taste
25A
Dante NYC Classic Italian in the Village
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By Georgette Malitsis
storied Greenwich Village restaurant, Caffe Dante (now known as Dante NYC), has proudly served New Yorkers for over 100 years. It continues to serve its loyal patrons with a newly refined menu offering full meals and an extensive variety of cocktails. Currently, the historic restaurant is under new Australian ownership, yet the restaurant’s team leader, Linden Pride, has successfully preserved the Italian culture and hospitality of the original Caffe Dante.
If you are seeking true Italian tradition then enjoy the Maitake and Oyster Mushroom Lasagna crafted with ricotta and Parmigiano cheeses. Find yourself comfortably satisfied with the Pappardelle pasta combined with veal shoulder, ragu, asparagus and spiced with herbs. Stop by any day during the week from 4pm to 7pm for Dante NYC Negroni Sessions, with notable cocktails such as the Negroni or Negrogi Frappe, using careful combinations of ingredients to complement your dinner.
The space is decorated with classic European detailing such as an exposed brick wall, tin ceiling and cream leather banquets. The checkered tile flooring and charred oak bar conserve the old feeling of the 100-year-old restaurant. Regulars will be pleased to see photographs of past Caffe Dante patrons lined up against the walls, reassuring its customers that the memory of the restaurant forever remains.
If you’ve had an early start to your day, head to Dante NYC for a decadent brunch. Choose from a selection of breakfast options that offer an AmericanItalian twist, such as the Pumpernickel French Toast with ricotta, cinnamon, agave and caramelized banana. A Green Bowl of Quinoa is perfect for a light brunch, with spring peas, green beans, avocado, arugula and soft poached egg–add pancetta (Italian bacon) to complete your meal.
The menu features classic Italian dishes with an emphasis on homemade pastas. Since the reopening there have been several New York classic ingredients added to the menu as well. The menu is sectioned by crudos, appetizers, sourdough flatbread and large delectable entrees. Dante NYC also offers an assortment of classic desserts and pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
An ideal addition to your brunch is freshly baked artisan bread such as the house-made banana bread, served toasted with ricotta and honey. If you are craving something really sweet then there are daily homemade treats including pastries and gelato with flavors such as tiramisu, stracciatella and pistachio, or perhaps a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palette.
Start off with the Beef Tartar, decorated with watercress, pickled mustard seeds and crispy quinoa accompanied with sourdough bread. If you don’t care for raw meat, then treat yourself to one of Dante NYC’s warm Sourdough Flatbreads, such as the Verde with spicy lamb sausage, mozzarella and arugula.
79-81 Macdougal St NY, NY 10012 212.982.5275 dante-nyc.com
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