Returned to Il Gattopardo, midtown, to meet an Upper East Side friend who will only travel downtown on the Q. I walked, as that’s my exercise.

As in previous visits, our server first put mini arancini filled with a smidgeon of veal ragu, peas and mozzarella as an amuse-bouche from the kitchen to tickle our palates. After negotiating the wine, we ended up with a Pinot Nero 2018 Masut da Rive ($70).

We then shared grilled octopus ($24) as I wanted confirmation that is was as wonderful as I thought on my last visit. The tender sliced cephalopod with the roasted fingerling potatoes, celery hearts and Castelvetrano olives, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley dressing was as good as I remembered.  (The photo is of half a portion, as the kitchen split it for us.)

I then enjoyed the codfish “in casseruola” with flavorful Gaeta olives, Pantelleria capers, cherry tomatoes and organic potatoes  ($45), my dining partner went for the Dover sole  ($69) presented and then filleted.

As fry lovers, we were compelled to also order a giant bowl of crispy french fries ($16, pricy by worth it. )

I recommend a visit when you’re ready to splurge!

 

Il Gattopardo
Midtown
13 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-246-0412
ilgattopardonyc.com