I don’t spend a lot of time in Tribeca, but Locanda Verde is my excuse to venture into intermittently traveled territory.  Situated beneath the Greenwich Hotel, Robert DeNiro’s restaurant is yet another hit Italian spot to spar with the likes of Gemma beneath the Bowery Hotel. I enjoy Locanda Verde, just as I enjoy Gemma, because they offer delicious food without all of the fuss. Equipped with a tavern-like bar and a cozy café in front, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. The gigantic room is divided by banquettes, giving sections of the room a feeling of intimacy. There are big tables available for groups, yet I prefer a cozy dinner for two by the big windows. Though the space seems endless, you will end up at the bar for the longer part of an hour if you don’t plan ahead as the place almost always seems packed.

    
The food here is fabulous. The antipasti section of the menu is flooded with well married flavors and hit combinations. The burrata with butternut squash, leeks, and radicchio ($16) or the marinated beet salad with fennel, smoked ricotta and pistachio ($14) both pack enough punch to satisfy your taste buds for the entire night.

But what is an Italian meal without pasta, especially with dishes like Fonduta Agnolotti on the menu. It's made with figs, walnuts, brown butter and sage ($19). This creation spawned the term ‘mouth-watering’. The brown butter and figs give the savory pasta a  divine flavor.  All of the pastas remain reasonably priced as well. Afterall, everyone enjoys a bargain.  Cod, pork chops, and duck can all be found on the menu, though I prefer the chicken for two ($25 per person).  It is delicious.  Have no fear if you are dining solo, they can make the chicken for one.

When the weather is nice, take advantage of the courtyard dining or the side of the restaurant which is perfect for people watching. A nice, warm evening will definitely give the food the ideal ambiance it deserves.

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Ambiance		Ambiance	* Poor ** Fair *** Good **** Very Good ***** Excellent
Value		Value	* Poor ** Fair *** Good **** Very Good ***** Excellent

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