Italian: Del Posto - 85 10th Avenue (15th & 16th Streets)

Opened in December 2005, this is the most ambitious Italian restaurant in NYC. Co-owned by Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and Joe Bastianich, Del Posto is a 22,000-square-foot high-end Italian. While I think that Lupa is a far better value, Del Posto did deliver on atmosphere and several dishes (especially the Risotto with Pumpkin and Lardo - $50 for the table to share). The service had some kinks (but I went the second week they were open, so I'll give them a break there because it was pretty smooth overall), and it was nice to see both Mario and Lidia. I'm looking forward to going back with a large group of [rich] friends to try the roughly $200 "Per il Tavolo" ("For the Table") dishes:

- LEG OF LAMB with Carciofi, Almonds, and Rutabagas
- PORK LOIN al Arista with Wild Fennel and Fig Conserva
- SALT-BAKED ARCTIC CHAR with Cauliflower Ragu and Panelle

The place is extremely expensive, but has the potential to be a Michelin 2 star establishment, which is very impressive for an Italian restaurant.

-Lee

Del Posto ($$$$$)
85 10th Ave, New York 10011 (Btwn 15th & 16th St)
Phone: 212-497-8090

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