Dressed in his signature orange clogs and shorts, Mario Batali is the king of rustic authentic Italian cuisine on television’s Food Network. Before he was a star of the small screen, he was a cook—and he is one celebrity chef who still actually cooks. Find him at Babbo, a charming West Village carriage house-turned-stylish hotspot where a glam crowd fills tables to feast on Batali’s unique brand of robust Italian fare. The man is known for serving braised pigs’ feet, warm lamb tongue and testa (head cheese). Cult-status signature pastas like beef cheek ravioli and mint love letters—spicy lamb sausage ragu with mint wrapped in envelopes of fresh pasta—demonstrate that some culinary risks are worth taking.

Babbo Information:

• Italian menu. Dinner. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Credit cards accepted.