www.gatonyc.com
324 Lafayette St. (Between Bleecker and Houston Sts.)
212-334-6400
Mediterranean. What’s Gato got? In a word — everything. Exposed-brick high ceilings, walls of honeycomb mirrored glass and top to bottom columns that surround you in style. A server as friendly, helpful and laid back as your favorite friend. Service so good you want for absolutely nothing. And, oh, the food.
The crab risotto with Calabrian chile is graced with the brilliance of garlic bread crumbs. Their orata, equally original, is a creation of piquillo pesto, roasted lemon olive oil and pepper both pink and black. They also propose several tempting sides, including polenta with green peas and aged manchego. It borders on the decadent.
Speaking of, I beg you not to leave without dessert. The pistachio butter cake with ruby port and cherry gelato is outrageous. As for the berry crostata with marscapone blackberry swirl gelato, I would have licked the dish if I thought no one would notice. Which means I have two more words for you. Gato – Go.