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Dante - West Village
Master Critic Review
Dante - West Village
8.3
The younger sibling of the historic Dante brand leans into martinis, spritzes, and aperitivo culture alongside a menu of Italian-leaning small plates from a wood-fired grill. It functions as both a serious cocktail destination and a lively neighborhood restaurant, with music and energy peaking around prime evening hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
House negroni or martini, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments, Wood-fired fish or steak
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Award-winning cocktail lineage paired with a polished, martini-forward West Village dining room.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers who still care about solid food
When to visit: Golden-hour aperitivo or late-night for buzziest energy
What to order: Signature negroni, burrata, grilled fish or steak
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons offer easier bar seating and a more relaxed way to sample the cocktail list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically scarce after 5pm. Nearest paid garages are along Christopher St and Hudson St.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean—jeans are fine if paired with something polished.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings with energetic music; moderate and conversational earlier in the day.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; bar seats often open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—burrata, salads, and several grilled vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be made vegan, but menu skews dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Several options are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions for small plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, great cocktails, and lively-but-not-chaotic early evenings make it a strong first-date pick. Later hours skew louder and more social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you're flexible—bar seats turn over fastest, and weekdays or early evenings offer the best odds for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—space is tight, energy is adult-leaning, and the cocktail-driven focus suits older crowds. Suitable for teens; not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier aperitivo cocktails and a lively, fashion-forward atmosphere that’s more polished than many nearby bars or cafés.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, large-group accommodation, or a meal-centric experience over a cocktail-forward one.