NYC Italian Eats: The New Guard

Convivio

Formerly known as L'Impero, the newly reopened and instantly acclaimed Convivio transformed a stuffy high-Italian standard into the city's newest must-try. Southern Italian cuisine is the focus here, which chef-owner Michael White serves up with characteristic gusto: small plates (or sfizi) like saffron risotto croquettes, along with richly flavored pastas (saffron gnochetti with crab and sea urchin) and mains (seared black sea bass with radishes and mint). The space remains quiet and sophisticated, and while we're not often seen wandering the streets of Tudor City looking for dinner, Convivio is a good enough reason to head straight east.

Convivio
45 Tudor City Place at 42nd St.
212-599-5045