New York City Restaurants-Italian
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Carmine's
A huge, vaulted eatery on the Upper West Side that's quite popular with neighborhood residents. While some overly sophisticated diners might point out that Carmine's is not an authentic, Old World eatery -- it's fairly new to the neighborhood and has a vaguely theme-restaurant feel -- the food is undeniably good and the atmosphere festive. All dishes are served 

family-style, which means that each entree comes on a massive platter and is intended to feed about four people. We like the meaty pasta ragu (the sauce is loaded with succulent sausage, meatballs and rib tips) and the delicate veal saltimbocca. Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for dinner only (Sunday lunch added during the year-end holidays). $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2450 Broadway (at 90th Street; near the 86th Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-362-2200. http://www.carminesnyc.com.

Grimaldi's
In the endless debate over the best pizza in the city, this Brooklyn eatery is consistently a front-runner. The crust is so good you could eat it without toppings. Sells whole pies only. Wine sold by the glass, carafe or bottle. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. No credit cards. 19 Old Fulton St. (under the bridge -- take the A or C train to High Street), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-858-4300.

Il Mulino
The staff aims to please, and the food would convince anyone's Italian grandmother to return for more. Where else are you served complimentary appetizers before you order? The osso buco is tender and delicious. Do not pass up dessert. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 86 W. 3rd St. (near the West 4th Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-673-3783.

Ivy's Bistro
Long a popular spot among Tribeca locals, this inviting, relaxed Italian eatery gained attention for its generosity in serving up meals to hundreds of Ground Zero rescue and cleanup workers. Heaping pasta dishes with mouthwatering sauces. Don't pass up the calamari appetizer. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 385 Greenwich St. (at North Moore Street; near the Franklin Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-343-1139.

John's Pizzeria
Another contender for the best pizza in New York -- thin, foldable crust and excellent sauce. John's is a convenient stop while sightseeing in Lower Manhattan. A small, down-to-earth place that's very popular: The line of people waiting for a table is usually out the door. Sells whole pizzas only. Daily for lunch and dinner. $. 278 Bleecker St. (near the West 4th Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-243-1680. Fax 212-645-0749.

Le Madri
Classic Italian cuisine with impeccable consistency, and an atmosphere straight out of Tuscany. Try the osso buco with portobello mushrooms or paper-thin pizza from a wood-burning oven. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Reservations required. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 168 W. 18th St. (near the 18th Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-727-8022. Fax 212-727-3168.

Novita
Inventive Italian menu, with dishes such as the salad with black truffles and grilled shrimp or the roasted red snapper with spicy shrimp stuffing. Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday dinner only. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 102 E. 22nd St. (near the 23rd Street subway station), Manhattan, New York City. Phone 212-677-2222. Fax 212-677-2218.

Totonno's
The Coney Island location is Brooklyn's oldest pizza parlor. It has been serving up brick-oven-baked pies with fresh mozzarella since 1924. (There's a second location on Manhattan's Upper East Side, but it's not the same experience at all -- don't bother.) Even if this pizzeria were in the farthest reaches of Staten Island, it'd still be worth the trip. This place could be the key to bringing the crowds back to Coney Island. Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. $. 1524 Neptune Ave. (take the F, Q or W to Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue; it's just a few blocks from the amusement park), Brooklyn, New York City. Phone 718-372-8606.
 
   


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