Teresa D.
Yelp
MY STAR RATING 0-5
Service: 5
Food: 3
Space/Ambiance: 3
Price/Value: 5
Just so we're clear on my rating. I rate as 3 stars being average and we go up and down from there based on the whole experience, not just the food. If I'm giving a 5 star review it's because the experience was exceptionally above average from start to end and everything in between.
It's NYC Restaurant Week (NYRW), August 2024, and I was invited to join some friends at Sicily Osteria in Midtown East (E 46th off 8th Ave). I had never eaten here so again NYRW is the best time to sample new places as you get a flare for what they offer without having to spend hundreds and risk not loving the meal.
I looked over the NYRW menu before going so I had an idea of what I might like to try. For $30 you get one appetizer, one main, and a choice of sorbet (it was lemon 8/22) or a cannoli (house made shell, sweet ricotta, amarena cherry, chocolate) for dessert.
I couldn't decide between the BARBABIETOLE ROSSE (beets, arugula, goat cheese, pistachio, sherry vinaigrette) and the TORTINO DI GRANCHIO (crab cakes, warm mushroom salad, tartar sauce) but as one of my friends got the crab I opted for the salad.
For my main I wanted the RIGATONI ALLA VODKA (tomato, cream, vodka sauce, chili flakes) but as there were zero photos of the SICILY BURGER (Pat la Frieda brisket blend, manchego cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, special sauce, onion rings served with french fries) on here and I LOVE a good Pat la Frieda brisket blend. I went for the burger.
We ate at the bar, although the outside seating is lovely especially on a nice (actual summer) day like today. Our server was amazingly helpful and knowledgeable and attentive.
The barbabietole rosse was good, but I think I expected larger chunks of beets instead of the pretty thin slices given so it really was more about the arugula than anything. Although it was plated nicely and yummy, I wouldn't get again. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, it was just not what I (personally) was expecting.
The Sicily burger did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection and presented open face with fried cut thicker (which I like). I am attaching a photo of it as plated and one of it after I added my mustard and put the top on. Needless to say it's a very tall burger and I was only able to eat half but the half I ate was fantastic. The only whine I have is that the fried were a little al dente. I am sure had I mentioned it they would have happily brought me new fries but I didn't bother as they will reheat great! haha
I am not a fan of cannoli's but considering that, it was great. I was told they make them there and, if they don't who cares, it tastes like they do!
They also have a normal pre-fixe menu for $25 (maybe $24, depends on the menu they hand you lol) and one of our friends got the ARANCINO (saffron rice, nduja, mozzarella) as her app and the BURSIATE ALLA TRAPANESE (almond and roasted tomato pesto) pasta for her main.
The arancino was a bit over ground on the inside so it was impossible to tell it was rice and she thought maybe it was just a bread dish, it wasn't. Flavor was fine, it really was just a textural issue as authentic arancino has more texture and is less arepa like.
The bursiate alla trapanese was very flavorful but a little overcooked for me. I like my pasts a little al dente so as you are eating it and it's still cooking from the heat of the sauce it stays a bit more firm and doesn't get mushy.
She asked if she should get the sorbet over the CANNOLI or TORTA ALL'OLIO D'OLIVA (olive oil cake, blood orange marmellata) which are the usual dessert choses and it was fresh and lemony and just the perfect pallet cleaner for much a richly flavored meal.
Would I go again, yes, but I would definitely try the pasta over the burger - only because it's an Italian place and I love rigatoni. ;)
Buon appetito!
Their Instagram is @sicilynyc in case you want to give them a peek and follow.