Okay, I grew up in Binghamton. But I have lived in the Boston area, in Chicagoland, and in Lala land (So Cal) each for six years or more. So I?ll just say, Cortese?s is the real deal. Sure in those major metropolitan areas there are better restaurants, but in a community like Binghamton (the Triple Cities), there is nothing to compare. This is ?family Italian? at its best. The pastas are authentic and simple when they need to be (pesto with basil, nuts and cheese without cream thank you very much) but rich in variety; the wine list is not extensive, but intelligently chosen; the wait staff are mature but attentive; on any given night, it is crowded with people of all ages. You won?t have a better Italian dining experience in a radius of 100 miles.
Pros: Southern italian done right
Cons: not fancy, not refined
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