VIBE

This lively restaurant boasts one of the most inventive repertoires of fine Italian food in town–and this is a city that knows Italian food. The menu changes nightly to feature the best ingredients of the season, and the space is continually abuzz with the convivial chatter of food enthusiasts and scenesters. While the à la carte menu is filled with excellent options, the tasting menus (either the pasta tasting menu or the traditional tasting menu) are the true stars of the show. It’s no wonder that many consider Babbo to be the jewel of the Mario Batali crown.

CROWD

Foodies, celebrities, and the power set drop in to get their pasta on.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Smart Downtown wear, like jeans and a great top. Many come directly from work, so office attire works here too.

GO HERE WITH

A small group of friends; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Babbo serves one of the best Italian meals anywhere, with a lively atmosphere to boot.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The space can be noisy, and tables cramped. Advance planning is usually required since reservations are so hard to come by. (Though there are always a handful of seats reserved for drop-ins.)

GOOD TO KNOW

Parties over six can't be accommodated, so this isn't the place to take a large group. Reservations should be made well in advance, but sometimes you can get lucky and score a walk-in table on the bottom level or at the bar (coming extra early or extra late can improve your chances). The wine bar opens Monday to Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 4:30pm.

CLOSEST COMPS

Casa Mono (New York); Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles)

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