Rao's

The prospect of getting whacked here hasn't deterred celeb diners one bit; in fact, it may have enhanced their rep. Rao's is the semi-secret, simple, homestyle Italian place that New York's brightest have been mentioning in passing for years. Make a reservation if they'll let you, which they won't, unless you've already been made. Booked months in advance, no menu, crazy pricey, etc. The stuff dreams are made of.