NYC Restaurants: Locanda Verde

Locanda Verde

Address | 377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

Locanda Verde is a popular Italian restaurant located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Opened in 2009, it is part of the Greenwich Hotel and is co-owned by renowned chef Andrew Carmellini (a James Beard Award-winning chef known for his expertise in Italian cuisine), along with restaurateurs Robert De Niro and Ken Friedman. The restaurant is known for its rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

We were excited to book a table to celebrate the end of the summer break and to mark a new beginning for Jack’s sophomore year. Labor Day in NYC was warm with a cool breeze making it the perfect evening to dine al fresco at Locanda Verde with a view to the setting sun over the Hudson. The ambiance is warm and rustic wood accented by green hues and soft lighting. Locanda Verde offers a menu inspired by Italian comfort food, and they have an extensive selection of Italian wines and creative cocktails.

We ordered two antipasti for our table. The Fritto Misto at Locanda Verde is all seafood. It’s a delightful blend of perfectly crispy baby squid, rock shrimp, and bay scallops, each bite elevated by the subtle heat of the chili aioli. The freshness of the seafood shines through, making this antipasti a must-try for anyone who appreciates expertly fried, light, and flavorful dishes. Be sure to give it a squeeze of lemon for a bright bite. We also shared the Focaccia Napoletana which was a heavenly bite of soft, airy bread topped with rich cherry tomato, creamy fior di latte, and fragrant Sicilian oregano, delivering a delicious bite.

For our mains we were all very excited for the pasta. Lynette ordered the The Fusilli Giganti. This beautifully crafted dish, where the oversized pasta spirals hold the vibrant basil pesto perfectly, ensuring every bite is bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth, rounding out this simple yet exquisite Italian classic. I ordered the Spaghetti alla Vongole and we all really loved this dish. It was a masterful combination of tender veraci clams and al dente spaghetti, infused with the rich, savory notes of toasted garlic. The dish strikes a perfect balance between the briny sweetness of the clams and the subtle heat of the garlic, creating a comforting yet sophisticated experience. Jack had the The Rigatoni featuring hearty pasta enveloped in a rich white veal bolognese, where the tender veal melds seamlessly with the creamy sauce. Topped with a generous shaving of Piave Vecchio, the dish is elevated by the cheese’s nutty, slightly sweet profile, adding depth and a touch of elegance to every bite.

We were pretty much at our limit by the time dessert rolled around but I really wanted to try the Locanda’s Tiramisu. Tiramisu is a sublime dessert, where espresso liqueur-soaked ladyfingers are layered with a velvety marsala crema, creating a harmonious blend of bold coffee flavors and sweet, creamy indulgence. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of lightness and richness, offering a classic Italian treat with a sophisticated twist. It’s also served with LV dusted in cocoa over the top.

Locanda Verde serves excellent food, vibrant atmosphere, and top-notch service, making it a must-visit dining destination in NYC.