New York City is known as the city city that never sleeps. It's also known as a city that has restaurants serving cuisine from practically every country in the world and every corner of the globe. In the Big Apple, you can buy a gourmet waffle from a truck or you can spend $500 on dinner in a trendy, celebrity-infused restaurant. If you love Italian food and need a great place to have lunch, try one of these restaurants.
Abboccato is located in the Theater District just five and a half blocks away from Radio City Music Hall. This highly-rated Italian restaurant has received a Critics' Pick award from "New York" magazine. The chef at Abboccato prepares sophisticated versions of Italian classics such as grilled tripe and stuffed quail with mortadella. There is a full-service bar at Abboccato. One of the most popular lunch dishes is the arctic char. It's a fish served with warm dandelion greens, oven-dried grapes, blood-orange salad and balsamic vinegar. If you are not on a diet, try the ricotta cheesecake. It's served with a fresh citrus salad and cinnamon crumble.
Abboccato
136 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-265-4000
livanosrestaurantgroup.com
Cipriani has several locations throughout the city. This family-owned restaurant is known for excellent service. The interior of the restaurant boasts an open, loftlike space and a heated patio allows for outdoor dining. This is a great place for people-watching. The menu features traditional Italian pasta and meat dishes. One of their most famous dishes from the lunch menu is the baked tagliolini pasta with ham. And for an afternoon drink, try the Sweet Annie. It's a Bellini-based drink with vodka and sliced orange.
Cipriani Downtown
376 West Broadway
New York, New York 10012
cipriani.com
Maialino is located in the Gramercy Park Hotel. This upscale Italian restaurant has gets high reviews from critics, locals and tourists alike. The chef gives classic dishes unique interpretations. Maialino has a full bar and an extensive and impressive wine list. Start your meal with a basket of fresh bread and the carciofini fritti, which is fried artichokes and a spicy anchovy bread sauce. Follow it up with the popular pollo alla diavola, which is peppered chicken served with an arugula and chili vinaigrette. Reservations are recommended.
Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-777-2410
maialinonyc.com
