CARBONE
NY NY
Formerly "ROCCO'S" Established 1922
CARBONE Opened in 2013
Art Copyright - Bellino 2022
JOHN'S of 12th STREET
SINCE 1908
The EAST VILLAGE
NY NY
Copyright - Bellino 2025
John's of 12th Street, is one of New York's oldest and best Old School Red Sauce Joints,
left in New York. The restaurant is known for its Old World Charm, still having its original 1908 decor. John's was opened in 1908 by John Pucciatti.
John's serves all the classic Old School Italian Cuisine you'd expect, like; Bake Clams Oreganata, Clams Posillipo, Speeding all Romano. Chicken and Veal Parm, Spaghetti with Clam Sauce, Lasagna, Manicotti, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and one of the best plates of Spaghetti Carbonara in town.
MONTE'S TRATTORIA
SINCE 1918
GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY
Since 1918, this classic spot has been feeding Villagers abundant servings of minestrone, bread-crumbed Baked Artichokes, Manicotti, Veal & Chicken Parm, Spaghetti with Clam Sauce, Housemade Ravioli, Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs and more. And they say Chef Pietro's TiraMiSu is the Best in Town.
Monte's has been owned by just 3 Italian Families in its 107 History. It is a lively welcoming place, filled with local regulars, as well as regulars from around the country. People from around the world love Monte's too. Try it's one of just over a handful of Old School Italian Restaurants left in New York, and it's well worth the trip.
RAO'S
SINCE 1896
EAST HARLEM, NEW YORK
Copyright - Bellino 2025
"Rao's" was founded in 1896, starting out as a Saloon up in East Harlem. It is still owned by the founding family, operating for 4 generations, with Frank Pelligrino Jr. as the current owner.
Rao's specialises in classic Southern Italian Cuisine, including: Bake Clams, Roast Peppers, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Linguine with Clams, Veal Parmigiana, and Rao's Famous "Lemon Chicken," a must have.
The food, ambiance, and decor at Rao's is classic "Old School Italian," of which we have already mentioned, there are barely a handful of these wonderful old Italian Restaurants left (only 8).
And there's one problem with Rao's? You can't get in. If you don't already know, it is "almost Impossible" to get a table at Rao's. Why. Cause Frankie says, "No" !!! Why is that? The tables at Rao's are all owned by people, who have owned table reservations for 4o years or more, like long time regulars, Steve Witkoff, and Bo Dietel, the famed NYPD Detective of East Harlan, New York.
Diesel and Witfoff and the other "Lucky Ones" one their table reservations, which were given to them for the loyalty (as regular customers) by the late Frank Pelligrino Sr., aka "Frankie No." The people who own any particular night are either there eating at "Their Table," or if they can't make it, they either sell their table for the night or give it to friends, which might include a slew of celebrities. Table holders also, don't their tables, for any particular night to various charities.
Yes, it's just about impossible to get a table at Rao's, but you can go and have a drink or. two at the bar. And though highly unlikely, if you ask, and wait around, you might get lucky, and get a table, and sit down and eat. "Good Luck."
BAMONTE'S
SINCE 1900
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
EMILIO'S BALLATO
SINCE 1956
E. HOUSTON STREET
NEW YORK, NY
Copyright - Bellino 2025
GARGIULO'S
CONEY ISLAND
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Gargiulo’s Restaurant began in Coney Island in 1907, as a small family owned business located on Mermaid Avenue by the Gargiulo Family. It was the beginning of something that no one could have imagined.Throughout the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, Gargiulo’s Grand Ballroom was the host of many weddings and other social functions. Patrons enjoyed making memories with good friends and great food.
The Russo Brothers began their foray into the hospitality industry in the early 1960’s, opening a 16 seat pizzeria on Nostrand Avenue. Da Luigi, an 80 seat venue, was their next location, which was very popular from its opening featuring their family recipes from Sorrento, Italy. As their sights were always set higher, the brothers looked for the next opportunity to expand their business.
SUNDAY SAUCE
alla BELLINO alla PACINO
BARBETTA
SINCE 1906
West 46th Street NY NY
Barbetta, established in 1906, is an iconic Italian restaurant in the heart of the Theatre District. Specializing in Piemonte Cuisine featuring the classics such as House-made Agnolotti, Risotto with White Truffle, and Blue a Barolo (Beef Braised in Barolo wine).
With more than 1,700 selections of predominantly Italian wines, as well as carefully curated American offerings, our extensive wine list has been honored with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The landmark brownstone features an elegant dining room, expansive garden patio and upper level private dining rooms suited for gatherings large and small.
Barbetta is open for Lunch on Wednesday and Saturday and Dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Prix Fixe lunch and Pre-Theatre Dinner menus are available.
PATSY'S RESTAURANT
"FRANK SINATRA'S FAVORITE"
SINCE 1944
SINATRA SAUCE
COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK
His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES
by Daniel Bellino Z
