Barbetta has three “oldest” distinctions: it’s the oldest restaurant in New York that is still owned by the family who founded it, oldest Italian restaurant in New York, and the oldest restaurant inIMG_5262 New York’s Theatre District. It’s truly a step back in time, as it’s also old-world elegance, attentive service and old-style food.

If you go pre-theatre, ask for the a la carte menu (unless you’re up for a 4-course $58 meal).

We shared, beginning with a bottle of  Barbera d’Asti Cascina Castle’t DOC 2008, ($40), which worked well with each Grilled Octopus on Bite of the Bestof our courses.

Our fabulous waiter first brought out a sample of the Rollatine of Piedmontese Robiola in Grilled Zucchini (cheese-filled zucchini with basil on a chilled plate flecked with fresh parsley) as he just wanted us to try it. ($18, for a full serving) — delicate and flavorful.

We followed that with moist and tender grilled octopus with marinated tiny black chick peas ($18).

The dish not to be missed is the Gnoccheti ai formaggi Piemontest ($19): light balls of dough — in a rich cheese sauce topped with toasted pine nuts — that melt as each gnocchi touches your tongue. Ethereal. One half-portion amply serving two.

We were already satiated, as  the waiter gave us a crisp green salad topped with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano to clear our palate. Since we had already ordered the Bue al barolo — tender red-wine braised beef with polenta, both loose and crisp ($32), a dish that’s been on the menu since 1962 — we ate that, too!Gnocchi on Bite of the Best

Note to self: Next pre-theatre at Barbetta: have only a green salad, the gnocchi and a glass of wine.

From Barbetta we completed our time travel evening by seeing  a revival of Hair at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre — the story of draft-age Americans (called Hippies during that era) searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, a peace movement that changed the world. Fabulous music with the cast interacting with and bringing the audience onstage at the end. When you go and if want to dance on stage with the cast, try for orchestra seating.

– bonnie

Barbetta
321 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 246-9171
www.barbettarestaurant.com

Barbetta on Urbanspoon

Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 W 45th Street, New York 10036
212-239-6200