With Otto, celebrity chef Mario Batali has veered into casual territory, offering New Yorkers a taste of an authentic Italian pizzeria in the style of an old-fashioned European train station. Decorated with tall marble bars and dark wainscoting, this high-energy eatery is always filled with a stylish crowd that comes in for wonderful antipasti (the mussels with chile flakes is delish), can’t-stop-at-one-slice prosciutto di Parma, and an amazing array of magnificent thin-crust pizzas. Gelatos are extra-special, especially the one made from olive oil that tastes like a very creamy version of heaven.

Otto Information:

• Italian menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Bar. Casual attire.