"In the NBA, there’s an award called Sixth Man of the Year. It’s given to the best backup player, essentially, and it's exactly the sort of accolade this spot on Mott Street deserves. Emporio isn’t one of the absolute best Italian restaurants in NYC, but the food is above average, the space is fun, and it’s never too hard to get a table. The dining room feels kind of like a party in a rustic farmhouse, with a few big skylights and a low-key EDM soundtrack, and most dishes clock in under $30. Skip the pasta, and try a thin-crust pizza instead. We like the one with honey, spicy sausage, and ribbons of pecorino. " - bryan kim