VIBE

This tiny Italian café does its best not to shrink in the shadow of its arguably more celeb-clogged neighbor Da Silvano. It needn't worry: its Euro-style dining room (complete with hanging mirrors and vintage wooden chairs) is always busy, though it can’t hold a candle to the seasonal sidewalk seating, which attracts quite a scene (the likes of Jim Carrey and Beyoncé have been spotted chowing down on plates of steaming pasta). A chalkboard lists the daily specials, but you can't go wrong with any of the permanent menu's simple Tuscan plates, meaty paninis, or legendary polpettine di vitello (veal meatballs). (To be honest, despite the famous faces in the dining room, it’s the meatballs everyone's buzzing about.)

CROWD

European expats mixed with couples, lunching twosomes, and the occasional celebrity.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Casual chic; we'd opt for a loose t-shirt and layering cardigan with jeans and some fancy flats.

GO HERE WITH

A friend or two; significant other; a casual date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Bar Pitti is less pricey than neighboring Da Silvano but the food is of nearly equal quality. (Not to mention the fabulous scene on the sidewalk patio, where you can watch the world go by over penne all arrabbiata and tiramisu.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Although we can often get a quick seat without a reservation, we wish that we could reserve a table at peak times, when it can be a bit busier (especially in summer). Many complain of brusque service, but we were treated just fine.

GOOD TO KNOW

Bar Pitti is cash only, so be sure to stop by an ATM before you dine.

CLOSEST COMPS

Angelini Osteria (Los Angeles); Barbuto (New York)

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