bianca

A tiny east village gem. The space is warm and rustic, with wooden floors and tables, cozy low-lighting and exposed brick walls that are decorated with porcelain plates and tea sets displayed on wooden shelves. The food - delicious, homey italian - is surprisingly inexpensive. The pastas range from $9 to $12, and the most expensive entree (pan seared filet mignon with rosemary) is $15. My favorites are the carciofini (thin artichoke slices with parmesan and lemon) and pollo al balsamico (figure it out). Although, I admit, I've never tried the desserts, I've watched enough people digging into the ricotta cheesecake and chocolate truffle ice cream to feel more than comfortable recommending them. The only downside: Bianca doesn't take reservations (or credit cards), and there's often at least a 20-30 minute wait on the weekends.

5 Bleecker St. (b/w Bowery and Elizabeth)
website

*recommendations:
  carciofini
  pollo al balsamico