Ah, Italy—you’ve brought us so many good things: pasta, wine...and now Brio, the downtown outpost of this UES favorite. Its al-fresco seating is ideal for enjoying warm weather, and the interior is equally inviting with plush chairs and an earth-toned color palette. Its location in the heart of the Flatiron is perfect for grabbing an after-work drink or din with friends, yet the circular bar is date-friendly, offering soft light, intimately spaced seats (you won’t have to yell to be heard) and every girl’s best friend: under-the-bar purse hooks. Downside? Seats are limited, so be sure to get there on the earlier side. Wine connoisseurs can indulge in the extensive wine list (which includes options by glass ($9-19) and bottle ($34-172)) and cocktail connoisseurs can have libations crafted on request. Hungry? Authentic dishes like Linguine “Smeraldino” (black ink linguine, bell peppers, shrimp and tomato sauce, $17) will revive your adoration for all things Italian.

Reviewed 7/31/2011