Porsena

"This year, chef Sara Jenkins is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her iconic East Village restaurant, Porsena. This is a neighborhood restaurant that, for years, defined its neighborhood. Here, the “pasta-centric” menu (there are ten pastas available) offers timeless classics like rigatoni with sausage and spaghetti with meatballs. The penne arrabbiata, an is an original recipe from 2010." - The MICHELIN Guide

"This year, chef Sara Jenkins is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her iconic East Village restaurant, Porsena. This is a neighborhood restaurant that, for years, defined its neighborhood. Here, the “pasta-centric” menu (there are ten pastas available) offers timeless classics like rigatoni with sausage and spaghetti with meatballs." - The MICHELIN Guide

"When Sara Jenkins opened Porsena in 2010, her devotion to the craft of rolling out chitarra or tagliatelle wasn’t a flashy gimmick or marketing ploy. Her menu was all about simple Italian food, a place where New Yorkers would want to be regulars... By the time the pandemic hit, Porsena and its landlord couldn’t hammer out a rent agreement..." - Eater Staff

"Porsena — a Manhattan restaurant that shuttered this year after a 10-year run — faced the reverberations of the pandemic, with plans for a 10-year anniversary celebration including a February dinner, chef collaborations, and a special night serving the original opening menu. However, the pandemic led to the closure of the restaurant, with the final day of service on August 1, marked by a mixture of celebration and mourning among staff and guests. The restaurant was a neighborhood staple, ideal for special occasions or a casual plate of pasta, and its closure signifies the loss of community connections and income for its employees." - Jenny G. Zhang

"The bulk of the menu at Sara Jenkins’ East Village gem is focused on pasta, such as bucatini in a spicy red sauce or spaghetti with clams. The neighborhood spot is a charming place for any group size, but for those larger than 10 people, a prix fixe menu is picked. Online reservations are accepted for up to 15 people, and larger parties should call the restaurant." - Stefanie Tuder