Billy Joel’s ‘Italian Restaurant’ scene for sale

Two walk-up residential apartment buildings in Little Italy — connected by the restaurant once frequented by the cast of “The Sopranos” and said to have inspired Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” — are for sale for a combined $15 million. The storied restaurant, Il Cortile, is owned and run by the Esposito family, which also owns the properties, on the corner of Mulberry and Hester streets. The family is looking to retain control of the restaurant by leasing it from a new owner, but reportedly would consider selling a stake in the business as well. CB Richard Ellis is marketing the buildings, which total 16,364 square feet. [WSJ]