Elio’s

Despite the family feel of this Upper East Side classic, (its sometimes haughty vibe can be off-putting if you’re not a part of the “club”), moneyed and high-powered regulars have been frequenting this old-school spot for years. But this air comes with any restaurant that knows its worth, especially one that that can rely on its food to keep people coming back. One regular once pre-ordered 300 veal meatballs, just one of the dishes that excels amid a menu featuring homemade pasta and northern-Italian favorites.