Best Italian restaurant in NYC for a large, rowdy group
September 7, 2011 10:15 AM Subscribe
What's the best Italian restaurant in NYC that I can get a reservation for 10+ for this Friday night?
I have some friends coming to visit from various far-flung places (Texas, Minneapolis, Alberta) and they're looking to have a really good, authentic Italian meal after a day of sightseeing. I don't know how adventurous they might be, which is why we decided on Italian, since everyone seems to like that. My main concern is that the food is blow-you-away fantastic.
I don't get into the city very often, so I have no idea what's good.
Ideally this place wouldn't be oppressively loud, since we haven't seen each other in ages and there will be lots of talking. And since we're a rowdy bunch, an establishment that's not known for its quiet, romantic atmosphere might be best. ;)
Any recommendations?
I have some friends coming to visit from various far-flung places (Texas, Minneapolis, Alberta) and they're looking to have a really good, authentic Italian meal after a day of sightseeing. I don't know how adventurous they might be, which is why we decided on Italian, since everyone seems to like that. My main concern is that the food is blow-you-away fantastic.
I don't get into the city very often, so I have no idea what's good.
Ideally this place wouldn't be oppressively loud, since we haven't seen each other in ages and there will be lots of talking. And since we're a rowdy bunch, an establishment that's not known for its quiet, romantic atmosphere might be best. ;)
Any recommendations?
My main concern is that the food is blow-you-away fantastic.
If I were you, I'd be prepared to spend a ton of money on this meal, then, for the absolute best of the best Italian food in town. Especially since you have a large group of 10+.
It's hard to make a reservation without knowing your budget. Are you prepared to pay a room fee? Or a minimum?
Off the top of my head:
The private room at Locanda Verde
The private room at Maialino
Scarpetta, although they don't have a private room, it might be tough to get space for 10 on such short notice
I don't recommend Del Posto (a friend's sister had a terrible meal in the private room a few months ago) or Babbo (they don't do parties greater than 6).
I often find that the boards on Chowhound are better for this sort of thing than ask.metafilter.com.
posted by kathryn at 10:21 AM on September 7, 2011
If I were you, I'd be prepared to spend a ton of money on this meal, then, for the absolute best of the best Italian food in town. Especially since you have a large group of 10+.
It's hard to make a reservation without knowing your budget. Are you prepared to pay a room fee? Or a minimum?
Off the top of my head:
The private room at Locanda Verde
The private room at Maialino
Scarpetta, although they don't have a private room, it might be tough to get space for 10 on such short notice
I don't recommend Del Posto (a friend's sister had a terrible meal in the private room a few months ago) or Babbo (they don't do parties greater than 6).
I often find that the boards on Chowhound are better for this sort of thing than ask.metafilter.com.
posted by kathryn at 10:21 AM on September 7, 2011
I just took a glance at OpenTable and there were a surprising number of Italian restaurants in Manhattan willing to take a party of 10 at 7pm on Friday - around a hundred or so! So it looks like spicynuts's tip #3 is off-base — though I have to admit, I would have initially thought the same myself.
Anyhow, it looks like you can afford to be a bit picky, then, in terms of location and price. Any preferences as to either?
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:24 AM on September 7, 2011
Anyhow, it looks like you can afford to be a bit picky, then, in terms of location and price. Any preferences as to either?
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 10:24 AM on September 7, 2011
Response by poster: As far as budget, I'd think that without alcohol, people would be willing to spend about $50ish?
You guys are asking the same questions that I asked, and got no answers to. The visitors are taking a very fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants approach to the whole thing, so I haven't been able to get much cooperation on the planning end of things.
posted by MsVader at 10:26 AM on September 7, 2011
You guys are asking the same questions that I asked, and got no answers to. The visitors are taking a very fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants approach to the whole thing, so I haven't been able to get much cooperation on the planning end of things.
posted by MsVader at 10:26 AM on September 7, 2011
Not blow-you-away fantastic food, but old-school red-sauce family-style, affordable, boisterous, fun and can almost definitely accomodate you, Carmine's (I'd take the UWS vs theater district location ...)
posted by thinkpiece at 10:27 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by thinkpiece at 10:27 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
I know people will disagree but for 10 people I would go to a family style italian place like Carmines
posted by Ad hominem at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Ad hominem at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
I just took a glance at OpenTable and there were a surprising number of Italian restaurants in Manhattan willing to take a party of 10 at 7pm on Friday - around a hundred or so! So it looks like spicynuts's tip #3 is off-base — though I have to admit, I would have initially thought the same myself.
Hello....he said AUTHENTIC. This is NYC...there are thousands of italian restaurants.
posted by spicynuts at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
I just took a glance at OpenTable and there were a surprising number of Italian restaurants in Manhattan willing to take a party of 10 at 7pm on Friday - around a hundred or so! So it looks like spicynuts's tip #3 is off-base — though I have to admit, I would have initially thought the same myself.
The issue is that those same restaurants are not the "blow-you-away fantastic" ones. If you examine the list more closely, you'll see the random French or steakhouse in there as well.
posted by kathryn at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011
The issue is that those same restaurants are not the "blow-you-away fantastic" ones. If you examine the list more closely, you'll see the random French or steakhouse in there as well.
posted by kathryn at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011
Tip number 2: Mario Batali. Lidia Bastianich. You can't go wrong.
Becco! You can also get the prix fixe, which is nice for groups. You may still be able to get a reservation for 10, IIRC, they have a large dining room in the back now.
posted by kellyblah at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Becco! You can also get the prix fixe, which is nice for groups. You may still be able to get a reservation for 10, IIRC, they have a large dining room in the back now.
posted by kellyblah at 10:28 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Alright, MsVader...given that statement, go to Carmine's.
posted by spicynuts at 10:29 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by spicynuts at 10:29 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I'd just go for Carmine's if your target is $50 per person and you're a rowdy bunch.
I actually do like Carmine's; it's industrial strength, highly flavored Italian almost custom made for large groups. My dad used to take out from there all the time. It's kind of like the Italian version of NYC Chinese food--not terribly authentic, but a pretty good deal and tasty.
Babbo is my favorite, though. As Kathryn noted, they only do tables for six, and tend to book up a month in advance.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:37 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
I actually do like Carmine's; it's industrial strength, highly flavored Italian almost custom made for large groups. My dad used to take out from there all the time. It's kind of like the Italian version of NYC Chinese food--not terribly authentic, but a pretty good deal and tasty.
Babbo is my favorite, though. As Kathryn noted, they only do tables for six, and tend to book up a month in advance.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:37 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
As far as budget, I'd think that without alcohol, people would be willing to spend about $50ish?
It will be difficult to get "blow you away fantastic" at that price.
I assume it's about $50 per person, before tax, tip, wine/drinks? If so, try getting the wine cellar at Peasant. Also look into Frankies 570, Rubirosa, Po, Hearth (may be a little pricier though), Aroma Kitchen & Winebar, the wine cellar at 'inoteca.
posted by kathryn at 10:38 AM on September 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
It will be difficult to get "blow you away fantastic" at that price.
I assume it's about $50 per person, before tax, tip, wine/drinks? If so, try getting the wine cellar at Peasant. Also look into Frankies 570, Rubirosa, Po, Hearth (may be a little pricier though), Aroma Kitchen & Winebar, the wine cellar at 'inoteca.
posted by kathryn at 10:38 AM on September 7, 2011 [2 favorites]
There's nothing authentic about Carmine's.
I agree with kathryn... if you want authentic and amazing food, you're going to have to double that price.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 10:41 AM on September 7, 2011
I agree with kathryn... if you want authentic and amazing food, you're going to have to double that price.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 10:41 AM on September 7, 2011
If you guys are going to be rowdy, you ought to go down to Little Italy and try La Mela. I don't know what you mean by "blow you away" since you might be a foodie who specializes in regional Italian food, but that is a great place for a rowdy crowd.
There is also a fabulous place called Il Vagabondo where you are served by only Italian speaking waiters and they have a bocce court inside. Yes, it is pretty damned nice. You will have to make a reservation for a large party 212-832-9221. This place has really fantastic food and you can ask for a party menu. It's on the east side in the 60s I think, but call!!
Carmine's is fun, but the food never "knocked my socks off" because I grew up with FOB Italians so I have become an Italian food snob.
Have a great time!!
posted by Yellow at 10:44 AM on September 7, 2011
There is also a fabulous place called Il Vagabondo where you are served by only Italian speaking waiters and they have a bocce court inside. Yes, it is pretty damned nice. You will have to make a reservation for a large party 212-832-9221. This place has really fantastic food and you can ask for a party menu. It's on the east side in the 60s I think, but call!!
Carmine's is fun, but the food never "knocked my socks off" because I grew up with FOB Italians so I have become an Italian food snob.
Have a great time!!
posted by Yellow at 10:44 AM on September 7, 2011
No way you will get seats for 10 at the cellar of Peasant. Too bad because it's amazing. Po has been in steep decline for a decade.
A possible faux-Peasant is En Vino which is just not popular enough that you might be able to squeeze in late.
posted by spicynuts at 10:45 AM on September 7, 2011
A possible faux-Peasant is En Vino which is just not popular enough that you might be able to squeeze in late.
posted by spicynuts at 10:45 AM on September 7, 2011
Response by poster: I guess I should have said blow-the-crappy-italian-chain-restaurants-away. Which, I imagine, isn't very hard to do. I wouldn't say that any of these visitors are "foodies" so we don't need to go crazy expensive to get a really good meal.
posted by MsVader at 10:48 AM on September 7, 2011
posted by MsVader at 10:48 AM on September 7, 2011
go down to Little Italy and try La Mela
NO. I beg you, no.
posted by spicynuts at 10:48 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
NO. I beg you, no.
posted by spicynuts at 10:48 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
For a large rowdy group I would suggest La Mela.
Been there nights where they were smashing dishes, yelling, singing -- a very fun atmosphere! If you end up in the back room be sure to turn on and off "the light" a few times...
It is in little Italy, and can easily accommodate large groups. The food is great and served family style. You will leave there stuffed (as the old joke goes - the problem with Italian food is two or three days later you get hungry again...)
Real New Yorkers may disagree but this is a great spot for a bunch of non- New Yorkers looking to have a great italian meal and a very fun dinner. You won't be disappointed.
posted by ninebucks at 10:52 AM on September 7, 2011
Been there nights where they were smashing dishes, yelling, singing -- a very fun atmosphere! If you end up in the back room be sure to turn on and off "the light" a few times...
It is in little Italy, and can easily accommodate large groups. The food is great and served family style. You will leave there stuffed (as the old joke goes - the problem with Italian food is two or three days later you get hungry again...)
Real New Yorkers may disagree but this is a great spot for a bunch of non- New Yorkers looking to have a great italian meal and a very fun dinner. You won't be disappointed.
posted by ninebucks at 10:52 AM on September 7, 2011
Go to Bacaro. The food is strong, and they have a private dining setup that's exactly $50 a head where you're given a private room down in their cellars (which look like they're straight out of The Cask of Amontillado), plus a relatively cheap open bar setup as well.
posted by saladin at 11:00 AM on September 7, 2011
posted by saladin at 11:00 AM on September 7, 2011
I love Fornino in Park Slope, if your party is able to venture to Brooklyn. Delicious and curiously undercrowded every time I've been in.
posted by mlle valentine at 11:16 AM on September 7, 2011
posted by mlle valentine at 11:16 AM on September 7, 2011
I like Becco also. They have family style tables that will fit a large group.
posted by cazoo at 11:20 AM on September 7, 2011
posted by cazoo at 11:20 AM on September 7, 2011
Check out Rubirosa.
It's newish, and very very good.
posted by neroli at 11:30 AM on September 7, 2011
It's newish, and very very good.
posted by neroli at 11:30 AM on September 7, 2011
Response by poster: You guys have made some great suggestions. I thank you for your patience and understanding in dealing with my hard-to-manage friends. :)
Trying to plan around a non-existent schedule is stressing me out, so I think I'm going to leave it up to them. If they don't want to nail down any plans, there's nothing I can really do at this point. I've given them links for all of these restaurants and told them that they have to try to make a reservation IMMEDIATELY if they hope to get in anywhere.
Thanks again, everyone. I'll let you know what they decide.
posted by MsVader at 12:09 PM on September 7, 2011
Trying to plan around a non-existent schedule is stressing me out, so I think I'm going to leave it up to them. If they don't want to nail down any plans, there's nothing I can really do at this point. I've given them links for all of these restaurants and told them that they have to try to make a reservation IMMEDIATELY if they hope to get in anywhere.
Thanks again, everyone. I'll let you know what they decide.
posted by MsVader at 12:09 PM on September 7, 2011
Luna on Mulberry (I think). Great food, great fun...funky place....not an "upscale" kind of place, but fantastic. (I haven't been in years, so YMMV. but I have been told it's still fantastic.
posted by txmon at 3:52 PM on September 7, 2011
posted by txmon at 3:52 PM on September 7, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Tip number 1: STAY AWAY FROM LITTLE ITALY. You will not get authentic.
Tip number 2: Mario Batali. Lidia Bastianich. You can't go wrong.
Tip number 3: 10+ and calling on Wednesday, you're not gonna get much luck.
Go to the nymag.com restaurant section, pick a neighborhood and then Italian and look for editor's picks.
posted by spicynuts at 10:21 AM on September 7, 2011