Dell'Anima

09/14/09

Not all that it's cut out to be

by magnolia82

I go out to a lot of restaurants, and happened to be very excited about going to one with a lot of hipe, and proclaimed trendy-ness. I was unhappily disappointed.

We ordered a pasta with mushrooms dish and also the risotto. Both were poorly seasoned, with an awkward balance of flavors. The pasta was actually too al dente, despite the fact that I enjoy cooked this way. The place was packed, and the service lacking. The hostes erased my name from the reservation list. I would highly not recommend this place.

• Cons: over priced, small portions, too cramped and crowded

06/16/09

Best italian in a long time

by cammarudy

We're native NYers always seeking good italian food. we found it here. The octopus and quail were the highlights of our meal. Our pastas were incredible, we were wishing they was more. The wines are a bit over priced, but the rest was reasonable. we sat near the chef bar, which is typically annoying and hot in other places, but this was uniquely authentic and refreshing. If you have to wait for a table, the bar across the street is a good time. Just don't eat anything there because you'll want to save whatever room you have for the delicious food here. highly recommended. we couldn't stop talking about our meal.

• Pros: Delicious, authentic food
• Cons: over-priced wine, may be a wait

12/31/08

Best Italian restaurant in New York!

by Whestee

I love this restaurant. Last time I dined here (this past Saturday with three friends) we started our dinner with a few pasta dishes recommended to us by the General Manager. They were all delicious, but extreme raves to the Chef's version of what I would call "Italian Macaroni and Cheese". No ,this dish really isn't a typical "mac & cheese" dish, but an extremely satisfying plate of Dell''Anima's homemade pasta with chestnuts and lucious creamy Italian cheeses. We decided at this point we wanted some wine. We had a conversation with the sommelier who gave us some outstanding recommendations to pair with Dell'Anima's regional (and seasonal) dishes. The wine here is extraordinary and very carefully chosen. Not to make this review a novel, when all is said, this charming little gem of a restaurant presents to it's guests creative and beautifully presented meals. There is no "rush-out-the-door here". We felt like family from the moment we entered this cozy West Village 'fixture", and the feeling remained throughout the evening as we tasted as many of the Chef's delicious and creative dishes as we could (portions ARE NOT small). A perfect meal for the four of us to enjoy and linger over in this very special place, lit with candlelight, satisfied people and great vibes all around. It's no small wonder why Dell'Anima is always packed, 7 nights a week.

• Pros: Seasonal and Local Fresh Food prepared very creatively - Happy staff, Happy guests!!
• Cons: So popular that it's hard to get a reservation, book one month ahead for a weekend to be on the safe side.