If you want authentic, mouth-watering cuisine, affordable prices, and a host and chefs that will truly take care of you, then I highly recommend Trattoria Toscana (formerly Oreste). My friends and I visited the restaurant after hearing Franco Fazzuoli (formerly of NYC's C'entanni, Zinno's, and Franco's Italian Caffe in AZ) had returned to NY. We loved the space on Carmine Street which allows for pre-dinner drinks at the bar or drinks and appetizers at outside tables for people watching. The ambiance inside is like being in Tuscany as one friend put it. A few of our favorites were the special appetizer plate which includes burrata, prosciutto with figs, filet mignon with a type of green sauce, sliced tomato with marinated white anchioves, and seafood salad and the incredible Porterhouse steak which two people shared because of the portion size. Another friend loved the Alaskan King Salmon toppped with pistachio nuts. I had the traditional chicken and sausage with peppers and mushrooms in a balsamic sauce -- to die for! The wine list includes some beautiful Italian and California wines. I think what my friends and I enjoyed most about this restaurant was that the owners/chefs are there to nurture and feed the patrons not to feed their egos which we've experienced so much in NYC and LA. Trattoria Toscana is the real deal.
Pros: Authentic cuisine, Great Host and Chefs, Bar area, outside seating
Cons: Need a Trattoria Toscana in LA!
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