So, being a culturally literate girl, you’ve just spilled out of a matinee at the New York City Ballet, or the Met, or the Symphony, or even an artsy movie at the Walter Reade theatre. And you’re hungry for something with a touch of class.

Stand at the Lincoln Center fountain and look across the street. See the sign for Cafe Fiorello? Good, head there.

Cafe Fiorello is a sophisticated Italian restaurant that glows with shiny dark wood paneling, lots of mirrors, and candlelight. The booths have small signs that say things like “Reserved for Renee Fleming” on the wall. The bread (divine) comes with olive oil for dipping, and if you order a Sprite, it comes in a glass carafe.

The antipasto bar greets you at the door with a colorful riot of seafood and vegetables. Also on the menu is thin-crust pizza, salads, pastas, and other Italian specialties. The food here is amazingly good, and the service matches; you’ll never go wanting, and they’ll bring you more bread if you ask.

Don’t fill up too fast, because dessert is not to be missed. The menu includes such delights as oversized cannolis, amaretto cheesecake, and homemade sorbet. My personal favorite is the chocolate mousse with whipped cream, which the server brings to the table in two big buckets and ladles out till you say “stop”. One bite and you’re in heaven.

During the afternoon you can generally walk in and get a table; however, if you plan to catch an evening performance at Lincoln Center and have dinner afterwards, you can make reservations via the phone or internet. It’s well worth the effort.

Cafe Fiorello
Weekdays, 11:30 am – 1:00 am
Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Sundays, 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm

1900 Broadway between 63rd and 64th Street
1 to 66th Street – Lincoln Center
212.595.5330

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