Amarone is the type of restaurant on Ninth Avenue that is easily overlooked, simply because it focuses solely on the food.

The restaurant, a classic New York Italian eatery, is small but well designed. The price point hovers between $15 and $25 for an entrée, and the portions are filling – this restaurant is truly a bargain.

The Caesar Salad here is old school. A mild version with none of the pungent anchovy taste that makes some people cringe.  This dressing is creamy and pleasantly salty with Parmesan cheese. The homemade croutons are crisp and a little spicy, perfect for soaking up the rich dressing.

Rigatoni Alla Siciliana is loaded with velvety eggplant and the stretchy mozzarella. The sweet and bright sauce is not complex, but very well made.

Finish with a homemade dessert, like the classic Tiramisu or Tartufo, and feel secure in the knowledge that you have experienced a really traditional NYC "red sauce" Italian restaurant.