Manhattan is part of New York City. Located in Manhattan are attractions such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Also in Manhattan are Times Square and the theater district. In such a popular and busy part of New York City, there is no shortage of restaurants, especially upscale Italian joints.
A long tunnel leads diners into the restaurant that is Casa Lever. The main dining space has Andy Warhol pop art on the walls and private dining pods. With crystal chandeliers, wooden accents and a futuristic ambience, Casa Lever is certainly unique. On the menu are appetizers like raw beef tartare, carpaccio and aged prosciutto. There is also a full raw bar with ahi tuna, octopus, yellowtail and king crab. Entrees include homemade pastas and seafood, chicken, veal, pork and lamb dishes like veal ragout, saffron risotto, veal scaloppini, seared lamb chops and grilled swordfish. Reservations here are highly recommended.
Casa Lever
390 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212-888-2700
www.casalever.com
Becco was opened by famous television chef Lidia Bastianich and her son, Joe, in 1993. Located in Manhattan's theater district, the New York Times was quick to rave that Becco was "one of the more intriguing restaurants in New York." It also stated that Becco's menu and wine list are decidedly unusual. On the menu are options ranging from salads, appetizers, soups, pastas and meat entrees, plus side dishes. Specialties include the brined, grilled and double-cut pork chops topped with poached figs and served with fingerling potatoes, grilled swordfish on top of spaghetti squash with stewed cherry tomatoes, and a veal shank tossed with butternut squash and padano cheese. Another option for patrons is the price-fixed, three-course meal where a chef prepares an unlimited portion of the daily pastas right at your table.
Becco
355 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-397-7597
becco-nyc.com
Puttanesca, an upscale Italian restaurant located near Columbus Circle, was originally a neighborhood restaurant that soon became popular thanks to reviews from both the New York Times and Gourmet Magazine. The restaurant features exposed brick walls, crystal chandeliers, and a cozy and intimate setting. The food on the menu is simple, yet creative Italian fare. Favorite dishes here include the cioppino with garlic bread, pappardelle pasta with venison, and tortellini stuffed with veal, sauteed in vegetables and Barolo sauce. Don't forget to save room for the desserts, which include wine-poached pears served with vanilla ice cream, and chocolate cake made more healthful without flour and with raspberry and almond filling. Reservations at Puttanesca are definitely recommended.
Puttanesca
859 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212-581-4177
puttanescanyc.com
