The Little Owl
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 741-4695
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Grove Street
- Directions:
- 1 at Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
- Specialties:
- Comfort Food
- Best of Citysearch:
- Date Spot 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 5pm-11pm , Thu-Sat 5pm-12am , Sat-Sun 11am-2pm , Sun 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for The Little Owl – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Cooing couples, local families and peckish night-owls pack this corner restaurant in the West Village, which manages to feel airy and intimate at the same time. A rustic tone is set by large paneled windows, whitewashed wood and silverware hand-delivered from boxes, while the tiny, packed bar and elevated waiting bench impart just a touch of who's-who. Service balances genuine warmth with the knowledge often attributed to the titular bird.
The Food
The menu reads like a flyover of the Mediterranean, adding inland touches to coastal cuisine and vice versa. Plump, perfectly cooked scallops float on a cloud of silky risotto flecked through with emerald green spinach; farm-fresh cauliflower mellows smoky grilled sardines; and sauteed radicchio adds a welcome bit of roughage to a thick, scarlet-centered steak. Too much salt undoes duck confit, however, and slightly undercooked grilled dorade, served with an unimaginative side of olives, just misses the boat.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasFor dessert try the refreshingly tart cherry sorbet (from Il Laboratoria).
What to DrinkTry the $9 glass of syrage, a medium-bodied blend of syrah and cabernet, or one of the unusual bottled beers such as the pleasantly mellow Goose Island Ale.
User Reviews for The Little Owl
09/28/2008 Posted by gyirby
Yes, yes, yes...this is THE place to go. I have nothing bad to say about the +5 times that I've come here for great food. EVERY time has been great.
02/06/2008 Posted by kalinka
We've always wanted to eat here but reservations are hard to get. So on a Tuesday nite we decided to stop by at 7pm and try to get lucky. The host was so nice and said he'd probably have something in an hour so we went to EO for a drink and 25 mins later he called us for a table at 7:45! The food is incredible. We had the sliders appetizer (very tasty) and my bf & I both got the lamb. I've only eaten lamb one other time (not a big fan) but the lamb t-bones were so delicious, wonderfully seasoned. Also came with goat cheese gnocchi and an onion watercress salad. We ate every bite! Service was very attentive, our wine glasses were never empty. The chocolate cake w/espresso gelato was a good ending to the meal. We will definitely go back. One of the best meals I've had in a long time plus friendly service. This restaurant is a delight!
Pros: Fabulous food, cozy (small) place
Cons: wish it was easier to get a reservation
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