Manhattan has some of the finest Italian Restaurants this side of Italy. And every one of them is different, imparting their own style and flavor to traditional, and sometimes not so traditional dishes. Theses are some of the best to be found and they are in all different price ranges and styles.
The prices listed are for entrees only and are from the dinner menu, so if you go for lunch, the prices are usually lower. They are in effect at the time this is written. They are subject to change, so check with the restaurant if you want to be sure. I have included listings from as many different neighborhoods as possible. They all have a web site with menus, so you can get a sneak peak. Look in the restaurant’s window. Many of them have the menu posted there. In the examples below, the items are from the dinner menu unless it says otherwise. The dinner menu is usually more expensive than the lunch menu, so you can figure to get lunch at an even better price. Drinks are not included. There are just too many choices. Don’t forget you have to figure the tip and the 8 1/4% New York City sales tax into the total.
Italian Restaurants on the Upper East Side of Manhattan
Angels Italian Restaurant
www.angelsnyc.com
1135 1st Ave- Between 62nd & 63rd Streets
New York, New York 10021
Angels has been in Manhattan for fifteen years and will be here for many more. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Be sure to check out the daily specials. There is always something. Check these out and see what you would like to try.
SCAMPI TRE ANGELI
Jumbo shrimp, chunks of chicken breast, and scallops sauteed in a scampi sauce of lemon, white wine, garlic, butter and parsley with chopped tomatoes served over angel hair pasta topped with toasted garlic bread crumbs $16.95
VONGOLE CON POMODORI
Thin linguine pasta w/a hot & spicy red clam sauce w/plum tomatoes, wine, garlic, crushed red pepper, herbs & spices crowned w/fresh little neck clams $12.95
Isle of Capri Italian Restaurant
http://isleofcapriny.com/page/nwz2/Home_Page.html
1028 3rd Avenue, New York 10021
At 61st Street
The Isle of Capri has been a family owned business since 1955 and you can see the pride they take in it, in the atmosphere and in the food, which is both Northern and Southern Italian. It is not easy to create a classical and homey feeling in the same restaurant and they have accomplished it. One visit and you will see what I mean Check out the lunch specials. They have them Monday to Saturday. And here are some favorites from the regular menu.
Linguine ai Frutti di Mare $20.00
Linguine with an assortment of fresh seafood in a light red sauce.
Rollatini di Vitello $19.00
Rolled veal stuffed with prosciutto, cheese in white wine, and mushroom sauce.
Italian Restaurants on the Upper West Side of Manhattan
Nonna Italian Restaurant
www.nonnarestaurant.com
520 Columbus Ave, New York 10024
At 85th Street
Nona is a nice, comfortable, relaxing place, In summer, you can dine at the outdoor café. Atmosphere is casual and friendly. Here is a small sample from their dinner menu.
Scampi Portofino Fresh jumbo shrimps sautéed with garlic, wine, lemon, and fresh herbs$32.00
Pollo Scarpariello Small pieces of chicken sautéed in garlic, herbs, and white wine.$18.00
Scaletta Italian Restaurant
www.scalettaristorante.com
50 W 77th Street, New York 10024
Between Columbus Ave & Central Park West
They are only open for dinner and they are available for private parties. They have an extensive menu and the prices will make you happy too. Take a look at theses.
Reticcio De Mare Alla Griglia – $12.95
Grilled Shrimp Salad with Cannellini Beans and Frisee
Rigatini con Broccoli Rabe – $15.75
Rigatini with Broccoli Rabe, Italian Sausage, Olive Oil & Garlic
Bistecca Alla Griglia – $24.95
Broiled Black Angus New York Cut Steak Served with Red Wine Butter
Italian Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan
Gente Italian Restaurant
www.genteny.com
153 E 45th St, New York 10017
Between Lexington and 3rd Avenues
Gente is a very popular meeting place, Dress is casual and I would suggest making a reservation if at all possible. From their dinner menu:
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Rigatoni with Vodka and Tomato Sauce $13.95
Chicken Cacciatore
Pieces of Chicken with Tomatoes Served with Vegetables or Pasta $15.95
Veal Picata Cooked with White Wine and Lemon, Served with Vegetables or Pasta $16.95
Pescatore Italian Restaurant
www.pescatorerestaurant.com
955 2nd Ave, New York 10022
Between 50th & 51st Streets
They open at noon, seven days a week. Tables are set up on the sidewalk and the second floor balcony in summer. They take classic recipes and add a little something of their own to make them very distinctive. Fish is their speciality, so expect excellent seafood choices. Here are some of what you will find on the dinner menu.
Fettuccine con Pollo $14.00
Fettuccine with grilled chicken and wild mushrooms
in a fresh herb cream sauce.
Pan Fried Rainbow Trout $17.00
Ossobucco $23.00
Veal shank braised with red wine
Italian Restaurants in Gramarcy Park, Manhattan
A Voce Italian Restaurant
http://www.avocerestaurant.com/
41 Madison Ave, New York 10010
Between 25th & 26th Streets
They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and for brunch on Sunday. A Voce is a special place for a special dinner. You will find dishes here that you will not find anywhere else and they have an excellent wine list. Some form their dinner menu.
Lamb Shank Tortellini escarole, lemon, piave cheese $21.00
Roasted Sea Scallops cauliflower, preserved lemon, almond sauce$30.00
Braised Veal Soffritto creamy polenta, grenolata, orange
$26.00
Italian Restaurants in Chelsea Manhattan
Ottimo Italian Restaurants
http://www.ottimo-nyc.com/
6 W 24th Street, New York 10010
Between Broadway & 5th Ave
Ottimo is open 6 days a week Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. All of the ingredients used in their dishes are imported from Italy. You cannot get any more authentic than that. Th atmosphere is classy and sophisticated, and at the same time friendly and welcoming. Here are some things you will find on their
Fettuccine Ai Carciofi fettuccine tossed with sauteed, sliced artichokes hearts and cherry tomatoes.$18.50
Filetto Al Pepe Verde filet mignon encrusted with green pepperocorns pan seared then oven baked and finished with a cognac cream sauce.$28.00
Spada All’agro swordfish steak cooked in pinot griglio, white vinegar and fresh herbs.$24.00
