Italian Food Al Fresco

Va Tutto! is the perfect spot to while away a summer evening in Manhattan. Good food, good wine, and the open air -- how can you go wrong?

I love al fresco dining in New York. So when I read that Gourmet Magazine voted Va Tutto! their favorite garden dining spot in the city, I knew I had to check it out.

Located in Soho on little Cleveland Place (near Lafayette and Spring), Va Tutto! is a charming little Tuscan eatery with a lovely garden tucked away in the back.

We made reservations on a recent Saturday night, but arrived an hour early due to a change of plans. The staff at Va Tutto! couldn't have been more accomodating -- we were immediately escorted to a table in the garden. The garden managed to live up to its hype -- it's a cozy space blooming with greenery. The glimpse of then balconies and lights of the neighboring apartment buildings, visible above the garden walls, added a great Manhattan touch to the Tuscan courtyard feel.

Va Tutto! also has good food to go with the ambience. My companion raved about the hanger steak and the wine was divine. Service was good, even when the garden got busy. On a lovely day, I would recommend making reservations to be sure to nap a garden table.