Mario Batali is the rock ’n’ roll bad boy of the restaurant world: He’s got long hair, a notorious temper, ragtag wardrobe and a cameo in a Bloodsugars’ music video to his credit along with all those fab restaurants. It’s at Babbo where he lets his rebel personality shine; a close friend of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Batali understandably skips Old Blue Eyes and plays whatever he wants over the dining room sound system at this traditional-with-a twist Italian restaurant. So rock out while tucking into Batali’s creative dishes like mint love letters—delicate pasta pockets of spicy lamb sausage—and melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek ravioli with rich squab and rabbit liver. A $125 “traditional” tasting menu with wine is a song compared to similar menus at other restaurants—and you can bet those places won’t likely have that rustic, rock ’n’ roll combo all rolled into one.

Babbo Information:

• Italian menu. Dinner.