - 146 e 46th st (btwn lexington & 3rd )

iTrulli - 122 E 27th Street

[Spends Rent on Food]

Alto is simple, traditional, and outstanding. A bit expensive, but worth every penny.

[MMRuth]

Yes - I agree - I hesitated to mention it because I wasn't sure it would be cheaper than Nello, but I think, as you say, the cost at Alto is worth it.

[taboo]

The cost is high, but Scalinatella is AMAZING. Lupa I thought was good too.

[rrems]

Convivio (same chef as Alto) is less expensive and the food is wonderful.

[MMRuth]

Hmm - I do think of Lupa as pretty traditional in terms of the food. I've not been to Babbo or Crispo. He might like Sette Mezzo on Lexington - I've always enjoyed the food there and, while not inexpensive, I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper than Nello. Also, it has a bit of the same crowd, I suspect. Note that it is cash, check or house account only.