I decided to go to Maria Pia not because it was recommend or heard reviews about it, the simple reason was that it was a very cold night and Maria Pia was the closest restaurant to my hotel that could possibly serve cheesecake. It sits right on West 51st street with 8th ave. First thing I asked as I walked in was, do you have cheesecake and the gentleman said, "Oh we most certainly do" and thats all I needed to hear. Remember, I was there only for the cheesecake but ended up ordering a carpaccio as an appetizer and I am so glad I did. It was absolutely delicious and exactly the carpaccio I had been looking for for quite a while. The restaurant also serves small slices of bread free of charge and they are are very tasty. I ordered the rigattoni alla buttera and to be honest it wasn’t the best pasta I have ever tried. The sausage in the pasta was very tasty but to me there was just soomething missing. Now, the best part of this entire trip to Maria Pia was, of course, the cheesecake. The main reason why I was there and let me tell you, I was not disappoointed ! Hands down the best cheesecake I have ever had in my entire life! The top was crusty but the bottom was soft and very tasty. The server mentioned that the cheesecake is made daily with fresh ricotta and the taste surely reflects that! The service was beyond anything I expected, I felt like royalty here! I didnt have to ask for anything. My water was constantly being refilled, empty plates wouldn't sit on the table for more than two seconds and the fact that they have someone near by with a bowl of parmesan cheese just waiting for someone to need some more cheese sprinkled on their pasta, is beyond amazing! I love cheese! I would definitely be going back to Maria Pia next time I am in manhattan.

No need to go to Carmine's when you have gems like Maria Pia in the heart of Broadway for a good dinner before a play. A whole in wall that delights the Italian foodie. Prefixe lunch and dinner options. I recommend the skirt steak, linguini & clams, sea bass and panna cotta for dessert. Proof is literally in the food. Just ask zagat rating.