dinner near times square

we are taking friends from the midwest out for a post sloan kettering consult dinner. they are staying in times square (not our suggestion). any ideas for italian food nearby ? another option is picking them up and taking them to a place we like on the uws . does this make any sense for midweek ? thanks

No recommendations for Italian restaurants midtown, but I can recommend a reasonably priced Belgian restaurant that I've been to several times, BXL Cafe on 43rd off 6th. Great options and a lively setting.

147 West 43rd Street - https://www.tonysnyc.com/

The only decent thing about Times Square is its proximity to Hell's kitchen. I haven't been here, but Becco is on 46th between 8th and 9th.

http://becco-nyc.com/

we really like Briciola on 51st.

http://www.briciola.nyc/

They don't take reservations but we've been there several times pre-theater and haven't had a problem getting in around 6 on a weeknight. Long communal table, so not sure that would work if you are discussing the medical issues. But the food is great (small plates you can share), nice wines by the glass, and casual atmosphere.

As I'm sure you know Times Square is not known for great dining options. Since they may want to talk about health issues I think it would be good to find a quiet place, not one that is noisy. You may not be able to find that in the Times Square area.

I hope your friend will be OK.

I love Lattanzi -- 361 W 46th Street. It overflows with joie de vivre (italian for that?) so I hope your friends feel like celebrating after their appointment.

Carmine's

http://www.carminesnyc.com/

Head towards the Theater District. Orso is our "go to" for Italian in that neighborhood with Becco as a close second. (BTW: You would be wise to get reservations to guarantee a table.)

Trattoria Tricolori

https://www.yelp.com/biz/tratt...

Orso and Briciola are both good choices. For something quieter but a bit farther, maybe Casa Nonna or Mercato or Gallo Nero. 

I can't recommend Carmines or Tony's. The farther west you go the better you'll do. 

BXL is very lively, casual (football bar) and small, more a pub than a restaurant. 

If you like fish and a splurge is OK, Esca is delicious.

Patsy's is pretty and historic, if a little expensive (56th x 8/Bway). A friend's parents swear by Nocello (55th x Bway/8. I love Bricola, but not for this--it's very tiny, with shared tables and a wait. I'd recommend Carmine's for visitors (NYers like it too), and for every day, Bocca di Bacco (9 x 54, 9 x 45) is also good, if a bit more of a wine bar.

Another vote for Carmine's especially for out of towners.

The portions are huge and sharing is the only way unless you want mountains of leftovers!

We've also enjoyed some good meals at the bar at: http://www.delmonicoskitchen.c...

Best Regards,

Ron Carter

Back to Carmine's for a moment, one salad for example will feed a table of at least 4. Certainly for a salad course.

-Ron

Personally I'd rather go anywhere than 44th and Broadway at dinner time. If it was me, I'd hop on the 2 or 3, get off at 96th and stroll down to Carmine's 91st and Broadway location.

ml1 said:

Personally I'd rather go anywhere than 44th and Broadway at dinner time. If it was me, I'd hop on the 2 or 3, get off at 96th and stroll down to Carmine's 91st and Broadway location.

Absolutely!

If you have to stay in the Time Sq area,

http://www.basso56.com/

or

http://www.patsys.com/

This isn't really a pasta joint, but pizza is awesome. https://www.donantoniopizza.co...

ok - not Italian - but Victor's is our "go to" place around Broadway: http://victorscafe.com/

Meme on 44 and 9(or possibly 10) is lovely Mediterranean.

Victor's is fun and has live music and excellent mojitos in the bar. (Possibly not the right place for this circumstance, but I like it!)