13 East First Street (between Second Avenue and Bowery) 212-533-7400 www.lapicio.com
Italian. You haven’t lived ’til you’ve tasted the ultimate piece of garlic bread. Theirs is embellished with mozzarella, tomato and as much deliciousness as can be packed into each bite. With sights set high, I transitioned to charred octopus, presiding over fregola, soppressata, olives, lemon and a world of flavor. If you’d rather kick it old school, request the spaghetti (tomato, basil, parmesan) and say yes to the addition of meatballs. The full, traditional experience is only a twirled forkful away. Just keep in mind there are several head spinning desserts to close the deal. I committed to the chocolate hazelnut tart (chocolate crumble, salted caramel gelato). Good? No, the best thing since sliced bread. I mean garlic bread. And you know exactly where to find your bliss for that.
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