Don Angie

Reservations: Getting a reservation at Don Angie is nearly impossible. Walking in, however, is very easy. If you line up around 4:15 on a weekday you’re likely to get a reservation for around 5PM the same day. Early, I know, but worth it. We arrived just after 4PM on a Thursday and waited in a line of maybe 10-15 people for all of 10 minutes. We had the option of sitting at the bar immediately or sitting in the dining room at 5PM. We chose dining room and got to sit at the bar in the meantime (which was very tight). The only caveat for the 5PM tables is that there is a 90 minute limit. We still had time to have drinks,  appetizers, lasagna, and dessert.

Experience: Don Angie has every right to be pretentious. It’s one of the hardest reservations in the city and it’s universally well reviewed. But it’s not pretentious. The hostess is patient and kind, the servers are attentive and thoughtful, and the waiters don’t roll their eyes as they hear someone order lasagna for the millionth time. Despite its popularity, Don Angie feels laid back, inviting you to order another drink and continue your conversation.

Food: I know why you’re here. The lasagna - is it worth it? It is. It’s simple, uses fresh ingredients, and is absolutely delicious. I choose Don Angie’s lasagna over I Sodi’s any day. I also loved the Scallop Crudo. The Stuffed Garlic Flatbread is good but very heavy on the cheese - bring the Lactaid. The Black Cocoa Tiramisu was a topic of debate, as it contains a cookie crust in the middle that is reminiscent of Parmesan cheese. I kept going back for more out of curiosity rather than desire.

Who to Bring: Anyone who can appreciate good lasagna and a glass of red wine can appreciate Don Angie. Your parents will love it, your date will be blown away, and your friend will rave about it for months.

What to Wear: Don Angie’s vibe captures what I love about New York City. You can get away with almost anything despite this being an upscale Italian restaurant. The feel is classy and elegant yet casual, so the options are endless.

From left to right: Interior, Stuffed Garlic Flatbread, Scallop Crudo, Lasagna For Two, Black Cocoa Tiramisu