1. 1. Becco

   355 W. 46th St., nr. ninth Ave.; 212-397-7597

   Nothing against Tavern on the Green’s marathon-eve Barilla binge, but $21.95 buys unlimited helpings of the three pastas of the day at this theater-district trattoria.

2. 2. Gusto Ristorante e Bar Americano

   60 Greenwich Ave., at Perry St.; 212-924-8000

   The young and talented new chef Amanda Freitag makes pasta like an old Italian grandmother.

3. 3. Babbo

   110 Waverly Pl., nr. Macdougal St.; 212-777-0303

   Order the eight-course pasta-tasting menu with optional paired wines, and then consider just walking the 26.2 miles.

4. 4. Teodora

   141 E. 57th St., nr. Lexington Ave.; 212-826-7101

   Start with the piadina, and then go for one of the best lasagnes in town.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Nov 6, 2006 issue of New York | Subscribe!