Ottimo, a really pleasant find
I searched for a place that had great pasta and pizza but wasnt requiring major waits and ear plugs....and I found it. Total crap shoot. And it was great, so I felt the need to share. Ottimo on west 24th. Old world NY Italian feel. Lovely big bar at the front. The whole place wood paneled. Tables not soclose together that you are sitting in your neighbors lap. Big table with all the antipasti on view. Prosciutto on the hand slicer, huge wheel of parmesan. Really lovely staff. Wood fire oven with the chef hailing from Naples. So he knows how to make a pizza. We had a Margarita. Thin crust, good sauce to cheese ratio and fresh basil. Fried calamari was good. It's not my favorite thing but the plate was cleaned by the table. Delicious bruschetta. Vampires need not order. We had the special 4 cheese risotto. Delicious. Special home made tagliatelle with artichoke hearts, capers, olives, cherry tomatoes and garlic. Yum. And my favorite, gnocchi with pesto. Took me back to my college days when my Italian boyfriends father used to make it for us, in Liguria. Didnt love the flourless chocolate/walnut cake they brought us. All in all, a really great find. And it will be a great cool weather spot. I look forward to returning for the food, atmosphere and staff.
