Trattoria Belvedere
Contact Info:
Address: 165 Lexington Ave (30th & 31st St)
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10016
map: View the Map
Phone: (212) 684-8805
Food Info:
Menu: View the Menu
Cuisine:
Italian
Takeout:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Payment:
Accepts Credit Cards
Cititour Review:
Belvedere Trattoria lends an enchanting yet familiar vibe, not only through its warm yellow walls smattered with friendly photographs, nor solely through its beautiful fresh bouquets of red roses on the bar and on each table, but through their excellent service and most of all, their exceptional Italian food.
I may get in to trouble for exposing the hidden gem that is Belvedere, from a friend who considers this restaurant an extension of her very own apartment. Yet this quiet and unassuming place on Lexington avenue needs the recognition it deserves. Every issuance from your waiter breathes comfort, relaxation, and respect. They have uttered phrases such as 'If you want it, we make it', 'As you wish' and the like, all while gracefully flicking your napkin into your lap. Though the menu is concise, the ingenuity lies in the specials, which are always plentiful. Every single waiter is a true Italian, endowed with that luscious, thick accent. I could listen to that rhythmic recitation for hours on end. With my glass of fine red wine it could lull me to sleep.
Several fresh fish always make it onto the specials list, such as the incredible branzino I indulged in the other night. It arrived as a beautifully crisp whole fish, head and all, and with the hands of a skilled artisan, they can remove it for you at the table or discreetly in the kitchen. The white meat inside is flaky, tender, and of fine quality. Spritz on some lemon and never be disappointed. Belvedere offers the fine Italian classics, like the salty goodness of prosciutto with mozarella, carpaccio with dainty arugula with Parmesan cheese.
Any pasta you choose will blow you out of the water. Simplicity is key at Belvedere, and it's always about the quality. A handful of ingredients combined with Italian tradition and freshly homemade pastas give life to divine creations such as spaghetti sautéed in garlic, perfect pillows of gnocchi served with a meat sauce, or penne with vodka sauce that will have you drunk from love. That, or the unbelievably tender veal will, sautéed in white wine and basalmic.
For dessert, look no further than the tiramisu (unless your looking at the tartufo). I would pay a hefty sum just to watch how they go about making the cream so light and perfectly sweet- how I imagine an angel's cloud would taste. And would you believe me if I told you I didn't prefer tiramisu! It's worth it, trust me.
The price is not cheap, but Belvedere is a true Italian dining experience, and it is always money well spent. Here you learn how to eat again; to enjoy simple, fantastic food at a leisurely pace.
Review By: Rachel Sult
Additional details: Romantic
Comments:
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