Broadway meanders through the diverse neighborhoods that make up the Upper West Side, away from the hustle and bustle of midtown. The area is home to many casual Italian eateries and pizza restaurants that cater to a more relaxed crowd. Angelina Pizza Bar (angelinapizzabar.com) and Meridiana (no website; 2756 Broadway, New York; 212-222-4453) are both located between West 104th and West 106th streets. Although both offer similar authentic Italian menus, Angelina's is small and chic, offering busy professionals prix fixe and take out menus, while Meridiana is spacious and rustic, featuring both indoor and al fresco dining options. A bit closer to midtown, Regional (regionalnyc.com) features the distinctly different flavors of Italy's regions in a sophisticated dining space. Cafe Viva (no website; 2578 Broadway, New York; 212-663-8482) puts a new twist on Italian cuisine, featuring a vegan, vegetarian and kosher menu.
The area between Sherman Square, named for the Union general William Sherman, and Verdi Square, which gets its name from the famous composer, is a quiet residential neighborhood filled with many eclectic shops and diverse dining venues. With its proximity to Lincoln Center, Luce Restaurant and Enoteca (lucenyc.com) is well suited for a pre- or post-theater nosh. Although its menu is filled with traditional Italian fare, Luce is well known for its less common offerings including black linguine, pappardelle with duck ragu and assortment of aged cheeses and cured meats.
Columbus Circle, a popular spot for tourists looking for a horse-drawn carriage ride, marks the entrance to Central Park and where Broadway leaves the Upper West Side and enters midtown Manhattan. Visitors seeking out an Italian meal have their choice of A Voce (avocerestaurant.com) or Marea (marea-nyc.com). A Voce puts a contemporary twist on traditional Italian fare, creating dishes that are approachable yet refined. Although the menu is seasonal, expect dishes like cavatelli with wild boar bolognese sauce and house-made squid ink pasta. Well known for its expansive wine list, Marea offers what Steve Cuozzo of the "New York Post" calls "freshly interpreted coastal Italian" cuisine.
Times Square, the heart of the theater district, is where the action is. Although the area is filled with dining options, many are themed or chain restaurants designed to draw in the tourists. A few Italian classics sit just off Broadway, giving locals and visitors more diverse dining choices. Carmine's (carminesnyc.com) on West 44th offers family-style dining in the Italian tradition, with most dishes portioned to feed four to six guests. Patsy's Italian Restaurant (patsys.com) has been family owned and operated since 1944, and was one of Frank Sinatra's favorite New York City restaurants.
