L’Artusi, West Village, NYC

For delectable Italian-inspired cuisine head to L’Artusi in the West Village.

We sat upstairs, which was quieter than the bustling bar area. I started with a crisp Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi, Andrea Felici 2011, Le marche ($13).

Don’t miss the tender charred octopus ($18) served with grilled potatoes, peppers and olives, given saltiness and a little kick from pancetta and chilies. Loved the side-sliced warm grilled lemon sans seeds to squeeze over the fish (notice in photo on top of dish).

I found the vegetarian garganelli with mushroom ragu and grated ricotta salada ($17) earthy and ordinary. I much preferred troife nero ($18), the night’s zesty special of squid ink infused housemade spaghetti with braised octopus, bread crumbs, butter, black pepper, chile flakes and  grated pecorino romano ($18). (Yes, yes, I do love octopus!)

I also recommend the side of cauliflower of the white and green (Roman) veggie seasoned with anchovy, olives and pine nuts  ($8).

We ended with a seasonal not-too-sweet blueberry crisp (oatmeal-almond streusel) with ricotta gelato ($10).

I do recommend L’Artusi!

– bonnie

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L’Artrusi
West Village
228 W 10th St
New York, NY 10014