Johns is all right, but if you're in that neighborhood try Il Bagatto on 2nd between A & B.
One of my all time favorites, and everyone I've ever taken there loves it.
In Brooklyn go to al di là instead of Bamonte's, the food is top notch..... or for the Bay Ridge wiseguy experience try Areo, epecially on a Thursday night.
I used to DJ at Il Bagatto for years. The owner is a real character. Unfortunately Il Bagatto closed 2 years ago but I think they still have the wine bar next door.
