Da Andrea is a Zagat-rated Northern Italian restaurant in New York City’s Chelsea and West Village serving up classics such as spaghetti alla carbonara (spaghetti with bacon, parmesan cheese and cream sauce), and braciola di maiale (grilled pork chop). It also focuses on lesser-eaten dishes, such as squid ink taglioni (taglioni neri), and artichoke ravioli (cappellacci di carciofi). Da Andrea has the 1 pasta dish you must try–pappardelle bolognese.
Creamy Burrata Salad
I dined at the Greenwich Village location, where the soup of the day was peach gazpacho, but I opted for a burrata salad instead. My burrata con basilico was super soft and creamy, and served with chunky, vine-ripe tomatoes, and a few leaves of basil tossed on top and around the cheese. Basil and roasted tomato sauces were put on the side, since I wasn’t sure how they would taste if already on the burrata. Both were tasty, but I preferred the basil sauce. If you like basil and/or pesto sauce, you’ll like theirs. And don’t forget to ask them to grind on some fresh black pepper!
The Best Pasta Dish--Pappardelle Bolognese
For my main course at their Greenwich Village location, I had pappardelle bolognese. The menu lists it as spaghetti, but they were flexible, which is always a good thing. Some restaurant chefs make the sauce from pork, veal, or beef, or a combination, but the one at Da Andrea is made from red meat. The beautiful strips of pappardelle were twined around juicy, flavorful minced meat sauce and adorned with a sprig of thyme. It was a simple, yet beautiful presentation. There are 10 other types of pasta, so if you’re not a pappardelle fan, ask the waiter if you can have a different one.
Desserts
Feel free to enjoy your meal with a glass or bottle of wine, and one of nine desserts, including tortino di mele (apple tart with vanilla ice cream) and tortino di ricotta (ricotta cheese cake).
Other Things
The atmosphere is rustic with a touch of intimate; wooden tables, wooden chairs and paintings of old school Italy adorn the brick and yellow walls. The waitstaff, all dressed neatly in black, provided speedy, friendly service. Also, check out their website for daily rotating specials.
My Closing Thoughts
Da Andrea specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. It has a nice selection of dishes, a creamy burrata salad, and the 1 pasta dish you must try–pappardelle bolognese. Try it at either or both of their locations in New York City–Greenwich Village and Chelsea, where a rustic atmosphere and great service await you.
Da Andrea--Greenwich Village
35 W 13th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 367-1979
www.daandreanyc.com