New York | Another Hidden Gem for Delicious Italian Cuisine 🍝

Between Santi and Portale, two lesser-known Italian restaurants that are easy to book even on weekends, I ultimately chose the latter. Just as the unanimous positive reviews on social media suggested, with the worst feedback being "average," the actual experience truly exceeded expectations! ✨ No complimentary bread is offered, so I ordered the Focaccia, which was a pleasant surprise. 🥪 As someone who usually doesn't enjoy olives, I was won over by the savory, slightly warm, and soft texture. The accompanying whipped ricotta was smooth and creamy, and I’d recommend asking for some vinegar to enhance the flavor. The Tuna Tartare was a safe bet, but the Grilled Octopus was more memorable, with perfectly controlled cooking that made it tender yet chewy, and the garlic aioli was delicious. For pasta, I followed the recommendations: ▫️ Risotto: The unassuming green risotto turned out to be the crowd favorite, with its rich shrimp flavor and porridge-like texture. ◽️ Lumache: The cat’s ear pasta was a bit firm, but its unique shape perfectly held the white sauce and meat, with a very strong truffle aroma. ◽️ Mafaldine: The daily special lobster pasta had a lighter sauce compared to the rich one at Nerai. Even friends who aren’t big fans of seafood loved it. The shrimp was so fresh it could be pulled apart, and the ribbon-shaped pasta made it more flavorful and layered. Main Courses: ◽️ Duck Breast: The crispy duck skin and juicy meat were complemented by a slightly sweet fig sauce that cut through the richness. ◽️ Roasted Halibut: The delicate fish was enhanced by the aroma of morels and garlic, with a satisfying puree of fava beans and potatoes. 💯 I also ordered the Roasted Crushed Potatoes, which were incredibly crispy and delicious. 🥔 The overall ambiance was quite elegant. The pasta was indeed well-crafted, with artistic plating. We were a group of six, and the beautiful white marble table was ours. It was a stunning restaurant where every photo looked atmospheric. 🏡 📍 Portale #NYCTravel #NYCExploration #NYCEatDrinkPlay #NYCFoodGuide #ItalianCuisine #Pasta #LobsterPasta #GlobalFoodReviewContest #AmericasCarnivalCorner