da Toscano

For Chef Michael Toscano, da Toscano is a return to a familiar kitchen – he’s back in the same Greenwich Village space where he once ran the restaurant Perla. The location is on Minetta Lane, a narrow, curved street with a classic neighborhood feel, and the restaurant’s dark facade and large windows fit right in. Inside, the dining room is warm and sophisticated, built around a completely open kitchen that puts the entire culinary team on display. The energy from that kitchen spills out into the room, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere, especially when it’s busy. The menu is a creative take on regional Italian cooking. It’s built around house-made pastas like the lamb neck agnolotti and black tagliatelle, but some of the most talked-about dishes are the starters – things like the octopus carpaccio or the inventive "PB&J" foie gras bombolone. For main courses, the duck breast with plum sauce and a spicy, sweet pork chop are consistent standouts. The bar keeps pace with a focused list of cocktails, including an olive branch martini, alongside a full selection of wine and beer. Getting a table here requires some planning. Reservations are essential and should be booked well in advance, particularly for peak dinner times. Even with a booking, you can expect a short wait as the small space is almost always full. The restaurant works just as well for an intimate date as it does for a larger group dinner.