Mario Batali's Babbo Ristorante & Enoteca. Nuff' Said.

Ahhhh Babbo Ristorante & Enoteca-http://www.babbonyc.com. This culinary gem from Top Chef Mario Batali is one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in NYC (& possibly anywhere). The location is amazing, the space lovely and they play awesome rock music in the bar and dining room which is a cool surprise. Their bar is usually insanely packed so I recommend a reservation. I also suggest you make this reservation WAY in advance. Def not an easy table to snag. One of my favorite things about Babbo is you can get amazingly fresh, creative pasta dishes (think Beef Cheek Ravioli & Calf's Brain "Francobolli") AND one of the best steaks you've ever had melt in your mouth. I wouldn't usually order steak at an Italian joint but Chef Batali obviously knows his steaks. The Ribeye for Two is always cooked to perfection and topped with aged balsamic vinegar (like O.M.G).

To top the experience off, they have great service (don't get scared off by the head host. He's quite nice if you don't piss him off. They're a very busy establishment so patience is a virtue), a fab wine selection and yummy little breadsticks (Ask for these! They usually only bring them out at the bar but will give them to you at your table if you ask;-). For those with a sweet tooth, their desserts are pretty phenomenal as well. I recommend the Roasted White Chocolate Cheesecake with Coconut. So freakin' delish. Don't forget the dessert wines! Salute!

Lots o' VINO!

My Goat Cheese Tortelloni with dried orange and wild fennel pollen. 

So fresh and cooked to a perfect al dente.

Ryan and I shared a savory, medium-rare Ribeye for Two.

Those are little roasted potatoes with rosemary underneath...Yummy!

My creamy and delicious Roasted White Chocolate Cheesecake. 

It even had a touch of salt for that tasty salty/sweet combo...just insane.

Order a coffee or espresso and you get this lovely assortment of sugars! 

The rock sugar pops are my fave.