An authentic trattoria brought to you from the southern part of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Malatesta rarely changes yet always manages to warm hearts and exceed expectations. A cash-only, wooden table filled space illuminated by paper enclosed candles is exactly the nostalgic journey you’ve been dreaming of since your last trip to Italy. It is a West Village favorite decorated with Italian pulp-fiction covers. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is welcoming and the staff make you feel like family. If you’re Italian is slipping, use a trip to Malatesta as an excuse to brush up. Antonino and company are sure to shower you with their quick paced, native lingo. Great for both casual dates and large group dinners, Malatesta never disappoints with its filling portions and extremely reasonable prices. The dining room opens up to the street on warm summer nights and fills the room with great energy.
Start yourself with the stuffed flatbread piadina and crostini misti. You will find yourself pleased with an assorted platter of toasts topped with gorgonzola, prosciutto, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
The fresh pasta is divine. The Spinach Gnocchi with a rich and flavorful gorgonzola sauce is not to be missed. The Tagliatelle al Ragu is another favorite with a phenomenal bolognese. The fish is always extremely fresh, and If you are lucky enough to get Branzino as the evening special, take it. Chicken cutlets are battered down to the perfect thickness and exceptional when topped with roasted potatoes. If you make it to dessert, please welcome the beautifully caramelized Creme Brûlée with its rich custard blend.
Manhattan to the Hamptons 