Proof Pizza & Pasta

Formerly the executive sous-chef at Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, Justin Flit opened Proof Pizza & Pasta in midtown because the neighborhood's "cool" factor was the ideal setting for the casual, inviting, anti-Italian restaurant he's always envisioned owning. Though nearly everything at Proof has Italian undertones, the executive chef and owner is adamant about serving the kind of seasonal cuisine he and his fellow cooks are accustomed to. If you can, grab a seat on the enclosed terrace; it's calm, cozy, and candlelit. Among the best selections is the homemade angel hair pasta featuring crab, Calabrian chilies, and lemon breadcrumbs; the flavorful meat of the shellfish pairs perfectly with the acidic lemon, while the spiciness adds a kick. Five pizzas are proffered, including the perfectly pulled-together oxtail pie. What Proof does best -- and it's no small feat -- is serve crowd-pleasing, flavorful food that's not cloying in the least. The 70-seat eatery also boasts a relaxed, warm ambiance with prices the youthful neighborhood can appreciate.Read our full review.