Caffe Storico

We always thought that Philadelphia-based restauranteur Stephen Starr would go down in food history, but now he's made inroads into New York's history as well. His new Italian, technically Venetian inspired, restaurant, Caffe Storico, is located in none other than the New York Historical Society. This historic jump (har, har) is leaps and bounds from his other Manhattan boites -- Morimoto and Buddakan. But he's also not attracting the same crowd. Club hoppers and see-and-be-scene-ers are no more interested in hand rolled garganelli or ricotta cavatelli (how would they fit in their skinny pants?) than they are in heading all the way up to this nosebleed neighborhood. But, those who relate partying with the Peppermint Lounge, or even Studio 54, will be perfectly happy to only have to choose from four entrees. Like your cousins wedding there's a meat (NY strip), chicken, and fish (actually two; salmon and sea bass) options. Unlike that black tie disaster there is also a list of a dozen or so cicchetti (small snacks) that range from fried langoustine or king crab salad to meatballs or veal tartare.

See more: Upper West Side restaurants, Italian restaurants