I've been going here since 1996. Really charming little cafe with some outdoor tables -- the quirky, cozy European decor is exactly what you'd want in a place like this, and the half-tiered spaces add to the charm. This is a genuine family business, run by a very nice southern Italian family -- you don't see the parents so much anymore (they are quite old now), but the son, Luco, has taken over and cooks the food. Great staff, great place to drink and eat. Very good, inexpensive authentic Italian food, but the real reason to go is simply the charm of the place. One of the great secrets of the East Village.
PS And whoever wrote that review allegating that this place is biased against certain fabulous people (filter won't let me use the more neutral term) is ridiculous. All sorts of people go there and are treated with the same courtesy as anyone else. This family has operated this restaurant for years in the Village, and it's terrible that someone would try to damage their reputation with a b.s. story like that.
Pros: Charm, family owned, inexpensive, genuine southern Italian cooking
Cons: None
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