Family Style, Italian Style! and other New York City, NY Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: CARMINE'S

Carmine's has two locations, one in Times Square and the other on the Upper West Side. I have been to both and have to admit that my experience was better at the Upper West Side location than the Times Square one (although that could be because I visited the Times Square location after a play so it was sort of late...and it was St. Patties Day!) The food here is great. I am Italian and I am very critical about Italian food so I have to admit that this place has my stamp of approval. They portions are served "family-style" so don't do it alone. I suggest that each entree can feed about 3 average eaters (the pasta dishes can feed more I would say). The prices are reasonable since you are feeding a few people per Entree but make sure you bring your reading glasses since there are no paper menus at Carmine's. There are large blackboards on the walls that have the menu and pricelist on them. It's cute and irritating at the same time for someone who can't see very far! The places are kinda large however, they do not accept reservations for parties under 6 for dinner (between 7:00 to closing) so make sure that you allow enough time during the crowded times and holidays.

Favorite Dish: I think that everything is pretty good on the menu but here are some of my favorites:

Lemon Chicken - I have actually had a fight with someone over the last piece of the chicken and subsequently didn't speak to her for a year! It's that good!!!

Caesar Salad - Its one of the best that I have had. My only complaint is that there is never enough dressing for my taste.

Chicken Parm - Yummy, Yummy...No need to say anything else (that goes for the Veal Parmesan too!).

Penne al a vodka - I could eat pasta every day for the rest of my life and I would be a happy (abet, fat) little camper. Theirs is one of the best that I have had.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 200 West 44th Street, Broadway btwn 90 & 91Street
Directions: Theater District
Upper West Side
Website: www.carminesnyc.com

Restaurant Name: Nino's Trattoria

Ok, so I am a sucker for Italian food...and since I love pasta I think it should be cheap too. Well, I have found my favorite combination between cheap and good at Nino's. This small place gets very packed at lunchtime with good reason. Hot food, fast that is actually good for under $10 a person in Midtown...that's like hitting the lottery without playing! I was turned on to this place by my former boss. She lives in LA so whenever she comes in she has to have lunch here at least once during the week. I had worked in the area for about 2 years before I went there with her and I never knew about this place. Like I said its small and you can walk right by it if you're not looking for it. This place is no-frills so don't expect white glove service. If the place is too crowded or you are just in a hurry they have take-out service and they also deliver.

Favorite Dish: Again, pretty much everything thing is good here. Check out the baked Ziti, Meatball Parmaisan hero or the Penne al a Vodka. You pretty much aren't going to be disappointed!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: (212) 719-4015
Address: 39 W 46TH Street, New York, NY 10036
Directions: 46th Street between 6th (Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue)