Where to get great lasagna

Linda Perney | STAFF WRITER

1:59 PM EST, February 27, 2007

Lasagna from Carmine's

When winter bites hard as it has the past few weeks there's nothing like lasagna for supper. Here's where to get it.

MANHATTAN

Apizz. Around here, you say 'lasagna,' they say, 'Apizz.' Made with a ragu of wild boar, it gets raves, but the pizza and the meatballs have a following, too. (217 Eldridge Street; 212-253-9199. $24)

Max. Never mind the old line about eating at a place called Mom's. Mom's homemade lasagna is one of the great drawing cards at Max's. Plus, it's cheap -- $10.95 for a plateful. (51 Avenue B; 212-539-0111)

Via Emilia. A perfect example of its type, Via Emilia's lasagna layers Bolognese and bechamel atop very fine home-made pasta for an eminently satisfying supper. Note: Even though they've moved into a fancier space, they still don't take credit cards. Bring cash. (47 East 21st Street; 212-505-3072; $16)

Falai Panetteria. They've got new-fangled stuff like gorgonzola foam at dinnertime. But the lasagna is the real deal, and you can get it all day. Besides, you can make believe it's good for you: They use whole-wheat pasta. (79 Clinton Street; 212-777-8956. $10)

Gradisca. People rave about the traditional Bolognese lasagna served here. What's even better, they deliver. (126 West 13th Street; 212-691-4886; $21)

Carmine's. Big, friendly and noisy. Great for a group -- the portions are big enough to share -- and the lasagna is just fine. (200 West 44th Street; 212-221-3800 or 2450 Broadway; 212-362-2200; $26)

BROOKLYN

Bamonte's. Williamsburg, and not an artiste in sight. This is old-school Italian, with huge portions, starched napkins and cranky waiters. The lasagna is good, though. (32 Withers Street; 718-384-8831; $12.95)

THE BRONX

F & J Pine Tavern. Listed by none other than Rudy Giuliani as one of his favorite Italian restaurants, this simple place in the Bronx doles out classic Southern Italian dishes. The lasagna is outstanding, but be warned: Portions are enormous you'll take home half of what you order. (1913 Bronxdale Avenue; 718-792-5956; $12.50)