Dell'Anima
(212) 366-6633
38 8th Ave
New York,
NY
10014
40.7381
-74.0042
Neighborhoods: Downtown, West Village
What People Are Saying About Dell'Anima
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
Often the definition of "neighborhood restaurant" stretches to include things like celeb regulars, unattainable reservations and decor that looks like somebody robbed a Pottery Barn. And though the collective resumes at Dell'anima include Le Bernardin, Del Posto and Babbo, this cozy, classy Italian spot seems to have been designed with locals in mind. Brass sconces throw soft light across simple white plaster walls and a centrally located, open kitchen keeps the focus on the food.
The Food
The daily-changing menu offers consistently crowd-pleasing rustic Italian fare. Crusty bruschetta has five topping options: Highlights include whipped salt cod and silky chickpea puree jazzed up with preserved lemon. Risotto comes "alla pilota," a drier style which accentuates the flavors of finocchio salumi, house-made sausage and pecorino romano. Entrees like perfectly pink seared tuna and tender boar with polenta and marscapone are so satisfying, you may not have room left for sweetly decadent zuppa inglese.
Hits: The restaurant's name means "of the spirit," and the gracious staff and refined yet homey fare overflow with it.
Misses: Smoke from the open kitchen can leave lingering memories of the meal in a bad way: smelly clothes.
User Reviews
cammarudy
June 16, 2009
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.
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Whestee
December 31, 2008
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.
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piattoricco
December 18, 2008
In other words, I have had dinner here a few times, which was not so bad - except the prices. Therefore, the other night, walk in to the place with a reservation ( which was cencelled ? ), got a very unprofessional vibe from the hostess and the owner ( not sure who that young guy was ) who recommend to talk a walk to the sister restaurant ( L'Artusi ) where we waited 40 minutes at the door with 3 hostesses that did not even offer to us seat at the bar, claiming: " Sorry we are completely "fully" booked ) " At that point, ( 9:00 pm ) the Bar was crowded but seats were opened, as well as tables, managers were walking around like Zombies flirting with girls at the bar, and we decided to leave for good and never come back. I have personally never been treated like this and we are always dining out. I would not recommend it to anyone.
read full reviewThe Details on Dell'Anima
Where to Sit:
The back area has a bit more of a private dining feeling, the front feels like an extension of the hopping bar scene, and seats along the open kitchen are the spot for culinary voyeurs to perch.
Outdoor Dining:
In warmer months, sidewalk seating is available on the more tranquil West Fourth Street side of the restaurant.
What to Drink:
Joseph Campanale used to be the sommelier at Babbo, so it's no surprise the all-Italian wine list here is well-chosen. One of the cheaper wines on the list, which tops out at $220, is the Elena Walch Lagrein ($36), a medium-bodied red that pairs well both with pastas and lighter meat dishes.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Outdoor Dining, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
