Italian: Lupa - 170 Thompson Street (Houston & Bleecker Streets)

The best value in New York, and one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Co-owners Mario Batali (of the Food Network), Jason Denton, Joseph Bastianich, and Mark Ladner have created a casual restaurant featuring Roman trattoria fare. The food is not traditional Italian, but everyone can find something they like - and it is all amazing. You can get out there for $30 per person with a glass of wine, or spend $80 (or more) per person if you get a lot of food and wine.

I truly believe that everyone needs to get to Lupa at least once. It is by far the best restaruant that Mario is involved in (and I love Casa Mono, Esca, and others).

Note: they don't give you a ton of space between tables, so it can get loud and crowded - it is a great NY experience, but not a romantic place.

Also, reservations are extremely hard to come by, but you can always stop in and put your name on a list. Usually, you can get a table within 30 minutes if you get there early (5:30/6) or late (after 10). Even if you have to wait a few hours, it is well worth it.

-Lee

Lupa ($$$)
170 Thompson St, New York 10012 (Btwn Houston & Bleecker St)
Phone: 212-982-5089

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