• Best Italian (Inexpensive)

  Locanda Vini e Olii

  129 Gates Ave., at Cambridge Pl., Brooklyn, 718-622-9202

  "Buonissimo! Finally an Italian restaurant with real Italian food, made by real Italians for real Italians (and Americans with good taste). You don't have to go to Tuscany to eat great. Just go to Brooklyn."
  —info, West Village.
  
  "As good as it gets. This place is proof that good food will make even the most hardened Manhattanite leave the city for a meal! You must indulge in their incredible selection. Let your imagination free by tasting originals, and be assured that old favourites such basil & tomato-gnocchi or fresh tagliatelle with porcini, will amaze you however much of a culinary snob you may think you are."
  —bambola, West Village.

• Best Italian (Upscale)

  Babbo

  110 Waverly Place, 212-777-0303

  "Mario flawlessly delivers his own interpretation of modern Italian cooking using only the highest quality seasonal ingredients balanced with bold spices and flavor combinations you won't find any place else. Never over the top- but always original."
  —baratti, Gramercy Park
  
  "I never knew animal faces could taste so good. This place is amazing! The lamb's tongue salad, beef cheek ravioli, and pasta amatriciana (pig jowls) ended my vegetarian days."
  —dtulsa, Flatiron

From the 2003 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine