I Sodi

At I Sodi, the stenciled phrase "ristorante toscano" that greets visitors at the entrance of Rita Sodi's dinner-only gastroteca in the West Village announces the restaurant's intentions: to serve the food of Tuscany. Sodi grew up on a farm outside of Florence in an area known for its beef, so expect things like steak tartare and tagliata con rucola (sliced NY strip with arugula) alongside simple pastas like ravioli with butter and sage and lemon pappardelle. Departing slightly from the Tuscan theme, Rome's cacio e pepe also makes an appearance—one of the few examples in NYC that faithfully replicates the flavor and texture of its Roman incarnation.