Recommendations

A small Italian restaurant that packs a big, friendly punch.

Guide: Actress (Jordan)
Location: Upper East Side

Strengths

• This intimate and cozy Italian restaurant is an Upper East Side treasure. It regularly seats around 25 people, though the seasonal outdoor seating doubles their capacity. The food is heavenly, the service friendly, and the atmosphere intimate. It's a perfect spot for a catch-up dinner with an old friend, or an early-in-the-relationship date.

Shortcomings

• Because of the limited space, an advance reservation is usually necessary. I mean, really advance.

Insider tips

• The sheep's-milk-ricotta gnocchi is to-die-for. Seriously. Even if you don't think you like gnocchi, this is a must.

Feel free to google Spigolo. I have yet to find a negative review.

Anecdotes

• I have only had really great experiences at Spigolo, as has everyone I know. The part-owner/hostess/pastry chef, Heather, always greets me as if I am an old friend (though she did this from my very first visit), which makes the experience a pleasurable one from the moment I walk in the door. Plus, the food never disappoints.

Perfect for

• Upper East Siders sick of the only fair Italian offerings around the neighborhood.

Credentials

• Best Neighborhood Italian, New York Magazine 2006