Mercato, Red Hook

Mercato is an Italian gem, the dining room’s creamy walls full of everyday cheer. Francesco Buitoni, red bandanna–clad descendant of the famed Italian pasta family, makes sweet, almost milky meat ragùs that are to die for, while his house-made spinach pappardelle is the king of green-colored pastas. Diners jam the homey restaurant for chef Francesco Buitoni’s homemade pappardelle and a chance to spy what Mario Batali (Buitoni’s former boss) just ordered.