Cipriani Downtown
I am not going to deny that I go to Cipriani Downtown for the scene (but I also love the food). I haven’t written about it until today because of its obvious popularity. From locals to tourists, this place is always packed with more fur, jewelry, make-up and attitude than any other New York restaurant you can think of. Multiple languages blend into one another somewhere around the high ceilings of the dining room. The extremely happy Cuban mister with a huge cigar and smile winks at the tables from his over-sized frame. The famous carefully-suited managers of the place are always welcoming and courteous. Outside seating is available as long as there isn’t a rain or snow storm. Everyone has a story here. Some are easy to write and others take further investigation to put together. One day you might be eating next Arturo Di Modica (the sculptor of the famous Charging Bull on Wall St.) and the next you might be rubbing shoulders with an emerging model testing her “trophy wife skills”. You are at a pretentious museum of people and you are also on display. You detest the idea but you can’t resist the stalking and the attention.
The menu might not compete with the scenery but it is still good enough to make you want to come back for your favorite dish. The prices are obviously unreasonable, but should be expected from Italians who know how to play the flashy fame game so brilliantly. The Bellini is the best in the city, but make sure you know when to stop. The fried calamari, the artichoke salad, the baked tagliatelle and the seafood risotto (with a portion comfortably enough for two) are delicious.
You can do without the deserts. A single shot of espresso with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream on the side should do the trick.
Cipriani Downtown is located at 376 W. Broadway (between Broome and Spring).
the tagliolini with spinach – they don’t have it on the menu but serve it as a special on some days. catch it if you can! don’t forget to ask for some parmesan, of course.
[...] Cipriani Downtown: Italian. Must Eat: Baked Tagliatelle, Seafood Risotto [...]