Tre
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 353-3353
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Houston Street and Stanton Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri 5pm-12am, Sat 12pm-4pm, 5pm-12am, Sun 12pm-4pm, 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Tre – by Kathleen Squires
The Scene
Everyone knows that adage about judging a book by its cover, but the same could be said about judging an Italian restaurant by its dining room. Though this restaurant's decor--white-washed brick, Edison bulbs and aluminum chairs--reads like a retreaded Lower East Side plot, don't be fooled into thinking that the menu has nothing new to offer.
The Food
The kitchen stands out from a tired genre by marrying old-world flavors with forward-thinking twists. A buxom ball of buffalo mozzarella is draped with a slim sardine and speared with an eye-dropper of nutty olive oil. Crispy, light rice balls harbor a touch of mint among their pecorino-graced grains, and succulent lamb meatballs trendily embellish crostini. Even fusion-leaning dishes, like a blue corn tortilla topped with grilled octopus, feel right at home. Bound for the bestseller list: Terrific pantacce, shreds of pasta tossed with sausage, grape tomato and caciotta cheese, and a lovely ricotta and creme fraiche cheesecake.
Hits: A menu that appeals to both traditional and unconventional eaters, kicked off with a bread basket accompanied by creamy ricotta puree.
Misses: The bland decor may scare off diners with an aversion to circa-1990 design trends.
(Photo by Gregor Halenda)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe reasonably priced wine list ranges from $25 to $60, including Falanghina del Sannio, a crisp, full-bodied white ($32). Or try the Prosecco cocktails, like a sparkler mixed with San Pellegrino Sanbitter ($9).
BrunchTake advantage of the $17 Sunday brunch deal, which includes unlimited champagne, Bellinis or mimosas, and a choice of entrees like potato pancakes, ricotta carbonara with chorizo, add eggs with tomato pepper salsa and smoked mozzarella.
When To GoEnjoy free nibbles when you order a drink at the bar during apperitivo time, 5pm-7pm nightly.
User Reviews for Tre
04/24/2008 Posted by bostonburnsy
We were looking for a quick bite on our way home and ran into this cute little place in the lower east side right across from Max Fish. We liked the menu - seemed ambitious for a small place and wasn't too crowded when we arrived, so our expectation wasn't super high. Come to find out - they've only been open 3 months... We haven't had a meal this delicious in a long time - we eat out very frequently and are in the restaurant business. We were told by one of the owners, Gino (from Naples), that they make every effort to recreate food from his home town (the chef is from there, too) including imported ingredients and authentic recipes. The food was excellent. The service was excellent. And the ambiance was relaxed and romantic. I highly recommend this spot before you can't get a reservation!
Pros: Excellent food, very friendly service, clean comfortable atmosphere
Cons: none
03/02/2008 Posted by ibeacco
Dining out a lot i experienced the different flavors of the distinctive cuisine of several countries and, being Italian, i think i can also discern from different regions and culinary inflections, but Tre is totally another thing. It's cuisine's Italian roots are clear from the beginning from recognizable names (carpacci, ravioli, etc...) but calling it classic is totally out of discussion. First of all the presentation is more artistic than most of the painting you could find in any other Italian spot, you can just tell from the carefully crafted dish that who is behind the stove is not your regular scruffy Italian cook. Then you taste it and instantly forget what Italian food meant to you. It is simply so good and the different flavors make so much sense together that you want to get up from your table and go thank the chef in the kitchen. Which you could, because unlike a lot of "my name is on the menu but i'm off today" chefs, this gastronome is actually in the kitchen preparing your food! And nowadays is like having Armani himself sewing your clothes!! The decor is very classy but modern enough to make you feel at ease any way you dress and the service is attentive yet not intrusive. The prices are just right and whoever find them high should just stop at the deli around the corner, where with a couple of bucks they could fill their guts, but if you love fine food you know that what you find at Tre is like the mastercard commercials say: priceless!
Pros: amazing food, friendly service, good value
Cons: maybe too small, but who cares?
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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