Il Mulino

In Short
Wrapped in white tablecloths, this elegant Italian job sits next door to the Ritz Downtown, a proper extension of the famous Il Mulino in New York. The tiny dining room leaves boisterous parties in close proximity, a noisy vibe that feels as though you're in a big-city movie. Formal-yet-friendly tuxedoed servers scurry about, carving giant hunks of aged parmesan next to a trio of bread and cured meats--a welcoming on-the-house first course. The food, like the service, is classic--old school, high-end and worth the heavy price. Giant prawns looking like miniature lobsters are sweetly succulent while buttery whole sea bass is classically filleted table-side. Mammoth veal specials are Italian-heavy and instantly crave-worthy. For a proper nightcap, have the well-versed server suggest a sweet ending. Consider yourself warned, after this, any old Italian simply won't do.