I met some friends at Due, a classic Italian trattoria on the Upper East Side for lunch recently. We sat outside at a white-tablecloth-covered table in their spacious structure.

I followed the lead of my friend, as this is one of his haunts, figuring he’d know what was good. He was right. The veal in my piccata — (Scaloppine di Vitello Picatta $31) was pounded thinly enough so all it needed was a quick sauté in lemon, white wine and capers. I washed mine down with a glass of their house Montepulciano ($17).  In addition, I enjoyed their broccoli sautéed with lots of whole garlic cloves ($11).

My other friend simply ordered the three-colored salad ($15) with arugula, endive and radicchio.

Afterward, we sipped our coffees and nibbled the complimentary biscotti while continuing our non-stop chatter.

I’d recommend a visit if you’re in the hood.

Due
Upper East Side
1396 Third Ave
New York, NY 10075
(212)772-3331
duenyc.com/