Are you looking for downtown dinner options in NYC? Want an Italian restaurant? I’ve got you covered. Here are five downtown eateries – sorted by category – that will cure your craving:
Rustic Italian:
If you are adventurous with your protein, check out Peasant in Nolita. The menu offers small game options like hen, squab, and quail. Or, if you are voraciously hungry, you could opt for a whole suckling pig. If these are not for you, try a pasta or wood brick oven pizza. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for mild-weathered evenings, and the friendly service is well-versed on their many specials. 194 Elizabeth St.; (212) 965-9511; www.peasantnyc.com
Celebrity Chef:
Lupa Osteria Romana, located in Greenwich Village, features Mario Batali’s famous Roman dishes. The tiny restaurant has been open for over 15 years and still steadily turns tables nightly. I recommend starting with an order of the beets with pistachio and ginger, and a mix of the salami, while you explore their extensive wine list. You can’t go wrong with any of their entrees, so get a few to share. 170 Thompson St.; (212) 982-5089; www.luparestaurant.com
Celebrity Sighting:
If being handed a huge bill doesn’t phase you, then try the high-end “hotspot” Carbone (directly across the street from Lupa in Greenwich Village). This Italian-American eatery hosts the beautiful and famous in its intimate dinning room, which is decked out in mid-20th century-inspired glam (I’m pretty sure Kim & Serena read this and then had to dine here – peep at the pics). At Carbone, the octopus appetizer is perfectly charred, and the spicy rigatoni will leave you thinking about it long after the plate is clean. As for the entrees, the Chicken Scarpariello, Veal Parmesan and Ribeye Diana are excellent. 181 Thompson St.; (212) 254-3000; www.carbonenewyork.com
Neighborhood Gem:
Commerce, located in the West Village, is an excellent go-to for a no-fuss meal. Some items come and go from the menu, but this long-standing, neighborhood joint is always a reliable experience. The deviled eggs, spaghetti carbonara, short rib ragu and pork schnitzel are local favorites. 50 Commerce St.; (212) 524-2301; www.commercerestaurant.com
Downtown Cool Kid:
Charlie Bird, a locals spot in SoHo, which pays its respect to NYC by serving up fresh hip-hop beats with American-Italian eats. At first, the rustic decor inside looks pretty standard, but upon second glance you will notice images of old-school microphones and 80’s boomboxes hanging on the walls. Charlie Bird continues to set the mood by playing light sounds of sweet gangster rap. There is plenty of outdoor seating for people-watching, but inside, the AC/heat (depending on the season) can be nice too. Once seated, they bring out jars of both flat and still water, while you flip through the food menu. This consists of two small pages, featuring 3-4 items under each category (hey, this definitely cuts down decision-making time). They are very proud of their wine list and have a sommelier on hand at all times. I recommend ordering a bottle versus wine by the glass (the price makes more sense if you will collectively be having more than three glasses). As for menu items, the Burrata with charred asparagus and green almonds, the farro salad with roasted sweet peas, pistachio, mint and parmigiano, and the rigatoni with suckling pig are all an excellent way to start. 5 King St.;(212) 235-7133; www.charliebirdnyc.com
I hope you enjoy!