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Da Toscano
Master Critic Review
Da Toscano
8.5
James Beard Rising Star semi-finalist Michael Toscano returned to his former Perla space with this Greenwich Village gem focused on bold, creative Italian. The kitchen excels at unexpected flavor combinations—think orecchiette with broccoli rabe pesto and pickled cherry peppers, or roasted oysters in crab fat butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Neck Agnolotti, Octopus Carpaccio, Porchetta Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Creative regional Italian with unexpected flavor profiles from a James Beard-recognized chef
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking refined yet surprising Italian
When to visit: Thursday-Sunday lunch for porchetta sandwiches
What to order: Lamb neck agnolotti, octopus carpaccio, roasted oysters
Insider tip: Chef's counter seating offers a show with the signature octopus preparation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Minetta Garage at 122 W 3rd St is steps away ($35-40 evening). Street parking extremely limited in Greenwich Village—garage recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans acceptable but lean dressy—collared shirts, dresses, no athletic wear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz with conversation and laughter, but you can hear your date without leaning across the table.
Weekend wait: Reservation essential. Walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday.
Weekday lunch: Porchetta sandwiches Thu-Sun only. Lunch reservations easier to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and appetizer options. Ask server for current selections.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can modify some dishes. Call ahead to discuss options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available for most dishes. Duck ragu with GF pasta is a reviewer favorite.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal. The dim candlelit space with brick walls and velvet chairs creates instant romance. Chef's counter seating adds an interactive element watching the octopus carpaccio preparation. Intimate 45-seat room feels special without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner. Book via Resy—this spot is popular with downtown regulars. Chef's counter for two sometimes opens up. Weekday lunch (Thu-Sun) is your best walk-in bet for the porchetta sandwich operation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. No kids' menu, intimate adult atmosphere, and adventurous flavor-forward dishes. Best suited for diners 12+ who appreciate creative Italian. Consider Lupa or Barbuto for family-friendlier Village Italian.
Best For
Better for: Unexpected flavor combinations and creative takes on Italian classics without the Carbone wait or Don Angie hype. More intimate than Minetta Tavern, more adventurous than Via Carota.
Skip if: You want traditional red-sauce Italian or need a kids' menu. Also skip if you're avoiding rich dishes—the kitchen leans into bold, butter-forward preparations.