Torn for Italian

[krschueler]

After searching the board, we've narrowed the field down to two restaurants, Apizz or A Voce (Columbus) for dinner during an upcoming visit. Which would make for a more enjoyable experience for my wife and me and why? Do you have other suggestions, maybe for a rustic italian restuarant at a similar price point?

Thanks.

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Apizz
217 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002

A Voce
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

[small h]

I've had lunch at A Voce on Madison; I thought the food was good, not great, and not worth the high prices. Haven't been to Apizz, but I like Peasant a lot. It's rustic, there's a wood-burning oven, and the food's very good.

http://www.peasantnyc.com/index.htm

[bob96]

Always heard good things about the quality of the food, but have to note that rustic it may be, but rustic one will not pay: $22 for orecchiette with rape, $26 for pasta with clams,(but only, oddly, $22 ) for lamb with polenta. At least the pizza margherita is $12. Alas.

[small h]

It ain't cheap, you are correct. But it's no more expensive than Apizz and A Voce, so it meets the OP's criteria.

[UnderemployedInNYC]

100 % I would pick Chef Michael White's James Beard award winning Marea over both Apizz and A Voce. The food really is outstanding, the service is perfect, and I have had some of my all-time best restaurant experiences there.

http://underemployedinnyc.blogspot.com/

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Apizz
217 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002

A Voce
41 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

[krschueler]

Marea's menu looks great - thanks for the suggestion. We are staying uptown so I was leaning toward A Voce. Thanks for adding Marea to the mix. Quesiton - is the Four Course Pre-Fixe or Tasting Menu the way to go?

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A Voce
41 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

[JC2]

I can only tell you that the four course prix fix at Marea is amazing. I don't know how you can compare Apizz to Marea. Totally different experiences and price points. Apizz is a lovely little downtown restaurant. Marea is an elegant, amazing place. I like both, but for very different occasions. I would not call Marea rustic by any stretch of the imagination.
I agree - I am not a big A Voce fan. OK -but nothing special. Also not rustic. (Haven't been to Time Warner branch.).
Another rustic idea: Per Bacco.

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Apizz
217 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002

A Voce
41 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

[RGR]

Marea is certainly not rustic. As for the food, while I'm a fan of Michael White's cooking, I'm sorry to have to report that my St. Pierre (John Dory) was too dry. Imo, that's totally unacceptable for a fish-centric restaurant, and especially one of Marea's high caliber.

Marea photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157623170508583/

For delicious food and delightful rustic ambiance, I highly recommend Maialino.

Maialino photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391...