Description
Part tavern, part trattoria, this former speakeasy once hosted the likes of Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway. The old wood paneling and aged candelabra are intact, as are intricate silhouette cutouts, making Minetta’s a reliable respite from the MacDougal Street bustle. Belly up to the bar, or retire to the back room, where murals depict rolling hills and Italian villages. Don’t miss the prosciutto with warmed pears and toasted cumin-honey vinaigrette. Main selections include grilled quail and wild mushroom risotto with fresh arugula or homemade pappardelle with rabbit, shiitakes and pistachios. From the four-tiered, silver-trayed dessert cart, choose the chocolate cream puff or mixed-berry tart.