Friends came in for the holidays and asked if I’d join them for lunch at Stella 34 Trattoria modern Italian trattoria on the 6th floor of Macy’s at Herald Square. We sat window-side with views of the city, including the Empire State building.

We opted to share two secondi — sandwiches with a lightly dressed mixed green salad, giving us both tastes of two different ones. Although, each was described and an oven-baked sandwich, the were not. The pizza-like breads were oven baked and then filled. A sort-of Greek-flavored one contained breadcrumb-coated chicken with sliced tomato, cucumber and Gaeta olives, pickled cucumber and chunks of feta ($18). The other was filled with veal meatballs, stracchino cheese and fresh arugula ($18). I’d recommend either. We had ours with a large glass of okay Montepulciano, collegiata, 2016 ($15).

My friend’s grandkids chose from the kids’menu that also kept them occupied with games and drawing. They both chose short pasta over long, and only butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese ($10) on top in lieu of cream or marinara sauce and meatballs.

Although we didn’t sample the gelato, I learned that Stella 34 Trattoria is the home of Italy’s purported “finest” gelateria, Vivoli. Next time.

 

Stella 34 Trattoria
Macy’s at Herald Square
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 967-9251
Stella 34 Trattoria Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato