After nearly a decade of serving Neapolitan cuisine in Hell’s Kitchen as La Vela Dining & Bar, restaurateur Antonio Mauro has turned the page with the launch of Tartufo Osteria — a new name and fresh concept for his longtime space on 11th Avenue.
Rigatoni ai Quattro Pomodori with a four-tomato sauce, red onion, basil & calabrese chili , tops with creamy stracciatella. Photo: Steve Hill
The restaurant quietly opened its doors last weekend to a packed house and warm neighborhood welcome. Diners were treated to a fresh menu of strictly Italian dishes, from Frittura Mista to a fragrant house-baked focaccia — along with classic Margherita pizza baked in their Italian oven.
As the name suggests, the new menu also showcases Mauro’s love of truffles, with highlights like Pappardelle al Tartufo in a creamy pecorino fondue. Seafood fans can look to the Branzino, served simply with tender baby carrots to let the fish shine, and finish off with everyone’s favorite dessert, tiramisu.
Restaurateur Antonio Mauro (right) with general manager Fabio. Photo: Steve Hill
“New name, new menu, same love of food,” Mauro told W42ST. “We created a new brand — Tartufo — to separate ourselves from the usual dining you see around.” The new offerings range from hearty classics like Polpette della Nonna and Eggplant Parmigiana, to refined house-made pastas like Pappardelle al Tartufo with black truffle fondue, Tonnarello Cacio e Pepe and Rigatoni ai Quattro Pomodori, alongside an impressive pizza lineup — including the namesake Tartufo with prosciutto crudo and truffle oil — all designed to showcase fresh ingredients, regional variety and a true Italian spirit.
The change follows a stretch of tough years — from pandemic-era challenges to confusion caused by a similarly named restaurant nearby. But Mauro is keeping his focus forward. “I love this area and all my customers who supported me through the ups and downs. They’ve become like family.”
Tartufo Osteria serves a strictly Italian menu including homemade burrata with cheery tomatoes & basil oil and Margherita pizzas baked in a classic wood-fired oven. Photos: Steve Hill
Tartufo Osteria also introduces a refreshed team, including new manager Fabio, who Mauro describes as “very attentive and meticulous,” along with two additional hires to deliver an elevated dining experience.
Tartufo Osteria is now open at 558 11th Avenue (between W42nd/43rd Streets) on Sunday and Tuesday from 11am to 10:30pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30am to 10:30pm, Friday from 11:30am to 11pm, Saturday from 11:30am to 11:30pm and closed on Mondays.