nly a true Italian names his restaurant after the epic 1963 film by Luchino Visconti, from the Italian word for 'leopard.' With a Chef named Vito Gnazzo, you won't find anything but authentic Italian fare in this cozy Midtown West eatery.

The menu includes a wealth of delectable mains such as Codfish "in casseruola" with black olives, capers, cherry tomatoes and potatoes, Colorado Rack of Lamb in herb crust with potato croquette and sautéed spinach, served with fruit mustard sauce and Artisanal "anelloni" Pasta cuttlefish and zucchini sauteed in a fresh tomato sauce with black olives and capers. If you can, save room for dessert with items such as Italian Chestnut and Cocoa Tart or Poached Pear with pistachio mascarpone and custard cream. Those in the know stop by between September and June for Gattopardo's suckling pig with broccoli rabe.