Philip Gissen

Review of Locanda Verde

This is one of our "stand by" restaurants when we ...

This is one of our "stand by" restaurants when we want to eat something without prior planning or research. Located in De Niro's hip Greenwich Hotel, Locanda Verde's executive chef, Andrew Carmellini, is almost as famous as De Niro. Dark, rustic elegance is the interior's theme, and we always sit at the large bar. Servers are "continental," with accents compelling you to imagine some chi chi sophisticated place. (They're probably from Bulgaria!)
Food is always very good, if not excellent. Pastas are al dente, with just the correct amount of sauce. There's a "wash" of sauce, not a drowning. Salt Lake City restauranteurs take note!
Wine lists are filled with excellent Italian bottles and tastings. My Fiano was elegant and crisp. Locanda Verde isn't cheap. Our meal, consisting of one meatball slider appetizer, two pastas, one glass of wine and a coca cola, came to $95.00. Hey, it's NYC, and we were in Tribeca. Wadda ya expect!