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I unfortunately have not seen Taylor Swift at Via Carota (yet).
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Tiramisu is one of those picture-perfect sweets, a layered concoction with soft ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and the gentle bite from espresso. It’s a go-to dessert for me; I’ve had great ones at Noodle Pudding and I Cavallini. I haven’t been lucky enough to snag a seat at Via Carota yet, unlike my diligent coworker Zoe Becker, who has been to the restaurant nearly 20 times already, so now I have to make it a priority. — Nadia Chaudhury, deputy editor, Northeast
Via Carota is still, after 10 years, notoriously hard to get into. The lines are long, and reservations are scarce. But the hype is still warranted: The powerhouse West Village restaurant, opened by James Beard Award winners Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. The food is simple and seasonal, and while the pastas are fantastic, the real star of the menu is the selection of about fifteen rotating vegetables. One bite of the insalata verde and you’ll see why people wait three hours (yes, I’ve really been quoted three hours and have waited) to eat here.
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The tonnarelli cacio e pepe at Via Carota. | Cole Saladino |
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Picture the best Scotch egg you’ve ever had, but instead of an egg, it’s a buttery Castelvetrano olive. That’s the fried olive all’ascolana ($17).
What’s not to love about thick slices of toasted bread topped with massive spoonfuls of butter and salted anchovies? Order the acciughe e burro ($18). The tonnarelli cacio e pepe ($27) is a fan-favorite. After a few bites, it does become one-note, though. I’m partial to the tagliatelle ($27) with the ribbons of thinly sliced prosciutto (and sometimes, fresh peas). The nutmeg in the sauce adds complexity. You can’t go to Via Carota without getting the insalata verde ($24). Just about every table orders this towering green salad, and for good reason Don’t overlook the funghi ($25) — the smoked scamorza cheese under grilled mushrooms is worth getting the dish for.
When they tell you the specials, pay attention. If you’re offered the rib-eye with roasted garlic (market price), consider yourself as lucky as winning the lottery. I went back twice in one week to get it.
If you only listen to me on one thing, let it be this: Do not skip dessert. The tiramisu ($15) is my favorite in the city. It’s light and airy, remarkably unsoggy, and deserves a spot on your table, no matter how full you think you are.
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The tiramisu at Via Carota. | Zoe Becker |
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The bar team makes legendary Negronis. There are seven on the menu, and they’re good enough to even convert Negroni haters (hi, me) into fans. Their wine list is fantastic, too — it’s entirely Italian bottles, save for a few Champagnes. |
Head to Bar Pisellino (also owned by Sodi and Williams) across the street if there’s a lengthy wait for drinks and snacks. If the line is still too long, Via Carota is available for pickup and delivery. It’s not the best way of experiencing the food, but it’s better than not having it at all.
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The insalata verde at Via Carota. | Cole Saladino |
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The truffle grits at HAGS. | Nadia Chaudhury |
Chef and cookbook author Andy Baraghani is opening his very own restaurant in New York City this year. Ditto will be a casual spot for walk-ins only, found in Union Square at 13 E. 16th Street, between Union Square West and Fifth Avenue.
Midtown steakhouse Donohue’s has set its last day of service after 76 years: Friday, June 19, as reported by West Side Spirit.
The East Village accessible fine-dining restaurant HAGS is moving from its First Avenue home. Chef Telly Justice and wine director Camille Lindsley will reopen their restaurant, known for its tasting menus and pay-what-you-can brunches, in Noho at 334 Bowery, between East Second and Great Jones streets. The new space will include a la carte dishes. There’s no set timeline yet.
Greenpoint restaurant Falansai closed its daytime cafe and bakery Pan Pan, per Greenpointers. Its last day was on Sunday, June 7; Falansai is still operating for dinner service and will add weekend lunch starting on Saturday, June 13.
Essential London cocktail bar Three Sheets is coming to Gramercy steakhouse Hawksmoor for a pop-up tonight, Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Get yourself some $10ish martinis around New York City. — NC
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