Italian anyone?

[jupiter]

Hey - I need a tip from someone for a casual but GOOD Italian restaurant downtown with warm yet friendly ambience, greatfood, and a youngish crowd. though not for me, but my friend from Taiwan who is 25 and wants me to take him for Italian having never tasted it and is dying to. I have some places in mind but I am looking for something NEW/ Any ideas? Joy

[lisa212]

I LOVE the food at Lupa in SoHo.

It's noisy by the bar, but there's a quiet & cozy room in the back.

[lisa212]

One that is:

- Clean -- Food/Table/Restrooms are sanitary
- Well-lit so I can read
- Large enough so I can sit & read for an hour without getting dirty looks from the waiters who want to turn over the table

Serves good food
Gyros on soft, squishy pita bread is a bonus

[Matildalee]

I just went there for lunch.

The Comfort Diner on 23rd between 5th and 6th.

They are crazy friendly, crazy clean and have fabulous food. It's original food, too...with low-carb options, veggie options, etc. Reasonably priced and great service.

I know there are 3 in manhattan, but I don't know for sure where the other 2 are, more uptown in the 40s or 50s...

[eweingold]

It's called Forlini's. It's on Baxter Street just south of Canal. It's not expensive and the food is of the best Italian in the City.

Check it out for sure.