Torrisi Italian Specialties is one of my favorite spots in NYC. I have written about it numerous times, for their amazing sandwiches. That is day time dining though. At night, Torrisi morphs into another restaurant serving a four course prix fixe meal for $50. If you want a table, there are only around 10, you must get there early, at least 30 minutes to an hour before they open at 6pm, and wait in line with other hungry foodies, but the wait is worth it, for a pleasant and scrumptious dining experience.
The menu changes daily so what I ate you might not have, but these are some great bites. To start a bunch of antipasti were brought out. A warm fresh mozzarella with olive oil and sea salt, is a signature of Torrisi, and happens to be sublime. Eat it plain or put it on a piece of their wonderful focaccia and you will be in heaven
Broccoli rabe, mixed vegetables and a bean salad were all fantastic!
A bowl of fresh calamari with marinara sauce was light, delicious, and perfect.
Our pasta course of sheep's milk ricotta gnocchi with English peas was the only let down of the night. My dining companion thought the pasta was too doughy, I felt it lacked flavor, and needed a lot of seasoning.
My main course was Devil's Chicken with Greek yogurt and salad. It was fabulous. The chicken was wonderfully cooked, had amazing flavor, and I loved the crunchy addition of bread crumbs to the salad. This was a great dish!
My dining companion's entree of black bass in a chowder was also fantastic. Perfection of light chowder flavors permeated my taste buds.
Before dessert arrived, a palate cleanser of lemon ice was refreshingly amazing!
For dessert, a plate of standard Italian cookies and goodies was great! Rainbow cookies, cracker jack brittle, Hudson bourbon cream puff, tri star strawberry veronas,and cannoli with ricotta and candied orange, it was like eating in your upscale grandmother's kitchen. A perfect ending to an almost perfect meal. I could not help but smile with glee.
Torrisi Italian Specialties is a special place. It's almost as if your grandmother was a gourmet chef, this is the meal she would cook for you. Grab a bottle of wine, and have a magical evening.
Torrisi Italian Specialties
250 Mulberry Street (and Prince)
New York, NY 10012
212-965-0955