"With its dangling chandeliers, checkered tablecloths, and deceptive photo of Frank Sinatra in an Italian restaurant that isn’t Tony’s, Tony’s Times Square location is just the right amount of tacky. Caesar salads and chicken parm are served with tableside flair, and taste like what you’d crave if you were stranded on a deserted island. Spaghetti and meatballs or rigatoni alla vodka should also be default orders—always al dente with pungent sauce. Just keep in mind that portions here are gargantuan: each pasta dish is probably an entire box of pasta. Cruise-ship big, and windowless enough to host a corporate conference, this family-style spot is like Bucca di Beppo, if the food at Bucca di Beppo was really, really good. While you could go to the Upper East Side location for less of the touristy hullabaloo, we like to come to this one to feel like an American. Or before or after a Broadway show. photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte photo credit: Kate Previte Food Rundown photo credit: Kate Previte Caesar The classic. Tossed tableside, large format, and garlic lover-approved. The ideal way to start a meal here. photo credit: Kate Previte Chicken Parmigiana This thing is sliced up tableside with a pizza cutter, and that’s because it’s as big as a New York pizza. We didn’t know they made chickens that big, but we’re not complaining. This parm is one of the best in the city: crunchy around the edges with all the right ratios. photo credit: Kate Previte Spaghetti & Meatballs The food at Tony’s could easily be sloppy. After all, the place is loaded with tourists, and the full portions are typically large enough to feed a family of six. But no. The spaghetti is perfectly cooked and melded with marinara. Then it’s topped with a few lovable meatballs, another ladle of marinara, and garnish for beauty. Tony’s plates its food with care. photo credit: Kate Previte Rigatoni Ala Vodka With Mushrooms Yes, this is another rigatoni in vodka sauce. But the pink sauce on this one glistens just right in the light, always comes al dente, and has sauteed mushrooms mixed in. A must order." - Arden Shore
