Casa Bella

Quick dinners over the bar? Casa Bella bills itself as an Italian restaurant that handles those moments when the city moves too fast. Expect fast service and solid choices after the workday ends. Midtown’s foot traffic thins out just past 7 p.m.; this spot stays open to catch anyone still circling.

Dig into classics under the glow of the menu board, or linger over lunch specials at 127 Mulberry St. A well-timed visit means you can order cocktails or local beer without waiting for a table. Desserts arrive before the check—in case anyone saves room for the tiramisu.

Dinner rolls around; the same short menu shifts from antipasto to primi. Wine drinkers flag down half-glasses while solo diners perch on high stools along the rail. It’s the kind of place where the check lands before the crowd starts inching toward the street.

Find the route on the map: directions head straight to Mulberry and Canal. Ask the doorman to confirm the number: (212) 431-4080. Just say you’re heading to Mulberry—anyone in the neighborhood knows the block.