100 BEST ’17: SFORMATINO DI ZUCCHINE at FIASCHETTERIA PISTOIA

You are forgiven if you are surprised that there is a bit of a restaurant row all the way over on Avenue C. These are under-the-radar neighborhood spots but they are beloved by the community and actually worth traveling for. One of the more authentic Italian restaurants I’ve been to in Manhattan is Fiaschetteria Pistoia focused on Tuscan food paired with Italian wine. As an appetizer, you can’t miss the decadent zucchini flan with parmesan cream and a soft center so rich that you may have to check again to be sure these are vegetables. Price: $16