Il Mulino New York (CLOSED)

Years of fending off the Zagat-clutching crowds at their flagship Greenwich Village spot gave the brothers behind this New York classic the confidence to expand, which is exactly what they’ve done: to Tokyo, Las Vegas and now, the Gold Coast’s Biggs Mansion. Every meal here starts with complimentary antipasto, fried zucchini and garlic bread sticks, followed by entrées such as saltimbocca (veal sautéed with sage and prosciutto) and spaghettini bolognese—with a healthy slice of New York attitude on the side.