Locanda Verde

Every neighborhood should have an Italian spot as good and as cozy as Locanda Verde. The kitchen’s packing star power with Chef Andrew Carmellini (Cafe Boulud, A Voce) on savory, Karen DeMasco (Gramercy Tavern & Craft) on sweets and Josh Nadel (Cru) on beverage. The perfect mix of creative, yet comforting cooking, the menu is studded with winners, like fire-roasted garlic chicken, roasted sea scallops with spring peas and almond gazpacho, and pappardelle with lamb bolognese. Start with the blue crab crostini and the ricotto crostini, which are both excellent and save room for DeMasco’s innovative gelati, budino, and seasonal tarts. What to drink with it? There’s plenty of interesting and unusual wines to sample.
Don’t Miss Dish: Crab crostini, Fire-roasted chicken, & bolognese.
End With: Budino, seasonal tarts and gelati,
Drink This: Great and affordable Italian wines.
Price: $$
Occasion: Date, group dinner, brunch.
Bonuses: Brunch (boozy brunch optional), outdoor seating, large private dining room, & to-go pastries from Karen DeMasco.