Novita Restaurant
“Tossed in oil with truffle shavings on top, these chewy, I mean al dente, noodles were so amazingly good I almost lost my breath.”
“I had the black ink spaghettini with fruiti di mare; again, they don't skimp on the size, but it's not overwhelming either.”
“I usually get:
-carpaccio di manzo con tartufi neri (kobe beef carpaccio with rucola, parmigiano and black truffles).”
Novita Restaurant
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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Very nice authentic Italian restaurant in a great location. Food was excellent. Waiter was great. Food came out fast. Lost a point because they are quite pricy but portions are on the smaller side.
Food was delightful and price was high, but not egregious. I think everything would be better served at $3-$4 less.
The service was not bad, it was more cold than bad. The "host" but I think also the owner was gracious, but you could tell he only really gave his Italian charm to people he knew. It probably kills it with the locals and sometimes alienates the first timers. I guess they seem to be doing okay because it was packed on a Sunday.
Worth a try, but don't be offended by the lack of warmth.
Alright, apparently my original post did not meet review guidelines, because my caps (CAPS ALL DAY ERRRDAY!! YOLO!!!!!) kept reverting to small caps. Yelp, wassup witchu?? Brevity never hurt anyone.
My original post:
—
"I AM IN LOVE.
That is all."
—
Since Yelp is not letting me be brief, allow me to elaborate. Novita delivered a series of small surprises that made me want to put my hands together in glee. From the Funghi Misti (such a unique dish) at the beginning to the Tiramisu at the end of the affair, I was delighted by the flavors, the fresh ingredients, and the presentation. And t'was not all.
The Black Spaghetti with Seafood single-handedly propelled Novita to heights no other Italian restaurants have reached in my black, black heart. It touched the tip of my tongue, and roused the tenderest, most delicate part of me, awakening my female instincts. I knew as soon as I had my first forkful that this small Italian hideaway would be The One. The One that I would frequent on rainy days, the One that I'd visit to cure ailments and sooth temperaments. The One that I would shamelessly promote to friends, family, and strangers alike. The One that……….hmm, this is getting out of hand.
Consider yourselves warned, I'm coming soon to a town near you, and you WILL hear about Novita.
Service has become VERY hit or miss. Another reviewer described it as "cold" and I think that's pretty accurate. We dined as a party of 4 this past Friday night and our waitress was terrible. Incredibly slow service, bad attitude and every time she came around to refill the wine, she spilled it all over the table. It's a shame because the food is always quite good, but I'd rather eat somewhere where we will be treated kindly. I hope management addresses this issue.
Fantastico! Yelp wins again. I had to choose a client lunch spot impromptu and have always been curious about Novita. Thanks Yelp for confirming how awesome the food is- who can disagree with delicious, authentic Italian?
Can't say I know much about dinner but based on lunch, I'll come back. I ordered the famed black spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce with seafood. The seafood- squid, scallop, shrimp was plentiful, and the sauce was not so spicy that it burned off the flavor from your tongue– it really enhanced the dish, like a really good in-between spicy and sweet (hate sweet tomato sauce). The black pasta was touched by the magic of squid ink but wasn't drowning in it (because that gets chalky).
Others ordered: the scallops (not a pasta dish), the lamb ragu papardelle (looked good!), the rigatoni with tuna (sort of a weird combo but recommended by our waiter- who was great: clear, communicative, prompt and service oriented), and the special pasta, which was a linguine with scallops and lobster (it was a BIG lobster).
Portions are surprisingly big for NY and the prices are as you'd expect, between $25-30.
I would definitely come back. Great for groups for a date too- the ambiance is really more small, cozy and intimate. 4 stars! Didn't try with the house bread but it's not to write home about..standard white bread with EVOO.
Food was good but the service wasn't. First, when I walked in my reservation was not on the calendar but they were nice enough to seat us immediately – which was nice but at the same time what happened to my reservation? Our waiter was not friendly at all. The food was good – the mushroom with shrimp and scallion appetizer was delicious and I had salmon for my entree which was alright – location was nice since I was going to the gramercy theater after.
I have been meaning to write up this place as I went here for the 2nd time last week. A very neat little place right off the 23rd street 6 station on Park ave. The host reminds me a lot of Johnny Fontaine from the GF and has a very welcoming demeanor. The menu is a little pricey but well worth it. Whether fish or pasta, both meals I have had were excellent. The service is formal and very professional. The atmosphere is casual to semi fancy with fellow diners of all ages. I have even been fortunate to run Into a celebrity or two while dining here. This place is a sure thing and you get what you pay for: a great meal with great service. Will always keep in mind when I'm in Gramercy.
I have been here a couple of times and really like this restaurant. It is small, comfortable and a great place to sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy a good meal.
In the warm weather there is outside seating.
Our reservation has been honored in a timely manner and the wait staff is very attentive, almost too attentive. They seem to swoop out an empty plate within moments of the last bite.
I have tried they regular menu foods as well as the day's specials and never had a bad bite. The pasta dishes are wonderful. The fish is fresh and the dessert shared at the table was great (on each visit).
I am happy to recommend this restaurant, I know we will be back again.