Who is paying? It's been a while, but Il Buco is always the real deal if you got a sugar daddy.
Carmine's food is pretty good, but you're better off looking for something less touristy. Another poster mentioned La Mela in Little Italy, which is a blast if you're going with a large group. Shockingly reasonable for the amount of food that you get, but certainly a rustic establishment (you'll see with the wine).
Paesano's for that Soprano's vibe.
I would say, though, don't limit yourself to just good Italian when in NYC.