I am not too sure if the wine did it for me that evening or not, but this is, by far, my favourite most Italian joint in the city.

A great look, loud place, high ceilings, friendly servers, superb food and nice wines – they got it all right.

New York City has absolutely no dearth of great restaurants, I have visited so many, and I still have so many on my to-do list. It’s never ending.

Appetizers

Crispy vegetables *****

Though I couldn’t tell the artichokes in it, this is an absolute order – thinly grated vegetable deep fried, tossed with herbs.

Roasted baby beets ****

Sweet baby beet bites over burrata cheese salad with orange and hazelnut vinagerette.

Rosemary braised lentils ****

French style, with broccoli rabe topped with dried tomatoes.

Roasted romanesque cauliflower *****

Green, white and purple cauliflowers slightly roasted along with perfectly caramelized onions over potato puree.

Spaghetti *****

Absolute order, again. Classic! The best that I have eaten, so far.

Desserts

Coconut panna cotta *****

Covered generously with yummy guava sauce that was amazing with tiny squares of caramelized pineapple.

Warm banana bread pudding ****

With butterscotch for crunch and chocolate gelato. Goes down on my list for one the best presented desserts.

Amedei chocolate cake ****

I’ll give it wonderful four stars. A must visit, either with a group or for a date.

http://www.scottconant.com/restaurants/scarpetta/new-york