Mario Batali’s Babbo features an eclectic, Italian-only wine list and earthy, regional cuisine. Spicy, two-minute calamari cooked “Sicilian lifeguard style” is a favorite. Located on Washington Square in a graceful townhouse, Babbo won the national James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in 1999, which means it’s perpetually booked, so call a month ahead for reservations. Other favorite Batali restaurants include Otto, a casual enoteca and pizzeria (1 Fifth Avenue, 212.995.9559), And del Posto, an exuberant and showy homage to fine Italian dining, 85 10th Avenue, 212.497.8090