Lupa

At this West Village eatery, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich successfully recreate a traditional Roman osteria (a casual eatery serving wine and simple fare). The more affordable sibling of nearby Babbo, Lupa is a lively, often crowded restaurant designed with tile floors, globe lights, and exposed brick with arched niches. The chefs incorporate fresh local ingredients into authentic entrées such as spaghetti alla carbonara and ricotta gnocchi with sausage and fennel. The largely Italian wine list has more than 400 options, and the bar also serves one of the city’s most impressive selections of Italian bitters and liqueurs.