Otto, New York

Just blocks from historic Washington Square sits Mario Batali's Otto Pizzeria and Enoteca. The bustling atmosphere is reminiscent of an Italian train station, complete with an old-fashioned schedule board. Polished dark wood and marble-topped standing tables by the bar provide a perch for sampling some of the 750-plus Italian wines offered here. Batali, famous chef, author and host of Molto Mario, is known for his upscale renderings of classic Italian dishes, such as a fennel and bottarga pizza, and the linguine puttanesca. For dessert, olive oil gelato is a popular choice.