A Voce is a lovely, sophisticated restaurant, one of two partnered by Executive Chef Missy Robbins, where you will enjoy some of the tastiest and most creative interpretations of Italian cuisine. Although not Italian herself, Robbins always loved the cuisine and trained in Italy. The comfortable outdoor terrace, on a quiet street near Gramercy Park, is furnished with wood and wicker chairs and tables surrounded by planters with flowering trees. Relax here with a special summer cocktail, the Dose del Giorno, also available by the pitcher, made with dark and light rum, biscotti liqueur and some orange and pineapple juices.

The light and refreshing antipasti, Terrina di Polpo, is a gorgeous flat mosaic of thinly sliced octopus, Cerignola olives, some citrus and celery leaves on a rectangular plate that looks ready to frame and hang in a museum; nevertheless, dig in, it’s delicious. Pasta is made in house and the Casunziei, filled with spinach, ground sweetbreads, garlic and fennel, is served in a buttery sauce with a few crispy bits of sweetbreads sprinkled on top. You will find yourself lingering over the last buttery morsel to extend the sensual pleasure. Bistecca, grilled hangar steak, is sliced and garnished with arugula, charred spring onions and a balsamic marrow dressing. The richness of the bone marrow, already a heady and flavorful experience, is further enhanced by the balsamic vinegar. Lunch Monday to Friday 11:45am to 2:30pm; dinner Monday to Thursday 5:30 to 10pm, Saturday to 10:30pm. -- Marian Betancourt