It's all about showcasing artisanal pastas at this contemporary trattoria from chef Sara Jenkins.
"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