I am always on the hunt for the next big thing in the New York City food scene. This time, I hit the jackpot. One of the city’s absolute best Italian restaurants just opened up a second location in Midtown, and it is a total game-changer. I am at da Toscano, located inside the Iroquois Hotel on 44th Street. If you aren’t already hungry, you are about to be.
The Ultimate Kickoff
The experience here starts with a bang. They are constantly slicing up imported Italian meats right at your table. It is an unreal sight. I started my feast with their warm rosemary focaccia. It is soft, salty, and perfect. I topped it with Prosciutto di Parma, whipped ricotta with honey, and a generous scoop of caviar. Look at that bite! It is the perfect way to kick off an elite meal.
The Pasta Parade
Then, it was time for the main event. First up was their signature Venetian Duck Ragu Pappardelle. It features a slow-cooked duck ragu, house-made pappardelle, and shaved foie gras. The richness is insane. Do not skip this when you visit. It is easily some of the best pasta I have ever had.
But the hits didn’t stop there. I also dove into the Garganelli Verde Ragu Bolognese. These green garganelli noodles are loaded with their bolognese ragu and finished with a mountain of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Next, I tried the wildly popular Black Tagliatelle al Limone. It comes with creamy jumbo lump crab, lemon, black squid ink tagliatelle, scallions, and garlic breadcrumbs. I squeezed a lemon over the top and went to town. This is hands-down one of my favorite pastas in all of New York City.
I also couldn’t say no to the Sweet Italian Sausage Orecchiette. It features a broccoli rabe pesto and pickled cherry peppers. The combination of flavors is just unreal.
More Than Just Pasta
If you think da Toscano is just about the pasta, think again. I tried their 12-hour slow-roasted prime rib. It is grilled to a perfect medium-rare and served with rosemary drippings and garlic butter. Just look at that pour! It is pure food porn.
They also have a hidden gem in the back called Lantern’s Keep. It is a speakeasy that is the perfect spot for a cocktail. They are also serving up some insane food back there. I tried the Prime Rib Steak Sandwich. It features dipped beef, fontina cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a horseradish cream sauce. Look at that cheese! It is absolutely outrageous.
I finished off with the Bistecca Burger. It has an eight-ounce porcini-rubbed steak patty, fontina cheese, onions, and garlic aioli. It is so juicy, it’s unbelievable. To top it all off, I had their lasagna. It is packed with meatballs, sausage, hot soppressata, cheese, and ditalini pasta.
Who’s hungry? You need to get to da Toscano as soon as possible. Devour it!
What’s your favorite Italian dish to order when you’re out?
– Devour Power
Dining and Cooking