Ficuzza: Sicilian Cucina & Pizzeria in New York. Photo Courtesy of Ficuzza.
On Friday, February 28th, this journalist had the opportunity to dine at the newly-opened Ficuzza: Sicilian Cucina & Pizzeria in New York’s West Village.
Background on the restaurant’s name
The restaurant’s name was inspired by the stunning village of Ficuzza in Palermo, Italy, and thus, its menu is a celebration of both the cooking, flavors, spirits, and natural beauty of the southern Italian region.
Pasta
Pasta lovers will be enamored with its “Lasagna Bolognese,” which consists of Lasagna with Meat Ragù and Besciamella (reminiscent of the Greek Pastitsio), and it truly does taste homemade.
Homemade Lasagna Bolognese. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos.
Salad
A healthy choice for a salad is their “Roasted Beets Salad” with Horseradish Cream, coupled with toasted hazelnuts and goat cheese.
Roasted Beets Salad at Ficuzza. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos.
Seafood
Fans of seafood, ought to try their “Branzino Grigliato,” which is Grilled Branzino with Salmoriglio Sauce and Sauteed Spinach.
Branzino Grigliato. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos
Equally noteworthy and crispy is their “Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco
and Gremolata Sauce.” This food item alone is worthy of one’s visit to Ficuzza in Manhattan.
Roasted Cauliflower at Ficuzza. Photo Courtesy of Ficuzza.
Desserts
At Ficuzza, one should leave some room for dessert. Their “Cannolo Scomposto” had a crispy Cannoli shell with Ricott Cream, as well as Pistachio and Chocolate Chips and topped with an orange grind.
Cannolo Scomposto. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos.
Their “Vaniglia Gelato with Sour Cherry” was refreshing and served with toasted almonds.
Their “Italian Cheesecake” is comprised of Ricotta Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis; this sweet was light and it tasted savory.
Italian Cheesecake at Ficuzza. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos.
In addition, their “Tortino Realmuto” was scrumptious featuring chocolate sponge cake with waffle crumbs, hazelnuts, chocolate mousse, and dark chocolate icing.
Tortino Realmuto. Photo Credit: Markos Papadatos.
In fact all of their desserts were delectable, and all of their presentations were unique.
If that weren’t enough, Ficuzza also has a curated selection of thin-crust pizzas with Sicilian toppings, as well as a wide selection of Italian wines, beer, and apertivos.
Dishes at Ficuzza. Photo Courtesy of Ficuzza.
Rudy Bundini on Ficuzza
Fashion model and former boxing heavyweight champion Rudy Bundini, remarked about Ficuzza, “This newly-opened restaurant had an outstanding dining experience. I was impressed by its exceptional service and authentic Italian flavors. From the moment I stepped in, its inviting atmosphere and attention to details made me feel at home.”
“The menu featured an exquisite selection of homemade dishes, each crafted with high-quality ingredients that transported me straight to the island of Sicily,” Bundini acknowledged.
“The seafood was nicely prepared, the pasta was rich and flavorful, and the staff’s hospitality added to the overall charm of the place,” Bundini added.
The Verdict
Overall, Ficuzza is a remarkable hidden gem in New York’s West Village, where patrons are able to go on a culinary journey to Sicily. The wait staff have tremendous hospitality, and they make you feel at home.
This is a superb restaurant that is ideal for the entire family. Being of Greek origin, this journalist noticed that there were several overlaps between the Sicilian style of cooking and the Greek cuisine (and that could be largely because they are both located in the Mediterranean Sea).
The flavors and textures of the Sicilian cuisine were evident at this restaurant, and they were done in a modern and fresh approach. It has a warm, intimate and cozy ambiance to it, which make it fitting for any dining occasion.
This eatery deserves more than just a passing glance, and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Buon Appetito, as they say in Italian!
To learn more about Ficuzza: Sicilian Cucina & Pizzeria, check out its official homepage, and follow the restaurant on Instagram.