VIBE

Though on the small side, this comfy, softly lit restaurant does a swell job of serving up northern Italian and Mediterranean fare to the West Village crowd. Jazzy music and friendly waitstaff set the mood, so although customers are a bit squeezed together, it makes for a convivial rather than uncomfortable mealtime. A lucky few cozy up to the cute four-seat copper bar, but the best (and most romantic) seats in the house are by the windows. It can be a bit loud at times, but the energy fits the atmosphere.

CROWD

Mostly 30-/40-somethings on a date or with friends, along with West Village locals

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

A casual outfit fit for dinner and a post-dinner stroll, like a sweater with capris and flats.

GO HERE WITH

A date; significant other; friends; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s romantic AND reasonably priced, so you can treat your sweetie without emptying your wallet. The prix fixe dinner (USD 52) includes six courses–a bargain when you consider what you’d be charged by other restaurants with food of this caliber.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Nothing

GOOD TO KNOW

This was famed chef Mario Batali’s first restaurant, but he hasn’t been associated with it for years. Still, this location is said to still serve some of the finest Italian food in the city and the service is consistently excellent. For any wine lovers, BYOB is permitted for USD 25 corkage/bottle.

CLOSEST COMPS

Il Buco (New York); Peasant (New York)

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