Best Italian in Manhattan???

[juliep999]

I am looking for an amazing Italian meal for 3 for my best friend's 40th Birthday. I know there is a huge range, so here are some guidelines:

- any price works -- this is a big blow-out meal so the skies the limit
- we like really good service and eat slowly. We often close a restaurant, so being rushed is not a good thing.
- We tend to order all 4 course - appetizer, pasta, meat and dessert, with dessert being the least important
- We like all Italian, but I would say tend to order more Southern Italian food

We also love a good cocktail from a great bartender, so if they have a great bar or you have a suggestion for a great bar for before that would be great.

[FrankieLymon]

Esca

[shaogo]

Only three of you. Prefer Southern Italian. Special occasion.

You said you like a good bar... one can walk into Rao's and have a drink almost any time they're open. If your birthday celebrant hasn't been there, it might be cool to take them for drinks before dinner. Mind you, no matter what you try to do you're *not* going to get a table to eat, so just set your sights on drinks.

Then go to John's on West 12th. They do a fine job and don't go nuts if you take your time. They're not the best Italian in the City, however.

Campagnola on the UES is the best Italian in the City. It's good but very expensive. They have a great bar, too.

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Rao's
455 E 114th St, New York, NY 10029

Campagnola
1382 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021

John's of 12th Street
302 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

[gutsofsteel]

Campagnola is the best Italian in the City? You've got to be kidding. And go get drinks at Rao's? Whatever for? John's on W. 12th? That tired mediocre place?

I'd add Maiolino to your list. It's a Roman trattoria.

Scarpetta, Locanda Verde, Marea

[shaogo]

No, I'm not kidding.

I guess my answer wasn't in keeping with the letter of the OP. I saw all the usual culprits listed and tried to think outside of the box. One could call my choices "Italian/NYC experiences" rather than anything else.

[j. marie]

Nothing wrong with thinking outside of the box, Shaogo, instead of the usual culprits. Both Rao's and John's of 12th Street are over 100 years old and a piece of NYC history. If that aspect is something that appeals to juliep999's group it could be a fun evening. I think John's has been working on overcoming the "has-been" reputation. My last couple of meals there were pretty good, all the way up to some fabulous desserts, and it's a comfortable no-rush atmosphere.

[gutsofsteel]

They want a blowout meal, great cocktails, they want to sit for a long time with really good service. Johns is nowhere near that category.

[uhockey]

I'd have a hard time selecting, foodwise, between Babbo, Scarpetta, Alto, Convivio, Marea, or A Voce - all are excellent.

"Best bang for the buck" is certainly Convivio and the best setting (fancy) is Alto. Best scenery is A Voce Columbus. Best service is either Alto or Scarpetta.

[rrems]

Good suggestions above, but if you particularly like Southern Italian, you might prefer Convivio.

[taboo]

Wow..there are SO many. My first thoughts would be Scarpetta, Babbo, Scalinatella or Alto. I do not think you would be rushed in any of these places and the food is great at all of them as well as the cocktails.