Dell'anima

07/09/2008 Posted by DanimalAttacksNYC

Tried for reservations on short notice - 5:00 or 10:30. Not a worry. Hostess suggested we walk in, we waited for less than 10 minutes. Skip the signature cocktails at the bar (two big misses). Campanale did a fantastic job with the wine list - names you'd expect like Barolo plus smaller things you'd miss without the guy from Babbo picking the grape juice. Be ready for copius amounts of salt. Have to start with the bruschette - chickpea and avocado options are simple, fresh, and delicious. The polenta reminded me of cheese grits from Kitchenette (different subject but still a big compliment). The ribeye was thick, tender, clearly aged properly and cooked exactly as ordered, with the grill providing a lot of the flavor cues. On that subject, while the interior is expectedly noisy, avoid sitting near the grill. Initially placed in front of the smoke stack, we were promptly reseated outside on the corner of Jane and 4th - perfect sidewalk spot. Server was warm, honest, and eager to please. Simple menu, cuisine reminds me of a family restaurant in Sienna, solid execution. I'll be back.

Pros: Great menu, original wine list, solid service

Cons: Small space, limited bar selection

03/17/2008 Posted by FoodGirll

NYMag names four restaurants as their critic's favorite new restaurants for 2008. My personal favorite, dell'anima has been named as one of these four! The food is truly superb. I eat here with friends quite often, minimum once a week, and we are always trying new things - I cannot even recommend a dish because everything is fabulous.. . .each dish is delicious and uniquely created. This is Italian soul food at it's best. Elegant, yet uncomplicated, chef Gabe is a genius in creating classic Italian food with some unexpected surprises. The dishes are very filling as well. One thing you can not help but notice is the warmth of the young, friendly staff. To say they go out of their way to accomodate you is truly an understatement. They seemed to have as much fun serving and recommending dishes to us, as we have eating them. And, for the most unbelievable wine pairings you've ever had, ask for Joe - the ridiculously young and talented owner/sommelier. (He's 23!). The wine selection is magnificent. It certainly is a big accomplishment to deserve the praise of NYMAG's BEST OF 2008. Dell'anima certainly lives up to the reputation, and I am one lucky lady to welcome this new, (but already becoming legendary) restaurant into my hood.

03/08/2008 Posted by w2cheung

I am greatly impressed by this restaurant. We had a party of 7 last night and ordered different dishes to share. Every single dish was SO delicious. The restaurant although small, has a friendly and intimate ambience. They have a pretty attractive crowd there. Bring a map with you if you don't usually hang out in this area though, it can be a little tough to find.

Pros: the food and the ambience

Cons: a tricky location if you haven't done your homework trying to find it on the map

02/17/2008 Posted by stefiwefie

I went here on a date with my husband and we couldn't have had a better time. The ambiance is cozy, inviting and warm (sconces on the walls, charming wood tables, great bar). The energy of all the staff is laid-back and friendly. We chatted with everyone from the hostess, to the bartender, to the waitress, to the busboys. Everyone was just great. We talked to the people at the tables around us to about what they were eating and what they liked. The staff really set a nice tone and everyone there seemed to really enjoy the place. We were seated promptly at our reservation time and were served excellent glasses of wine from beautiful wine glasses. The food was delicious--we had the octopus appetizer; two pasta entrees; and two desserts-- tiramasu "zuppa" and the hazelnut cake. Everything was mouth-watering--the flavors were interesting takes on classics. The portion sizes were small yet satisfying. It is so refreshing to have a wonderful dining experience from beginning to end. This place is perfect for dates or small groups. Plus, it's in the west village, which is a charming neighborhood to begin with. We'll be going back, and recommending it to our friends. Good Job, Dell'Anima staff!!! See you soon!

Pros: Staff, food, ambience

Cons: Nothing comes to mind.

01/21/2008 Posted by dawnb727

i cannot wait to go back- the food, wine and service is fantastic-i went with my husband and we had leftovers and could not wait to eat them for breakfast!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/20/2008 Posted by aeta

I love this place!!!! I waited until all the buzz calmed down and have been there 2 times in past 2 days!!!!!!! I love this place. I work in the industry as well, and I think that Joey has done an amazing job with the wine list and the whole place looks amazing. You could go there for romantic dinner and also just a fun night out with friends. Chef's counter is such a ride... It's amazing to see them all working so hard and putting their soul into every dish... You can taste it in every bite you take. I haven't had every dish off the menu yet... but I LOVE food, and it was perfect! Thank you so much for the line staff and for the Chef for cooking such a wonderful meal. I'll be back soon!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best and success to you!!!!!

Pros: food, wine, ambiance

Cons: nothing

01/16/2008 Posted by SCaron42

I would've given this restaurant 5 stars except for one thing. The space. First let me start by saying that the food on Saturday night was excellent, the service competent, and the wine list, fabulous. Upon entering, we almost turned around and walked out because of the poor ventilation. We were seated in the back, luckily, because there was an open window. It was very smokey. The place is very small, VERY loud, with tables close to eachother, so be prepared to listen to your neighbor's conversation, if you can hear yourself! Loud music and a very young, under 30's crowd when we were there. Maybe a weeknight is better and less hectic. The bathroom downstairs is scary, with the heating pipes right underneath your head, it is a sweat shop down there. Having said all of that, I want to tell you to go just for the food. We had amazing bruschetta, 4 types, all excellent. The endive salad was the best, and our entrees, risotto, firm with sausage and salami, and chicken diavolo w/ squash were all fabulous, as was the wonderful wine pairings that we chose. I probably would not go again, unless they move to a bigger space, we were a little uncomfortable, maybe it's the 40's in us! They were so busy Sat. night, that my thoughts are that they will move to a bigger space, because they will outgrow that one.

Pros: Excellent food and Excellent wine

Cons: The small, smoky space and awful bathroom downstairs!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful