One of the most talked about restaurant since last year, Torrisi Italian Specialties has evolved, expanded and matured since its beginnings while still staying true to its original charms and bold personality. In the early days you had to wait hours in line for the chance to sample their $50 daily-changing 7 courses dinner menu set in a cramped Italian looking deli. Now, the magic of the reservation system can get you a table in about a month (that’s about how long it’ll take for a prime-time seat), the set tasting menu has increased to $65, and the space feels somewhat a little fancier with top-notch service to go with it.
$65 for seven pretty tasty plates is considered a steal in a city like New York, especially since at Torrisi the experience will be just like at any upscale Michelin starred restaurant minus the pretentiousness. The cuisine is playful and refined (Italian-American with ethnic touches), the ambiance is intimate and the place so tiny you’ll feel privileged just walking through the door – and you should after waiting one month for your table!
While none of the seven dishes I had that night would deserve a ‘best of’ mention, considering the fact that they change the menu almost every day and offer one of the best value in town I would say this is definitely a must try in my books. The quality of the food is far superior to anything you’d get in the neighborhood and the presentation, though humble, is guaranteed to make it a very memorable evening. If you haven’t heard of their fresh and warm mozzarella yet, I hope this will convince you to go…
The $65 tasting menu the night we were there:
ANTIPASTI – Warm Mozzarella, DaVero Olive Oil (as insanely good as it looks and one of the only quasi-permanent item on the menu…I now know why)
Asparagus
Sour Spring Vegetables, Short Grain Rice
Italian Sausage Pate, Charred Peppers and Onions
PASTA – Sea Shells, Octopus & Potato
ENTRÉE – Black Sea Bass, Anchovy & Black Olives
COOKIE PLATE – Ricotta Cannoli, Peppermint Truffle, Tri-Color, Celery Cookie, Apricot Cucidati
If you ever find yourself shopping in the neighborhood by day, know that Torrisi turns into a cute Little Italy deli with a deli counter full of cold cuts and antipasti dishes priced by the pound. Sit down for some Italian American classics like eggplant parmigiana or grab a turkey hero to go before the clock turns 4pm and the transformation begins…
Torrisi Italian Specialties 250 Mulberry StNew York, NY 10012 T: (212) 965-0955 map
