0 Followers
Borgo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Borgo
8.1
Borgo is a Mediterranean-leaning trattoria at the edge of NoMad where wood-fired cooking, low lighting, and a back garden make it feel tailor-made for a slow, wine-heavy date night. It’s less flashy than big-name Italian spots nearby but rewards couples who want a more intimate, grown-up room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Borgo, Saffron arancini, Beef bolognese
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Candlelit trattoria with hearth-cooked pastas and a leafy rear garden.
Who should go: Couples craving cozy Italian with a neighborhood feel.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinner for quieter conversation.
What to order: Focaccia Borgo, saffron arancini, beef bolognese.
Insider tip: Request the garden or back-room tables when reserving for a more secluded feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine with a polished top, but most guests opt for date-night chic.
Noise level: Low to moderate — front room has some buzz, but the back garden and rear dining room are quiet and intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for the garden.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-driven pastas, salads, and antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications to pastas and small plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free starters and salads, but no dedicated pasta alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s dim, warm, and romantic without feeling intimidating, making it ideal for relaxed conversation over wine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekend evenings almost always require a reservation, especially for the garden.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the mood, menu, and lighting cater more to adults and couples than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, candlelit intimacy and outdoor garden dining that feels hidden away from the NoMad crowd.
Skip if: You want a flashy scene, celebrity chef energy, or loud social dining — nearby spots offer more buzz.
Borgo
8.1
Borgo is a new-school Italian trattoria in NoMad from the team behind Brooklyn staples, pairing a hearth-focused kitchen with a grand, grown-up dining room. It’s built for slow, bottle-of-wine dinners where pastas, wood-fired mains, and generous spacing between tables turn a regular night into an occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Borgo, Saffron arancini, Timballo di anelletti
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Ambitious hearth-driven Italian cooking in a stylish, spacious dining room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting buzzy but grown-up Italian.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinners for relaxed but lively energy.
What to order: Focaccia Borgo, saffron arancini, timballo di anelletti.
Insider tip: Let the sommelier steer you toward off-the-beaten-path Italian wines by the bottle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is very difficult after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on 29th–31st Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean polished evening attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably hold a conversation, but there’s a steady dinner buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak 7–9pm hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward starters, pastas, and seasonal hearth dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based dishes can be adapted, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free mains, but pasta substitutions are not always available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it strikes a great balance between romantic and relaxed, with warm lighting, shareable food, and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends and prime dinner hours are reservation-heavy. Bar seating is your best walk-in bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — while children aren’t prohibited, the vibe skews adult, wine-driven, and better suited for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: More spacious, wine-focused, and grown-up than many trendy Italian spots nearby, with a stronger emphasis on hearth cooking and relaxed pacing.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quick pasta stop, a budget-friendly Italian meal, or a high-energy party scene.
Borgo
8.1
Borgo is a hearth-focused Italian trattoria in NoMad where pastas, timballo, and wood-fired mains spill out onto a sidewalk patio. It’s the move when you want a bottle of wine, rich sauces, and outdoor tables that still feel like a proper dining room rather than a makeshift shed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia Borgo, Timballo di Anelletti, Fried Delicata Squash
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Hearth-driven Italian cooking with a real restaurant-caliber sidewalk patio.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving outdoor Italian date nights.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening when the patio feels buzziest.
What to order: Focaccia Borgo, timballo di anelletti, fried delicata squash.
Insider tip: Ask for a patio table along the curb for the most open-air feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby commercial garages are your best bet, typically $18–$25 for evening parking.
Dress code: Smart casual to date-night dressy — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively energy but still comfortable for conversation, especially on the patio edges.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak patio hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable pastas, salads, and seasonal sides
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mains and salads work, but pasta-forward menu restricts options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy patio, low lighting, and shareable Italian plates create an easy, romantic rhythm without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend patio seating fills fast — walking in after 7pm usually means a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-leaning overall, but early evening meals with older kids who enjoy pasta work fine.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor Italian that still feels like a proper dining room — richer sauces, more serious mains, and a true date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, large family seating, or casual grab-and-go Italian.