Scalinatella

This traditional Italian restaurant is located in the prestigious Upper East Side. It occupies a semi-underground space and features classical decor, simple and unpretentious, just like the restaurants of Capri. Other highlights include stone walls, white tablecloths, and a menu so mouthwatering you'll be tempted to take it home for your coffee table. The restaurant's specialty is homemade pasta. Of course, you can order something else, but the pasta is where it's at.

We recommend: Salad with lobster; rigatoni with ricotta and tomatoes; pappardelle with white truffles. For dessert, try their unbelievable cheesecake.

Cuisine: traditional Italian

Atmosphere: relaxed

The crowd: white-collar workers, romantic couples, gourmands, locals

Key info: The wine list is outstanding. Your waiter will suggest delicacies not on the menu; keep in mind that if you order them, your jaw might drop when you receive the bill.

Tags: Scalinatella