Tucci is the city’s hottest new Italian restaurant in many a moon. Beautifully built atop fine 19th-century bones, it’s the first place that might give reigning boldface-magnet Carbone a run for its money — and for less money than that notoriously hot spot. TUCCI doesn’t have a rockstar chef like Mario Carbone in the kitchen, but it has a very good one in Ed Hong. 

But what really sets Tucci apart is co-owner Max Tucci’s design flair and hospitality wizardry. He’s filled the joint with witty Tuscan touches, including Gucci “Tiger Leaf” wallpaper in the bathrooms. “[They’re] a favorite spot for selfies, like the ones at the Polo Bar,” Tucci said of his washrooms.