Babbo substitute for 50th birthday

[ferminadaza]

Hi! It's my mom's 50th birthday in March and I want to do a surprise family dinner in Manhattan for 8 people. She loves Italian food and has said before that she really wants to visit Babbo, but they only do reservations for maximum 6 people. Any recommendations on a a similar/delicious restaurant that would be suitably festive for a birthday celebration? Not super casual but otherwise open to any suggestions in the <$70/person range! We'll have some kids in our group so nothing too bar-focused either. Thanks!

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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

[chefsalad]

Il Buco Vineria, although they just got reviewed and it might be tough to get in...

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Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
53 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012

[haraliyaviner]

Here are 2 of my favorite Italian Restaurants which I like as much as Babbo.
Both of these restaurants are in your budget and VERY special.

SPIGOLO
Excellent Italian
1561 2nd Avenue (at 81st Street)
New York City
Tel: [phone]
Moderate
HIGHLY RECOMMEND (Reservations suggested)
www.spigolonyc.com

AL DI LA
248 Fifth Avenue
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Tel: [phone]
EXCELLENT - Exquisite Creative Italian Foods from Venice.
Moderate
Accept Reservations for 6 or more people
HIGHLY RECOMMEND - worth the trip to Brooklyn just to eat in this
extraordinary restaurant.
www.aldilatrattoria.com

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Spigolo
1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

[ferminadaza]

Scarpetta or Locanda Verde sound great! We may go with the former because there are two vegetarians in our party (one of whom is me, so bias haha) and it has an entire Vegetariano menu. Thanks for the suggestions!

[susan1353]

How about Locanda Verde? http://locandaverdenyc.com/

Delicious food in a fun, casual atmosphere with a little star power as well!

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Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

[edwardspk]

How about Scarpetta or Lincoln? Can't go wrong with the food at either, and I'd you order carefully it fits your price range.

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Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014

Lincoln
142 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023

[tabs]

how about porsena?

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Porsena
21 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003

[kawainekko]

Have you been to L'artusi? They do small events there all the time, though it would probably be more economical to order a la carte. I enjoy their pasta even more so than the pasta at Babbo. They have delicious crudo, vedura, and pasta. We normally fill up on the first half of the menu and don't get a chance to order the pesce or carne section. We have not been disappointed when we ventured to the second half of the menu. The beef carpaccio, roasted mushrooms, and spaghetti are a must.

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L'Artusi
228 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014

[cubanat]

reserve a table in the bar section at del posto. not babbo but in the same family! some like it better because staff is nicer & food can be equal to if not better for some

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Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

[kathryn]

They eliminated dinner in the bar section of Del Posto a while ago.

[cubanat]

AWFUL news! that was the best deal in town! can you still eat in the bar area? just apps?

[kathryn]

"Sputino" says Eater.
http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/06/...