Food
Best Italian
Babbo
110 Waverly Place
212-777-0303

YOUR COMMENTS
"Just can't beat Mario."

"I almost hate to say how consistently good this restaurant is. I have a hard enough time getting the reservations I want now!"

"This was tough. Felidia is delicious but more formal; Babbo is fun and innovative. Innovation won out."


RUNNERS-UP
Il Mulino, 86 West Third Street, 212-673-3783
"Il Mulino defines Italian, the rest pretend to."

Felidia, 243 E. 58th Street, 212-758-1479
"Perfectly romantic, perfect food, perfect service (waitstaff consist of real New Yorkers — not stuffy)."

Lupa, 170 Thompson Street, 212-982-5089
"A charming little restaurant. Unpretentious, great service, delicious food."


OTHER CONTENDERS
Bar Pitti, 268 Sixth Avenue, 212-982-3300
"Always our top, for its food, friendly and casual atmosphere, and non-pretentious hospitality."

Borgo Antico, 22 East 13th Street, 212-807-1313
"Great place for lunch or dinner — a real sleeper. Molto Bene!"

Carmine's, 2450 Broadway, 212-362-2200; 200 West 44th Street, 212- 221-3800
"Italian homestyle cooking, massive portions. Can't go wrong with that."

Il Buco, 47 Bond Street, 212-533-1932
"There are no decent Italian restaurants outside of Italy, but Il Buco comes the closest."

Max, 51 Avenue B, 212-539-0111; Max SoHa, 1274 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-531-2221; Max Court, 394 Court Street, Brooklyn, 718-596-9797
"Great Italian should be a neighborhood thing. This place is in my 'hood and makes me incredibly happy and satisfied!"

Nino's, 1354 First Avenue, 212- 988-0002
"It's the perfect neighborhood place that gives you 'top 50'- style service, food, and decor without having to deal with the tourists. A real New York kind of spot. The fact it's also the favorite of such famous types as Regis Philbin has not ruined its neighborhood allure."

Peasant, 194 Elizabeth Street, 212-965-9511
"They have the best whole fish, orata that is dressed with olive oil and lemon and put over the coals."

Rock Center Cafe, 20 West 50th Street, 212-332-7620
"I had chef Theo Schoenegger's Tre Tentazioni menu the other day and it was outstanding."

Scalini Fedeli, 165 Duane Street, 212-528-0400
"A beautiful room, fabulous wine list, and impeccable service elevate the exceptional cuisine to a truly sublime experience."
"Best ever. Perfect if you need to impress her or make a sale."


Complete poll results