Felidia Ristorante
Lunch M-F 12pm-2:30pm; Dinner M-F 4:30pm-10pm; Sa 5pm-11pm; Su 4pm-10pm
Lidia Bastianich, the woman behind Felidia, has gained considerable fame since opening her Italian restaurant in 1981. She has published numerous books, has become a television celebrity, and has been involved with a variety of other ventures, including Eataly, New York’s biggest artisanal marketplace selling Italian wines and food. Manager Nicholas Genji Ridley, whom I spoke with when at the restaurant, related to me that in spite of her many other accomplishments, Lidia maintains a strong connection with Felidia. Her first restaurant – the one that launched her career – is very dear to her. Genji went on to say that Lidia refers to the restaurant as “her little jewel,” and constantly urges the staff to take good care of it for her.