Violet

Violet is as pretty as its name, with subtle lighting and a gently arched ceiling. The East Village spot is part of the Pizza Loves Emily group (which includes Emily and Emmy Squared). Superthin and tender grill-marked pies (served with scissors for cutting) are an homage to the venerated Al Forno in Providence, Rhode Island. Toppings are mostly unorthodox, such as broccoli and pistachio pesto with four cheeses. Fresh-made pasta also marries atypical ingredients that prove comforting: linguiça sausage and Chinese broccoli, for instance, and tortellini filled with pork and duck swirled in dashi broth and Sichuan oil.