One of our organizing team members couldn’t attend our annual holiday luncheon at an iconic, holiday-decorated venue because she was a snowbird at her Florida home. We decided to book it at Novita, a local fave of mine, in February, when she was here.

Michelangelo, the perfect restaurateur, is there to greet you as a friend.  It’s that kind of place where you always feel welcome. While waiting for my friends to arrive, I had dreams of spring, sipping my Aperol spritz ($22) as I arrived about half an hour early. Silly me, I had errands to do in the hood before meeting my friends, and ended up arriving at the wrong time.

Once they arrived, we shared the mixed mushroom salad ($21) and a bottle of Falanghina “Bonea” Masseria Frattasi, 2024 ($86), which Michelangelo recommended.

Two of us had their rich pappardelle with flavorful lamb ragú and porcini mushrooms ($32), the other two their traditional Roman fresh spaghetti tossed with finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and coarse black pepper ($29).

I highly recommend Novita, in fact. I like it so much, I’m bringing a friend next week for her birthday.

Novita
Flatiron
102 East 22 Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 677-2222