Bar Pitti: Tuscan cuisine in Manhattan’s West Village

One of our favorite Italian restaurants in New York is Bar Pitti in the West Village. With delicious and traditional dishes, Tuscany is right here!

There are so many Italian restaurants in New York City that sometimes it can be hard to pick out the good ones. In fact, some of the spots in Little Italy aren’t even among our favorites. Bar Pitti, for example, with it’s classic dark green awning just near the West 4th Street stop in Greenwich Village is far and away one of our favorite spots for Italian in New York. It’s actually Pedro’s favorite restaurant in the city (and he loves Italian food, so that’s saying something!)

The terrace at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

In warm weather the terrace is always jam packed, and although you might have to wait, it’s definitely worth it. In fact, you might see someone famous having lunch there. Bar Pitti doesn’t take credit cards, so make sure you go to the ATM before you arrive. Inside the decoration is a bit sparse, tan walls and a long mirror at the back giving the illusion of a more spacious dining room. Although, the crowded wooden tables stuffed into the small space just make the place all the more authentic and give it that New York touch. On the stairway leading down to the restrooms, you can see the little league photos of the team Bar Pitti sponsors, reminding you that this is a neighborhood joint, even though you are in the middle of Manhattan. Nothing fancy, totally comfortable and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

The chalkboard with the specials at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

The menu is Tuscan style (The owner, Giovanni’s, family is from Florence), and as soon as you sit down the waiters bring over a chalkboard with about 20 different options of the day’s specials. Honestly, there are a lot of choices that are in Italian and I always have to ask the waiters (some of whom are really cute) to explain the dishes. Of course, if none of the daily specials sound good, there is also a regular menu with delicious choices that are always available.

Bread with olive oil at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

Caprese Salad at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

We almost always order an appetizer of the caprese salad with fresh burrata cheese. It’s creamy and delicious and immediately reminds me of the afternoons we spent in little Tuscan bars sipping on red wine. Oh, that’s another thing. Do yourselves a favor and ask for a glass of Italian red wine (or a bottle if you’re in a group). There is something about Bar Pitti that, even though it’s packed full and hectic, invites you to sit and stay for a while, enjoying your food. Along with the burrata you will get a little basket of bread and olive oil. I’d almost be content just with that.

The famous meatballs at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

A Panino sandwich at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

For the main course we’ve tried many different dishes, but one of Pedro’s all time favorites is the meat balls. According to Bar Pitti legend, Giovanni split ways with his old partner over the meatball recipe…it was THAT good! I am not as big a fan of meatballs as Pedro is, but I will tell you that the meatballs covered in homemade tomato sauce were delicious. Of course, as any true Italian will tell you, don’t you DARE order them with pasta. Meatballs are meant to be eaten on their own and truly enjoyed.

Raviolis at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

Pasta with boar meat at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by El Boqueron Viajero

The off the menu pasta with ground boar and tomato sauce is also worth waiting for. Melt in your mouth rich flavor and hands down the most delicious pasta I’ve tried outside Italy. If you are in the mood for something besides pasta, I would highly recommend the panino that are easily big enough to share. My favorite is the campagnolo with spinach and mushrooms, but really, they are all great with fresh italian bread and a little drizzle of olive oil.

Panna Cotta at Bar Pitti in the West Village of New York — Photo (by-nc-nd) by Hamburger Helper

For dessert, do yourself a favor and choose the panna cotta covered in chocolate sauce. I don’t think I need to say much more about this. Creamy, light and rich all at once. It is a chocolate lover’s dream and the perfect end to the meal. You might actually see the owner, Giovanni, sitting in the corner at the end of the night. He’s often there keeping an eye on things. This is just another quirk that we love about Bar Pitti. With all the success it’s had over the years, this is still very much a family run restaurant in the heart of the West Village. We ruskommend Bar Pitti with 5 boquerones.