The phrase "Italian food" is nearly synonymous with New York City. Midtown Manhattan certainly has its share of authentic Italian eateries, ranging from modern five-star dining to the more traditional, long-standing establishments. Whether you're in Midtown to see a Broadway show or if you have business in the area, finding an Italian restaurant nearby is a simple task.
On the East side of Midtown Manhattan, Felidia has been serving multi-regional Italian cuisine since 1981. Earning three stars from the New York Times and being rated number 2 on Jerry Shriver's 2008 list of restaurants in USA Today, Felidia features signature dishes from the mind of executive chef Fortunato Nicotra, who battled Chef Morimoto on Iron Chef America and earned his first Michelin star when he was 23. Pasta and seafood are the staples of its cuisine, offering dishes that range from black and white fettuccini with sweet shrimp and almond pesto, to wild-caught salmon or striped bass garnished with squash and savoy cabbage. Desserts include specialties like beer spice cake, hazelnut flan and apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream. A special three-course lunch menu is offered daily, as well as an a la carte lunch and dinner menu. All dishes can be paired with a selection from Felidia's extensive wine and grappa list, or the wine can be bought separately.
Felidia
243 E. 58th St.
New York, NY 10022
212-758-1479
felidia-nyc.com
Found in the Rockefeller Center area, just down the street from the Museum of Modern Art, Alto bills itself as a luxury dining experience offering cuisine from northern Italy. Alto's signature dishes vary from freshly-made squid ink pasta to roasted squab, and include choices such as oxtail with foie gras terrine and braised lamb neck rested on top of chestnut gnocchi. The dessert menu includes doughnuts filled with zabaglione (a light, sweet Italian custard) and chocolate cake with peppermint cream. A cheese plate is available as a lighter dessert option. Alto's lunch and dinner seatings offer a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing in addition to the a la carte menu. For the wine enthusiast, it also offers a wine list featuring more than 2500 selections. Forbes Magazine gave Alto four stars, making it the only Italian restaurant in New York City to receive this distinction. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Alto
11 E. 53rd St.
New York, NY 10022
212-308-1099
altorestaurant.com
Although Carmine's has many locations in New York, New Jersey and the Bahamas, its Midtown restaurant is located right across the street from the Marriott Marquis in the heart of the Theatre District. Carmine's is famous for its family-style dining; each dish is intended to feed between four to six people. Classics like chicken marsala and veal scallopini are served, along with your choice of pasta and sauce. Traditional desserts round out the menu with offerings like tartufo, Italian cheesecake and chocolate cannoli. Reservations for two or more people are often required at both lunch and dinner, but in the owner's own words the restaurant tries to replicate the feeling of being at an "Italian-American wedding feast" with portions to match.
Carmine's
200 W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-221-3800
carminesnyc.com
