Are these really the Top 5 Italian spots in NYC?
Check out my Top 5 Italian restaurants in the city.
Here’s this week’s “Top 5”! There’s way too many Italian joints in the city for me to even try, but out of the ones I’ve dined at, these were the standouts.
Let me know in the comments what recommendations you would like from me next.
1. Torrisi
Say what you will about the Major Food Group, the global empire of the best restaurants, and Carbone — I still love it. Alongside the food, Carbone will always be one of the best in the biz because of the show, the waiters in tuxedos, the focaccia and cheese before you even get to the appetizers, and the whole experience. And I’m a sucker for red sauce Italian with baked clams and any kind of parmesan, even if it’s highway robbery (the veal parm is $89 at Carbone).
So, I have to be honest, the first time that I went to Torrisi, another MFG establishment, I was not blown away. However, the charred clam boule, which is an appetizer with chopped clams on an English muffin, is life changing if you love clams like I do. The next time I dined here, I went with a few knowledgeable friends, notably Chef Rocco DiSpirito (who has a new book!). He knew what was best on the menu, so he took over the ordering for us, and it was a stellar meal. After that second try, I can now vouch as to why people hype this place up. If you end up snagging a reservation, hit me up and I’ll tell you want to get, like the Italian and American hams with zeppole that blew me away.