I think I have made a long list of places that I like. On the italian front, Midtown is very meh.
My favorite Italian places in Manhattan (in no particular order) are:
Scalinatella (3rd and 61st)
Emillio's Ballato (Houston and Mott)
Roscioli (do the a la carte - MacDougal and Houston)
I like Via Carota, but no reservations sucks, and I hate waiting. Sartiano's is also very good. Went once for a McQueen dinner and once with my friend, where we just carried on drinking all afternoon. As one does.
Places that have an Italian flavor that I really like are King (which Southern Italian and French - King and 6th Ave) and Foul Witch (Ave A and Houston).
Oh shit, I also forgot about Barbuto. I have not been to this iteration, but went to the Waxman popup at Claud, and he still has it.
My favorite overall restuarants at the moment are Claud (E 10th..think French wine bar), Le Veau d'Or (old school french done right, E 60th and Lex), and Bangkok Supper Club (West Village).
If you are sold on staying in Midtown, Jupiter has solid pasta and Le Rock is a scene. Both are in Rockefeller Center.