Mandolino Restaurant

Can’t decide between pizza and pasta? Head to this Italian restaurant in the East Village to satisfy both cravings. For an appetizer, order the panzanella with tomatoes, olives, cucumbers and rosemary croutons ($14), classic bruschetta ($9) or fried calamari and zucchini ($15) to share amongst the table. The specialty here is authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. In addition to the classics like margherita with buffalo mozzarella ($18) and primavera with cherry tomatoes, basil, arugula and prosciutto ($18), the restaurant also offers inventive flavors like the Mandolino with anchovies, garlic, capers, olives and chopped cherry tomatoes ($19). Of course, the menu also includes pasta favorites like linguini with clams ($20), fettuccine with veal ragu ($18) and risotto with roasted octopus and oregano ($25). Looking for something lighter? Meat-centric dishes like grilled steak on a bed of arugula garnished with shaved parmesan ($28) and a salmon filet served over sliced avocado ($23). No matter what you order for dinner, you certainly won’t want to miss the nutella pizza ($18) for dessert.