Marc Forgione is a comfortable yet elegant neighborhood restaurant that features award-winning American cuisine, making it so much more than a local favorite. If you'd like the inside scoop on this cozy restaurant -- complete with tidbits like what time to arrive and where to get the best seat -- please read on.

Although the restaurant accepts walk-ins, reservations are strongly recommended, as the dining room fills up quickly. By 8 p.m., the dining room is full and at capacity for the rest of the evening -- even during the week. Reservations can be made by clicking the "Make a Reservation Link" above, or by phoning the restaurant directly. If you absolutely want to get into the restaurant at short notice, your best bet is to make a reservation on the early side, for 6 p.m. or earlier.

Marc Forgione seats up to 65 diners at wooden tables that are cozy but not crowded. Tables for two are approximately 28 inches square, while tables for four -- typically comprised of two tables for two -- are approximately 56 inches by 28 inches. Armless, dark leather chairs with wooden backs are 18 inches wide and completely comfortable. Alternatively, a sleek leather banquette wraps around the edges of the dining room. Additionally, you can dine at communal tables that seat up to 20 in tall backless chairs. Yet another option is at the 10-person bar, where you can enjoy the comfort of a tall, low-backed chair.

The atmosphere at Marc Forgione is one of understated elegance and romance, thanks to candles that glitter on wooden tables beside exposed brick walls. Unobtrusive music plays softly throughout the evening; it's hand-picked by Chef Forgione's college roommate and best friend, Lu Cerda, who incidentally introduced Chef Forgione to his managing partner, Chris Blumlo. Cerda updates the playlist ever few weeks. Lighting is strategic and gentle, consisting of candles and industrial-style light fixtures that add a soft glow throughout the dining room. While delicate flowers, beautiful glassware and the overall décor reflect Chef Forgione’s careful attention to detail, the restaurant’s popularity speaks for itself, as the dining room fills up completely by 8 p.m.

The restrooms have same-level access as the main dining room and are situated in a back corridor that connects the main dining room and the bar. The unisex rooms are more than generous in size.

The dress code is smart casual.

Despite its downtown location, Marc Forgione is convenient and easily accessible by public transportation, including the A, C, E, 1, 2 and 3 trains. Alternatively, Marc Forgione is reached with ease by taxi, bus and car. The nearest pay garage is located at the intersection of Reade Street and Greenwich Street, right across the street from the restaurant.

Marc Forgione, the chef, was most recently named "Next Iron Chef" as winner of the Food Network competition of the same name. Meanwhile, Marc Forgione, the restaurant, was awarded its second consecutive Michelin star in the 2011 guide, making Chef Forgione the youngest American-born chef and owner to receive this honor. Chef Forgione also was awarded the "Star Chefs Rising Star of the Year Award" in 2010, named "Rising Star 2008" by Restaurant Hospitality magazine and deemed the "New Formalist" by Esquire magazine in 2008.

*Please note that the restaurants featured at TravelsinTaste.com may have changed their personnel, menu, pricing, decor, hours of operation, etc., since our last visit. The competitive and creative nature of the fine dining scene virtually assures that changes will occur on a frequent basis in order to make diners happier, meals more pleasurable and visits more frequent. Given their frequent fluctuations, most restaurants welcome inquiries about their current hours, menu and more.