Pleasant cheap dinner in East 50s (or low 60s)?

[Lady Grey]

Okay, I know that's not the best neighborhood for cheap, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Anything except Mexican.

I know I've passed a Turkish place called Taksim. Anything else? Italian?

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Taksim
1030 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022

[lisabnyc]

How cheap is cheap? I like Mia Dona for pastas under $20

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Mia Dona
206 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10022

[Stuartmc910]

There is a restaurant on 1st ave and 59th street, SW corner, goes under three different names, Bruno's, Pasta Pesse and (something) Tratatoria. It has become our favorite moderate priced Italian Restaurant in Manhattan. Everything is perfect. The service, the food, the atmosphere, and you can hold a conversation!

Try it, you'll like it!