Location: 13-15 West 54th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave), New York, NY 10019
Cuisine: Italian
Best Dish: The meatloaf was superb. The thick slice was meaty and well seasoned topped with a delectable tomato sauce. If you prefer something lighter we recommend the Cod “in casseroule” it is moist and delicious and the vegetables make it hearty and surprisingly filling entree.
Price: $$$
Overall: Italian comfort food in an elegant atmosphere.
The Rockefeller Townhouses are now home to Il Gattopardo, a celebrated Italian bistro founded by Gianfranco Sorrentino. The recently renovated space is named for John D. Rockefeller, who lived in the home for many years with his family. Il Gattopardo is located on the lower floor of the property, accessed by stone steps leading to a small deck. The interior space is classic and modern with gold accents and rich wood furnishings. Potted plants add a splash of color to the stark white dining room. We visited on a Monday night and found the space very busy with an assortment of business dinners and a few families enjoying the Italian cuisine. Chef Vito Gnazzo is the Michelin honored Executive Chef and curator of their seasonal menu of Italian Comfort food.
The Feast
Cabbage wrapped Meat Balls
These tasty gems were available as a special and may not be on the menu. The meatballs were dense, juicy and lightly seasoned. We enjoyed this with the complimentary bread and olive oil.
Neopolitan Meatloaf
This elevated classic it rich and flavorful. The thick serving of meatloaf is served atop soft fluffy mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. We recommend asking for extra bread with this dish, you’ll want it to soak up some of the tasty red sauce.
Mezze Maniche Pasta with Sausage
The pasta in this dish is served al dente and the chef suggests having it without cheese. When the chef speaks you listen! We did and we were not disappointed. The sausage was deliciously savory; you could taste every herb.
Codfish “in casseroule”
As the name suggests the cod was prepared with the vegetables as you would prepare a casserole; in a pot with a lid. The fish was tender and succulent. The vegetables added some texture to the dish
Carmelized Cream filled Profiterole
The profiteroles were light and airy with a caramelized crust on top of a crispy tart. This treat isn’t as sweet as it looks, and that’s a good thing. It wasn’t cloyingly sweet so we could truly taste the vanilla and enjoy the creaminess of the whipped creme topping.
The Cocktails
Don Fabrizio
Made of tequila, bergamot puree, and black volcanic sea salt, this cocktail is an award winner. The cocktail was awarded best drink of the year by Restaurant Hospitality for good reason, it’s delicious. The flavor profile is fruity, salty, bitter and sweet with a spicy kick. It works well with any dish
Il Gattopardo truly is elevated comfort food. Though the dishes may seem familiar the unique flavor profiles and hard to find ingredients sets their menu apart from others. Though there isn’t a dress code in place, the vibe demands business casual at the very least. This is an ideal venue for a business dinner, a special date, or a family dinner.
Visit www.ilgattopardonyc.com for more information.