Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca

When it comes to Italian food, it always reminds me of Mario Batali, a host of two Food Network programs: Molto Mario, and Ciao America. Together with his partner, Joe Bastianich, he owns two successful upscale restaurants that have been awarded three stars by Frank Bruni of the New York Times. One of them is Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca. Due to lack of planning, I never succeeded getting a reservation here every time I visited New York City. But, during my last stop at NYC I tried to call them in one morning to check if they had any cancellations. And, surprisingly they said…”For two people, how about 10.30PM?” asked the lady over the phone. Even though it was a bit too late, but my excitement for some very high end Italian food made me reply, “Off course!”

Babbo’s a la carte menu is very broad and full of absurdly succulent dishes. Besides, they also offer two types of tasting menus: a pasta tasting menu and a traditional tasting menu. Their tasting menu requires participation of the entire table. Actually, I truly wanted to order their well-known pasta tasting menu for both me and Alb. But sadly, I had already eaten some dumplings before at Rickshaw Dumpling Bar since our reservation time was a bit late at night and I was so hungry. Hmm… if our reservation had been earlier, we would have ordered the pasta tasting menu that entirely focused on pasta and one dessert. We ended up ordering food from their a la carte menu.

First, we got amuse bouche of spicy chickpea Bruschetta in Olive sauce that was very yummy. The bread was perfectly crunchy outside and fluffy inside. The next meal was crusty Italian bread served with high quality of olive oil. Then, my favorite meal came, which was Black spaghetti with rock shrimp, spicy salami calabrese, and green chiles. The Morellino Italian wine and the spicy salami calabrese, which looked like bacon bits and was sprinkled over the black spaghetti, strongly enhanced the flavor. A said that this was the best pasta he had ever tasted. Babbo has made a name for itself by presenting such fantastic pasta. We completed our dinner with biscotti petite four, which were very mesmerizing.

The ambiance of the restaurant was upscale but cozy at the same time. The service was helpful and friendly. The food flavor also explodes in your mouth. The bottom line is that this place is worth every penny and Mario Batali is undoubtedly one of the finest chefs of our time. So, what are you waiting for? When you got a chance to visit New York City, this is one of the restaurants you must try. For me, I will definitely come back and order their pasta tasting menu to satisfy my curiosity.

Babbo

110 Waverly Pl

New York, NY, 10011

(212) 777-0303

Comments

2 Comments so far

Bhoton | 22 July 2008, 00:17
Black Noodlesnya looks good abis.. or pasta?
Forgive my inexperience in food culture.. hauhau.
Definetly will come back here for more on food and travel! Hauhauhauh…

Yun: Indeed, it was sooo good!! That was black spaghetti ton, I think the black color is from black ink squid. Thank you ton, keep coming back yahhh hihihi
Isobel Shaw | 19 May 2010, 19:48
i love Italian Food specially those juicy pastas. They are really delicious.-:’