Four Star Italian awaits you at Del Posto, Mario Batali, Joe and Lidia Bastianich's temple of Italian cuisine. Del Posto is the only 4-Star rated NY Times Italian restaurant. The space is sprawling and beautiful. The service is superb, yet stiff. When I dine out my goal is to make everyone around me smile and laugh, (that is my goal in life everywhere) it took me a lot of energy to break the staff at Del Posto. Don't take this stuff so seriously people, it's just food!
That being said, the food at Del Posto, helmed by Executive Chef Mark Ladner, is quite wonderful!
The three amuses brought to our table were extraordinary. True bites of joy. I would just come here for some wine and these babies any day.
Fried calamari with spicy capers was tasty as can be. It had a unique tang to it, although it wasn't mind-blowing.
Insalata Primavera della Terra, with Sheep's Milk Ricotta Dressing, is a work of art and delicious. Superb.
Carne Cruda, with Truffled Salsa, Parmigiano-Reggiano & Wild Watercress, is the best beef tartar I've ever had. Out of this world. Everything is better with truffle!
Ricotta Pansoti, with Green and White Asparagus & Black Truffle Butter is orgasmic. Seriously, I moaned after my first bite. Unbelievable.
Garganelli Verdi al Ragu Bolognese, is a Del Posto classic and great. Perfect texture, perfect flavor.
Young Lamb alla Romana, with Garlic Yogurt and Ceci & Swiss Chard Ragu, is succulent and interesting. This flavor combination was unique to me. You really need to be a fan of swiss chard. I didn't love this dish, but the lamb was perfectly cooked.
Desserts at Del Posto by Chef Brooks Headley are unique, ingenious, playful, and awesome.
Sfera di Caprino, Celery & Fig Agrodolce & Celery Sorbetto, is absolutely ingenious. That's right, you read that correctly- celery sorbet. I loved this dish! Fantastic.
Tartufo al Caffe, Dark Chocolate, Sant’Eustachio Coffee, & Candied Lemon, is a chocolate lover's fantasy come to life. Wonderful.
We were also brought some sort of chocolate tree which was fun and a true treat to eat after a fantastic meal.
As their website states, "Del Posto can best be described as trans-generational: an expression of the evolution of cuisines, menus, service and ambiance that have characterized the history of the Italian dining experience in this country." It's truly a fantastic restaurant. I just wish the staff smiled more. Have fun!
Del Posto
85 Tenth Ave (and 16th St.)
New York, NY 10011
212-497-8090