Tello (formerly Mare Seafood), an old-school Italian eatery on 8th Avenue

Along a popular strip of 8th Avenue restaurants in Chelsea, Tello (198 8th Ave., 212-691-8696) is a reliable choice for large portions of classic Italian fare at lunch, dinner, and brunch - lasagna, penne with meatballs, chicken rollatini, braciole and gnocchi, veal saltimbocca, etc. The cozy, informal space is a favorite dine-out for Chelsea's many gay residents. Prior to becoming Tello, it was called Mare Seafood and run by the same company that also operates Trois Canards, Cuba, and Casa Havana, which are all nearby.