I Trulli or La Zie

[purplescout]

I am hosting a casual dinner with some former colleagues and I've narrowed it down to these two options. We want an Italian meal we can enjoy over a few glasses of wine without breaking the bank and both of these seem to fit the bill. Anyone have some insight that might break the tie?

[RebelWithaCause]

Personally I don't get the le zie hype AT ALL. Average at best. There really isn't a comparison between the two.....

[Pan]

You seem to be the only person here who agrees with me. I was very unimpressed the time I went there, to the point that I saw no reason to give them another shot. There are lots of other, better Italian restaurants, some much closer to me (I live in the East Village).

[RebelWithaCause]

I am always shocked when I read and hear all these great things about it.

[ttoommyy]

We've been to Le Zie a few times over the last few years. The first time we went, I liked it. Subsequent times, not so much. The last time we went is exactly that: the last time. I don't remember what we had, but it was not very good, the service was just OK and the place looked rather dingy and not so clean.

[purplescout]

Had a nice dinner at I Trulli. We opted for the taste of Puglia menu (a great deal at $48). The two appetizer courses were -eh- but the pasta was wonderful, the zuppa de pesce was delicious, and the dessert was very original and out of this world fantastic (prickly pear sorbet on a pillow of panna cotta). Thanks for everyone's advice.

[ttoommyy]

I vote for I Trulli. Better food, service and ambience.

[GaryUES]

There's a big difference in atmosphere between the back room (very nice) and the front room (sterile) at Le Zie. They have a wonderful mixed appetizer to feed a table, and I like their Venetian-style calf's liver.

[purplescout]

Thanks for the tips. Appreciate the input.

[280 Ninth]

I think Le Zie is far more affordable than is I Trulli. Le Zie can get quite noisy after, say, 7:30 p.m., if that is an issue for you. I Trulli is quieter and more spacious.

[Motosport]

For what it is worth we like I Trulli but have never been to Le Zie.
You might want to consider Da Ciro too.