06/09/09

Perfection

by mellissima

I've honestly been very reluctant to write a review on my favorite restaurant in manhattan, but i'm feeling generous :)

Gradisca is perfection. Simple as that. The restaurant's owner flies in his mother from Italy once a month and she makes fresh pasta by the entranceway of the restaurant. Definitely try and get a reservation when she is in town and go for one of the pasta specials!

My favorite pasta on the menu is the Maltagliati - "badly cut" egg noodles in a truffle cream sauce. I get this every time I'm there.

They have very creative appetizers as well such as the Cheese Creme Brulee that do not ever disappoint.

I can't say enough about this restaurant. The only thing you should be aware of is that it can get a little noisy if there are large groups dining at the same time as you. BUT if you're with the right person, you shouldn't even notice anyone around.

• Pros: food, ambiance
• Cons: nothing

03/17/09

Wonderful Food, Romantic Environment

by VanessaNYC

I go to this restaurant every couple of months. The food is authentic and delicious, the waiters are friendly and charming and the mood is relaxed and romantic.

The location is really great - this is one of the nicest streets in the West Village. I like to visit this restaurant in the warmer months so that I can eat outside on the patio.

This place is high end, yet low key and casual. It is a great place to bring a date, your friends, or even your grandmother. It really is a hidden gem.

The wine list is fantastic.

• Pros: Real Deal: owners, cooks and waiters are real Italians
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

01/20/08

Great Italian Food and Good Service

by pippa82

I went to this restaurant about a week ago on a date. We had no reservation but we were promptly seated. The restaurant is very romantic with dim lighting, a charming little place. We were seated at the front, but I believe there was a back room as well. We shared the octopus appetizer which was delicious. I had the veal special and creme brulee for dessert, both also great. We also ordered a bottle of wine. The waitress returned to our table a number of times to make sure that everything was good. I would recommend this restaurant for any date night.

05/07/07

This Fat Lady Sings

by ritzgirl21

I was first introduced to the restaurant which translates into "fat lady" in Italian at my cousin's rehearsal dinner. We had the entire back of the restaurant devoted to our fete. The pasta is fresh and the bolognese sauce is to die for. Paired with their house chianti made for an eventful evening. Needless to say, I have been back. Check it out for dinner or your next event.

• Pros: Inviting decor and atmosphere
• Cons: None

04/30/07

Great fresh pasta dishes

by sweetfrog

I love the atmosphere of this little neighborhood italian place. We consider Gradisca our old standby place- you can get in most nights without a reservation and the food and service is always reliable. Their fresh pastas are amazing- my favorites are the agnello and cavatelli. For an appetizer, a must-try is the piadina romagnola- flatbread.

• Pros: pastas, ambiance, service

03/28/07

Best lasagna in nyc

by chillypepper

If you like lasagna, go to this place... best I've ever had! And if you're still hungry, you must have the panna cotta: words can't do it justice...

03/27/07

BEST ITALIAN IN WEST VILLAGE

by eatout63

EATING AT GRADISCA WAS REALLY SO ITALIAN AND GOOD...

IT'S NOT ONLY THE FOOD - MY POLPO WAS INCREDIBLY TENDER AND SAVORY, THE LASAGNA WAS TO DIE FOR, AND THE PANNA COTTA... DELICIOUS, PURE HEAVEN!

IT'S ALSO THE AMBIENCE, SO COZY YET LIVELY. AND THE SMILES FROM THE ADORABLE WAITERS ADDED TO THE EXPERIENCE (OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE ALL FROM ITALY...)

03/19/07

food gone bad

by saragoldman

no good smell in the rooms, dirty kitchen and young spanish cooker. waiter have no respect for the costumer and don't know the menu, no menager or owner in the restaurant.

01/04/07

Great italian in the west village

by i2ivis

Gradisca is a great date spot for simple italian food. The menu is a little pricey, but the food is great (i recommend the carbonara) and last i checked you could smoke in the back room. I like the dark romantic atmosphere and there selection of wine. I would suggest this place to someone looking for a place in the west village.

• Pros: Great food, dark atmosphere
• Cons: a little pricey

07/27/06

Not that great...

by priyachopra

I went to Gradisca a few weeks ago and thought it was very average. The homemade pasta was ok. Nothing to brag about. I had a waiter who I couldn't understand at all. He had a really thick accent and was impossible to figure out. The wine was ok. Overall, this place is just blah!!! I just went to Gonzos which is on the same street and it was delicious. If you want Italian and you're in that part of town...go to Gonzo instead.

• Pros: Nice dark, romantic room
• Cons: Food & Service