Locande Verde is Officially on the "Must List"

Every now and then we get emails asking where we think a New York visitor "must" go when in town. We'll generally respond with the same list of places, mostly our favorites. Now we have another to add to the list: Locanda Verde. Until a few weeks ago, I wasn't aware that their awesome food did not come with an outrageous receipt: perfect for locals and tourists.

When Locanda Verde opened awhile back, I wrongly assumed that it's TriBeCa address and swanky clientele meant it was totally out of my limited budget. Then a few friends of mine found out I'd never been, put my fears to rest, and off we went for dinner! I don't have a picture, but we started with their homemade sheep's milk ricotta. Creamy, fluffy, and beyond delicious, I wanted to lick the plate. I'm serious.

Our dinners to share were their Orecchiette with fennel sausage, Spice-Glazed Duck, and a side Roasted Brussels Sprouts with pancetta. The sprouts were roasted to perfection and had pancetta, need I say more? The duck came with skin, very juicy, and flavorful. The orecchiette's ample amount of sausage and rapini made it quite the filling meal on its own. I wouldn't say no to having either of these dishes again.

Pastry Chef Karen DeMasco desserts also really shine here. Don't worry about having an awesome meal only to be served a half-assed dessert. All three we got were excellent: Toffee Date Cake, Maple Budino, and La Fantasia di Caramello. If I'd *have* to pick one to eat again, it'd be the La Fantastia. It's a great size and has perfect textural differences to make it a truly awesome dessert. But I'd totally each all three again.

Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St
(212) 925-3797
locandaverdenyc.com