Beyond Spaghetti & Meatballs: Indulging in Truly Authentic Cucina Italiana

"Are we having Italian tonight?" A dilemma or an opportunity?

In a city like New York, it's always the second option. Most every corner is simmering with a culturally-rich bite.

This time (much like all the other times before it), you and yours are craving Italian food. With that, a boundless feast for the passionate romantics, dedicated foodies, excitable out-of-towners, and, of course, la famiglia.

At Ambra, that's what awaits. Should we go ahead and call it an Italian restaurant in the West Village nonna would approve of? But how do you spot (and smell) an authentic Italian food experience in a town buzzing with options?

In Favor of Flavor

In the US, sources have confirmed what we always knew in our hearts (and taste buds) – Italian food sits at the head of the table with an 88% popularity score among Americans with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

True to its traditions, freshness and simple, high-quality ingredients should reign over any Italian restaurant's menu. There are no red and white checkered tablecloths in sight. You won't find the typical Spaghetti and Meatballs on the list of dishes available, nor any other cuisine.

Let's take a bite into pure Italian authenticity with the must-haves.

The Menu – A Classic Multi-Course Journey

Traditional Italian food is enjoyed over multiple courses, each with its own moment. It typically starts with the awakening of your palate while sipping on a light, appetizing Aperitivo from the selection of signature drinks and often ends with the sweet tastes of delectable Dolce.

And so, the menu should be your first clue upon searching for the best Italian restaurant that's soaked in Italian tradition. The following courses, often savored in this order, must feature: Aperitivo, Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, Contorini, Insalata, and Dolce. It goes without saying that homemade pizza and fresh pasta dishes are in attendance, too, with classics like Ravioli, Tortellini, and Focaccia making Italian statements across tables.

With Italian Roots & Specialties

True Cucina Italiana restaurants typically specialize in dishes from a specific region of Italy since Italian food is so diverse. Many times, the place has its own personal ties to Italian cuisine, too.

Here, the menu might not be the biggest, but that's when you know: everything is seasonal, fresh as can be, made from scratch, and intentional in every move it makes – be it with every plate that makes its way to you from the kitchen, or the setting and ambiance. It's clear that the staff know their Penne from their Ziti pasta and can recommend a premium vino or craft cocktail pairing that complements any dish.

At Ambra, revered Executive Chef John DeLucie's southern Italian heritage and exceptional culinary wits inspire a clear vision for Ambra's menu: Italian simplicity done well.

His acclaimed skill and unceasing passion for the art of homemade pasta deliver Italian excellence with every single bite, not to mention the levels of true Italian indulgence the bread and pizza reach.

It's the makings of a true-to-roots Italian dining experience in contemporary, bustling New York.

Ambra – A Zest for Good Food, Good Wine & Good Company

It's certainly true that there are many additional things that also reveal an Italian restaurant's authenticity, some more important than others. Traditional Italian food knows what it is and what it isn't.

At Ambra – an Italian restaurant in the West Village – it's simply a devotion to honest-to-goodness Italian food that guides everything we do. We're open to guests Tuesday to Wednesday, 5 pm–11 pm, Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm–12 pm, and Sunday, 5 pm–10 pm. Make a reservation today.