Already Zagat rated, but worth another mention.

As anyone who went to Fordham Rose Hill, or eats out regularly in the Little Italy of the Bronx already knows, Arthur Avenue and 187th street are a complete culinary jackpot.  Not only do the restaurants rival any others in NYC with their authentic italian fare, but there are countless specialty shops doing it right the old fashioned Italian way.

If you're looking for fresh mozzarella, don't be convinced into buying it at any of the countless vendors besides Casa della Mozzarella at 604 East 187th st.  Take a number and head straight to the back where you'll find old men hovering over steaming pots of creamy balls of deliciousness, and cringing if you ask for it any way besides fresh muzzzzahhhhrellll.  There are three size options: small, medium, and large, but the small size is by no means a meager portion.  

Zagat has already found it and reviewed it, and they have got it right this time.  It is the best mozzarella to be had anywhere outside of Rome's decadent buffalo mozzarella.  Flavorful and lightly salted, it melts away in your mouth with a full bodied cheesy taste, not the overly watery, almost rubbery mass that most fresh mozzarella can be.  It makes a wonderful pairing with a loaf of freshly sliced olive bread from the Macedonia bakery right around the corner and down Arthur Ave.   Next time you find yourself in the boogie down, be sure to check it out.

Not Zagat Rated, but Should be!

On the edges of Times Square, there typically isn't much good food to be had without insanely inflated tourist trap prices.  Yet, Hagi sits nestled in between two flashy Japanese restaurants, quietly advertising with a black sign saying Sake bar, downstairs.  It's a small basement restaurant with a Sake bar/food counter off to one side that is often the only place you can get seats.  There is always a wait, and the place is filled with japanese and japanese americans, which is the true sign of good asian cuisine.  The food is delicious, and cheap cheap cheap.  With Sapporo on tap (available by the pitcher or mug), and a selection of sakes and wines, this place is the bargain basement of food and drink.

Now, before I go to a new restaurant, I like to check out online reviews.  There aren't many to be found for Hagi, aside from one in NY Mag.  But don't, I repeat don't be fooled by this review.  Do not order the smelt fish at any cost, unless you want to eat a large sardine full of eggs.  Disgusting.  However, you cannot leave this place without trying the wasabi dumplings and tuna sashimi.  Other high notes were the hot pots, chicken meatball skewers, and pork belly with garlic sprouts.  Order a bunch of things to share, and your bill will still be under 50 with drinks included!