Authentic, Affordable Italian in Midtown
Allie Asks:
“I’m looking for a reasonably-priced, lively and authentic Italian restaurant (less than $20 per person) located in the mid-town or Times Square area that can seat twenty people or less for a birthday event.”
I’ve been thinking pretty intensely about your question and you might have actually stumped me — which might mean that there’s not necessarily a real answer to your question. There are a few things that seem to be at odds with each other: midtown / Times Square, ‘authentic’, and reasonably-priced. Putting aside every other aspect of your question, I can’t really think of a coherent answer to any question using all of those terms at the same time…
In my best attempt to get you a reasonable answer, I’m going to go ahead and give you a few options that will cover 2 of those 3 variables… hopefully it will help a little. I mean think about it this way… entrees at Olive Garden (admittedly an establishment I haven’t actually been to…) are going to be hovering around $20 - and I don’t think it would qualify as ‘authentic’. Or edible.
- Authentic, Reasonably-Priced, NOT in Midtown
I’ve mentioned it on this blog before, but my favorite go-to Italian spot is Bar Pitti on 6th Ave near Bleecker St. It’s close to my heart because they serve authentically Florentine dishes — many of which I can’t find anywhere else in the city. Their pastas are fresh and delicious and run slightly over $10. The best things are really the daily specials though — they’re put on a blackboard in italian every day… check out the melanzane parmagiana (eggplant parmesan) - it’s unbelievable. They probably have the room… but seating 20 won’t be easy.
- Authentic, NOT Reasonably-Priced, in Midtown
If you happen to stumble on a huge pile of cash between now and this birthday, check out one of my favorite Mario Batali restaurants, Esca on 43rd and 9th Ave. The Southern Italian, mostly seafood menu is fantastically authentic - from the fish-heavy pastas to the whole roasted fish, everything is simply prepared, clean Italian flavors. Like I said, it’s not cheap… probably around $50-$60 / person.
- NOT Authentic, Reasonably-Priced, in Midtown
OK well I guess authentic is a relative term. For this part, I’m going to go ahead and give you a sit-down pizza place that makes some really solid brick-oven pies. John’s Pizzeria has an outpost on 44th between Broadway and 8th Ave. and while it’s not my absolute favorite pizza in the city, they do know their stuff. The space is pretty big and they should be able to handle a large party. It will definitely stay within your price range, maybe with some cash to spend on some table wine.
I hope this post didn’t come off as too mean… I really just can’t think of something that satisfies all of those terms at the same time. I hope one of these solutions will work out for you and let me know if you have another question!
