NYC Guide: Ci Siamo
Address | 440 W 33rd St Suite #100, New York, NY 10001
At Ci Siamo, culinary excellence meets the warmth of Italian hospitality in the heart of Manhattan. Nestled in the bustling streets of our vibrant city, Ci Siamo is more than just a restaurant—it's a celebration of the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine and culture. Situated in midtown West near the Hudson Yards, Ci Siamo invites guests up to its second story perch with large picturesque windows framing the spacious dining room and overlooking the new shops and restaurants in the contemporary development where it is situated. An open floor design allows you a peak into the open kitchen where you can catch glimpses of the culinary artistry in action. The decor is an elegant canvas of muted tones and warm lighting, creating an intimate and inviting space that feels both contemporary and cozy, full of deep rich greens, brass, soft leather banquets, and velvety chairs. Led by Executive Chef Hillary Sterling, overall I was impressed with Ci Siamo’s menu and the techniques and little touches that made the flavors really outstanding. The service was exceptional without being intrusive.
During restaurant week, diners can enjoy a two course lunch for $45. Of course, you can always order a la carte in addition which is what we did on our recent lunch date.
After settling in with a bottle of crisp, cool rose we started with the pizza bianca, anchovy, salsa verde, aioli. It was really delicious with the fresh and fragrant salsa verde combining with the perfectly salty anchovy really well. Expect the crust to be almost more crostini like than a pizza or flatbread dough, but very tasty. Next we moved onto the smoked eggplant caponata, fettunta. My wife loved the balsamic and sweet juicy golden raisins. I really enjoyed the bread and smoky eggplant. It was a tasty primi! Finally, we shared the baccala fritti with marinated peppers, agrodolce, and oregano. On their own the peppers were sharp and a bit intense but when combined with the baccala fritti the peppers really brought some brightness to the fried fish and made a more balanced bite.
On to secondi! We tried the market fish with pea leaf pesto and marinated beans and the lasagnette, summer squash, basil. And for dessert the Basque cheesecake with blueberries thyme and espresso stracciatella gelato.
Lunch at Ci Siamo was a culinary journey through the heart of Italy, a delightful exploration of flavors and textures that left an indelible mark on my palate and my heart. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity, the warm ambiance, and the exceptional service all combined to create a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you're seeking a refined spot for a business lunch, a romantic date, or simply a memorable meal, Ci Siamo in NYC is a destination that will exceed your expectations. It's a testament to the city's diverse and vibrant culinary landscape, where every meal is a celebration of taste and culture.
