Trattoria Dell’ Arte
One of my favorite spots for lunch and dinner meetings in New York is Trattoria Dell’Arte. I’ve always really liked this place. Friendly, attentive staff, good food and a nice collection of wine make Trattoria stand out. And a buffet of vegetables and seafood I can’t get in other locales. I usually get the antipasto bar and pick items myself (your server will do this for you if you want). The claim is the largest antipasto bar in New York.
The décor is decidedly upscale, with a variety of art on the walls. The three dimensional art pieces are distinctive and unique. Some paintings appear to be unfinished. There are sculptures of Italian noses in the front of the restaurant and I often refer to this as the “Nose Restaurant.” Trattoria is also located just off Broadway, making it ideal for pre-theatre or after-theatre dining. For those with a classical music love, the restaurant is across the street from Carnegie Hall.
There is a full bar and the wine cellar is seems to have a special trend toward Italian vintages, with a great representation of California as well. Great news, there are a number of wines by the glass for you to select from and the pour is generous. Half bottles are available as well.
My dining companion for the evening is Paul. Charming, witty and funny, he had the wait staff in stitches from the moment we walked in the door until we left. Thanks for a great evening Paul (our waitress told me he’s now her favorite guest).
Paul dined simply. He ordered the Lobster Seafood Risotto. Full of clams, shrimp, mussels and lobster, he cleaned his plate.
Me, I took my time and selected six vegetables from the Antipasto bar. These change depending upon what’s available and I’m always trying new items. Eggplant caponata, roasted red and yellow bell peppers with Italian sausage and other cold and hot items.
When in New York with nothing to do I will people watch at this place. I’ll sit at the antipasto bar, chat with the server and other diners sitting at the bar. It’s fun, with a chance to meet new people, eat well and have a relaxing time. In addition, I’ll try a glass or two of a wine I’ve not had before.
I’ve met interesting people too. A video game producer from Holland, an attorney whose family has lived in New York for two hundred years and a variety of business people I can’t remember.
I go back to my “Nose” restaurant because it’s comfortable. From drinks at the bar to dining, I feel at home. The service needs to be commended here. After a theatre evening, a party of 10 walked in to Trattoria Dell’Arte only for dessert and drinks and we didn’t have reservations. No problem. Ideal service. No hurry up and order, just wonderful friendly service.
Trattoria Dell’Arte is part of a small New York City chain of restaurants. I’ve dined at Café Fiorello (named after former NYC mayor Fiorello La Guardia who read the comics on radio every Sunday morning). It has a similar menu to Trattoria Dell’Arte. It’s located near Lincoln Center. A block or so down the street from Trattoria is Redeye, which is a steakhouse. There are several other restaurants in the group, but I have not visited them.
If you’re in New York, going to the theatre or to hear a concert at the Carnegie, I recommend Trattoria Dell’Arte. The food is great, service outstanding and location perfect.
