Sofia Italian Grill, New York

The dining room at Sofia Italian Grill is a study in contrasts—chocolate brown paneling and dangling pendant lamps provide a modern counterpart to the Roman-style mosaics that hang above the bar. That elegant blend of old and new is reflected on the menu, where classic Italian dishes are updated with flavorful touches. Roasted pork is served with broccoli rabe, chicken might be sauteed with sage and prosciutto, and bone-in porterhouses are trimmed large enough to feed two people or one lonely Kodiak bear. But that's not to say the classics are forgotten—Nonna's Italian meatballs, for instance, provide a timeless taste of traditional cooking.