Cattivella
Italian restaurant · Central Park ·
Italian eatery with exhibition kitchen, bar, patio & wood grill
Italian eatery with exhibition kitchen, bar, patio & wood grill
"At nearly five years old, chef Elise Wiggins’ Central Park destination boasts its share of sensational signature dishes, including the bagna cauda, the pasticcio, the rabbit gnocchi, and the wood-fired rib eye. But check its Instagram feed before making the trip, since it’s a treasure trove of daily specials to consider: pan-seared black cod over basil bucatini with sundried tomatoes and asparagus one day, fettuccine in braised venison ragù with smoked ricotta the next." - Eater Staff
"Where they have a great wine selection, grilled oysters and great pastas." - Sophie Friedman
"Appreciated for rustic Italian cooking, with a rabbit gnocchi that stood out for its flavor and technique." - Josie Sexton
"I report that Zuri Resendiz, executive sous chef of Cattivella, competed on the Halloween episode of Guy’s Grocery Games and won: his grandmother’s chicken liver stew with serrano, guajillo, and morita peppers and a spaghetti carbonara with roasted black chicken and guanciale both took the judges’ top place; he received $16,000 (which he’s putting toward a house down payment) and even dressed as a ninja." - Josie Sexton
"In Stapleton I recommend Cattivella for its chef-owner Elise Wiggins, laid-back dining room, and lively exhibition kitchen; everything I’ve tried reads like Italian comfort food. The focaccia di Recco is fantastic for sharing: two thin layers of crisp crust baked with prosciutto and crescenza, then topped with balsamic and arugula." - Lucy Beaugard