Finally, if you really like southern Italian food, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t spend an afternoon way out in Bensonhurst doing a food tour. Lioni, Panino Rustico, Frank and Sal’s, villabiata bakery, il colosseo for the most old school lunch you can imagine … It makes me hungry just thinking about it. And there are at least a half dozen more places worth stopping into.
I would second Hearth and Felidia. Both are excellent and have great wine programs.
Upland is ok, but not a place I have any urge to revisit any time soon.
As far as the praise for Felidia, I thought it was a great restaurant 20+ years ago, but to me the room and the menu both feel dated.
Wow, someone gave you the proper tour.
il buco alimentari e vineria
enjoy New York
There used to be a guy on Chowhound that knew Bensonhurst like the back of his hand . . . I’m talking years ago. Learned it from him. My favorite neighborhood to eat in the city.
It looks like the new Italian place by the Estela team opened this week. That would be VERY high on my list of places to try.
Been to Ai Fiori twice for lunch, thought it was excellent (and ut was restaurant week each time, which I usually avoid). While it isn’t Marea, no place is. If it intrigues you, go for it!
Maialino is good. Killer wine list.