'Cesca

164 W 75th St, at Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 212-787-6300

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Co-owned by celebrated chef Tom Valenti, this restaurant sports a decor that is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners. Posh, elegant, suave ­ each of these accurately defines the space, which features chairs covered in smooth brown velvet, rustic iron chandeliers and lamps, stained wood-paneling, white walls adorned with subtle stenciling, and a high, coffered ceiling. The 'Cesca experience comes with a lofty price tag, but then impossibly bold Southern Italian fare like potato gnocchi with ragout of braised veal, wild striped bass with riso, or honey glazed squab with carnaroli rice ... well, let's just say that some indulgences are bargains no matter the cost. Pre-theatre menu is $31. TRAIN: 1,9,2,3 to 72nd and Broadway
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212

133 E 65th St, New York, NY 10021 212-249-6565

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Ahhh, the Sunday Brunch. When it's done well, you simply can't beat it, and 212 does it very well, indeed. Trademark dishes from the regular lunch and dinner menu make appearances, such as grilled artichoke and chopped arugula salad, pan-seared tuna rolls, and penne with chicken and roasted tomatoes. But you'll also find about 35 other things, including create-your-own omelettes, sandwiches and burgers, fresh fruit smoothies, and waffles. It's also the only restaurant in town that offers baby food at brunch, which makes it quite popular with families. Prix-Fixe lunch $20, Monday-Friday.
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Angelo's Pizzeria

117 W 57th St, between 6th & 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019 212-333-4333

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Folks who frequent this West 50s joint claim the brick-oven fired pizzas are the real thing.
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Baraonda

1439 2nd Ave, at 75th St, New York, NY 10021 212-288-8555

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Italian for "big crowd," Baraonda is also the place to see and be seen by the "in crowd." Patrons pack in (especially during weekend nights), for the masterpieces of chef Luca Casadio. Signature meals include zucchini-wrapped shrimp, grilled calamari, and a variety of pasta dishes. The walls are papered with the vibrant paintings of Colombian artist Valentino. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Caffe Med

1268 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021-6202 212-744-5370

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. An Italian coffee house with a yuppie feel, Caffe Med offers live evening jazz entertainment and a tempting selection of goodies. Overindulge with the cappuccino mousse or one of the chocolate creations. If it's something more substantial than sweet eats that you are looking for, the menu includes salads, pastas and sandwiches, as well. Take-out available. Reservations accepted. Smart casual dress. TRAIN: 6 to 68th St-Hunter College
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Campagnola

1382 1st Ave, between 73rd & 74th, New York, NY 10021 212-861-1102

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Wise East Siders head to this neighborhood staple when they want true Old Country cooking. Sure the prices tend to be a little steeper than most, but what you get here is quality and quantity. Start off with complimentary antipasti topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano and the sliced salami is magnificent. Don't let it stop there, though, try the appetizers like the fried calamari and grilled vegetables. For your entrée, go with one of their heaping pasta dishes; however, the veal and lamb dishes are also worth sampling. Pace yourself so that you can enjoy a homemade dessert and a little Italian coffee afterwards. Reservations are required. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Elio's

1621 2nd Ave, between 84th & 85th St, New York, NY 10028 212-772-2242

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Italian-American cuisine served up in a select, prestigious atmosphere. A celebrity favorite, Elio's draws folks who come here to see and be seen. When you're not counting heads and networking, you can dive into the pasta and veal parmigiana. When ordering, you can't go wrong! Reservations recommended. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Erminia

250 E 83rd St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 212-879-4284

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This Upper East Sider features fabulous homestyle Italian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, including candle lit tables, soft lighting and a friendly waitstaff. Expect to find an older crowd here ­ after all, they know best ­ as well as a few well-heeled youngsters who just adore the place's romantic atmosphere. Specialties include linguine with white clam sauce, stuffed veal, wood-fired fish skewers and lamb chops. Take your time and enjoy the break Erminia affords . . . just make sure you save room for dessert. TRAIN: 4,5,6 to 86th St
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Felidia

243 E 58th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022 212-758-1479

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Felidia is a multi-level Italian eatery centrally located between Second and Third Avenues. This renovated townhouse boasts a refreshingly unique approach to Northern Italian cuisine by incorporating authentic recipes, including appetizers like "Krafi all'fagiolini e pesto" (Istrian wedding pillows). The Italian wine list is impressive. TRAIN: N, R to 59th St
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Gabriel's Bar & Restaurant

11 W 60th St, between Broadway and Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023-7901 212-956-4600

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. From the ripe olives at the bar to the delicious entrees such as risotto, seafood lasagna and tuna steak, you are sure to find something here that will satisfy your quest for Italian fare. Desserts don't disappoint either as diners regularly enjoy the chocolate-espresso mascarpone. Reservations accepted. Smart casual attire appropriate. TRAIN: A, C, B, D, 1, 9 to 59th St-Columbus Cir
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John's Pizzeria

408 E 64th St, Between 1st & York Ave, New York, NY 10021 212-935-2895

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This 64th Street pizzeria (there are also locations in the West Village and Theatre District) serves authentic brick-oven pizzas known for their crisp crusts and savory sauces. Choose from tantalizing toppings such as fresh garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, pork sausage, basil, anchovies and ricotta. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 59th St; 6 to 68th St-Hunter College
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La Grolla Ristorante

413 Amsterdam Ave, at 79th and 80th St, New York, NY 10024 212-496-0890

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Consistent and reliable, this Northern Italian eatery is virtually unrivaled for turning out authentic fare in this Upper West Side location. Diners can enjoy La Grolla's signature homemade pasta or select from the wide array of authentic entree options that hail from the Val d'Aosta region of Italy. Menu staples include invigorating twists on the basics ­ veal, clams, mussels, lobster, lamb chops, etc. Dress is smart casual. Reservations accepted. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 79th St
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Lusardi's

1494 2nd Ave, at 78th St, New York, NY 10021 212-249-2020

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Professional service and exceptional Northern Italian food make this a peaceful and unique spot for lunch or dinner. Prepare to pay a bit more for the scrumptious appetizers, steaming pasta dishes, and tantalizing desserts served here. Experience the warm, welcoming interior of golden-colored walls and wood trim. Reservations recommended. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Mezzaluna

1295 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021 212-535-9600

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. There's a reason for the standing room only crowds that gather under the cloud painted ceiling murals of Mezzaluna: reasonably priced pastas such as black linguini with spicy tomatoes, raviolis, lasagnas and brick oven pizzas. Milanese art adorns the walls while Italian pink marble complements the tabletops. You can complete your dining experience with Mezzaluna's famous tiramisu. Reservations recommended for parties of five or more. Dress is business casual. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Nick's Pizza

1814 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128 212-987-5700

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Nick's is the type of joint that comes to mind whenever somebody says "New York pizzeria." This popular lunch destination boasts cozy 1950s-style black booths and an inviting open kitchen. Here, pizza is king, and this is thin-crust pizza at its best. For dessert, don't pass up their cannoli ­ you'd never live with yourself if you did. No slices, whole pies only! Cash only. TRAIN: E, F, G, R to 71st Ave
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Nicola's

146 E 84th St, between Lexington and 3rd Aves, New York, NY 10028 212-249-9850

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Very traditional sort of place. Old-fashioned, lip-smacking Italian eats done New York style in a swanky setting with select clientele and discriminating waitstaff. Draws a regular crowd of locals as well as a host of notable politicos and celebrities. Dress is smart casual to business dressy. Reservations accepted. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Parma

1404 3rd Ave, between 79th & 80th St, New York, NY 10021 212-535-3520

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Roll up your sleeves, don your bib, and get ready for some authentic Italiano. Around for over 22 years, this restaurant's clientele list includes many regulars, but they also welcome new faces. Steaming dishes of pasta topped with perfectly seasoned sauce come served by friendly wait staff. Desserts such as tiramisu will make you a true devotee. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Primavera

1578 1st Ave, at 82nd St, New York, NY 10028 212-861-8608

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. True to its name, this awesome 82nd Street eatery specializes in scrumptious Northern Italian selections. Attracting a good mix of well-heeled Upper East Siders and refined Midtowners, Primavera tends toward the expensive side. But, as they say, you get what you pay for. Specialties include their Grilled Porcini, Scampi Aromatici and Salmon Corpaccio. Of course, everything is better with a little wine, and their list is quite impressive. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St
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Scaletta

50 W 77th St, between Columbus Ave & Central Park W, New York, NY 10024 212-769-9191

Description: UPPER WEST SIDE. Warm tones and low ceilings give this Upper West Side restaurant an intimate feel. The menu features all the staples of Northern Italian cuisine, and diners are served in a friendly manner. Reservations accepted. Smart casual dress. TRAIN: 1, 9 to 79th St; A, C to Central Park West
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Scalinatella

201 E 61st St, between 1st & 2nd Aves, New York, NY 10021 212-207-8280

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. Nestled between First and Second Avenues, this cozy, sub-level eatery is a fave with the beautiful people and power brokers alike. The heaping pasta dishes are not to be missed ­ the spectacular spaghetti and artichoke rigatoni among them. Scalinatella also offers a good selection of tasty fish and seafood options like grilled calamari and their popular linguine with clams. Whatever your entrée, just make sure you save room for an obligatory order of tiramisu for dessert ­ you won't be sorry. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: Q, N, R to Lexington Ave; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St
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