If you haven’t visited L’Ardente, one of the newest Italian restaurants in the city, yet—it’s time to make a reservation. Self-described as “haute yet simple; glam yet rustic; indulgent yet restrained,” it’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss.
The menu features tasty appetizers, personal-sized gourmet pizzas, antipasti, pasta, and large plates to share “per la tavola”-style. To start, grab a selection of appetizers and antipasti. Favorite apps include the arancini, specially made with saffron, mozzarella, and Calabrian chile oil; the panzanella di funghi featuring oyster mushrooms, housemade croutons, frisee, and a hazelnut vinaigrette; and lastly, but not least, the gamberi alla griglia, which are grilled prawns cooked to perfection with black garlic, pomegranate molasses, and lemon. For entrees, choose between a plate to share, like the whole grilled branzino or 32-ounce dry-aged Florentina steak with mathurini sauce, or get a dish to enjoy solo like the 40-layer lasagna. But, keep in mind, you’ll want to try the tiramisu flambe for dessert, so save some room.