Some places benefit so much from their location that you wonder if they would be able to survive anywhere else. Such is the case with Gigino at Wagner Park. Yes, it does exist in another location, but the food here is slightly different. It seems as though this Gigino is a bit of a slacker compared to its counterpart, coasting on its good location. The food offers no surprises from what you would find at any Italian restaurant: pastas, pizzas, lamb, and veal dominate the menu. It’s all good, but not great.

But in Gigino at Wagner Park, you won’t notice. The outdoor tables, located in the brick viewing station adjacent to Wagner Park, offers what may be the best view of the Statue of Liberty at any restaurant in New York. This means that the clientele is mostly tourists, but also locals who just want a great view. Combine this with the attentive service and you can mostly overlook the average food. Mostly.