Pasta da Pulcinella

MIDTOWN. Named for a commedia dell'arte character and occupying a converted cottage, this established Italian haunt is known for its creative pasta dishes. Buckwheat and semolina noodles are accompanied by a variety of savory sauces – tomato-basil, bolognese and walnut among them. One of the restaurant's treats is apple-sausage ravioli, dressed with a sage-laced brown butter sauce – incredible! You'll also find gnocchi and risotto, along with daily specials that, although good, usually can't compete with the pastas. Prices, thankfully, are quite reasonable, and the place attracts a good crowd of business types throughout the day.