The Vibe: Surprisingly spacious, with seating for 150, the ambiance inside is warm and rustic, with exposed brick walls, rod iron chairs and dim lighting. Attending to a mixture of guests from groups of girlfriends to families and couples, the atmosphere is lively, yet cozy.

The Facts: Located in the West Village, Crispo has been serving up Northern Italian cuisine since 2002. A local favourite thanks to the spot-on service and reasonable prices, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled on a hidden gem.

The Experience: The entrance is unassuming, but once you pass the front dining room and bar, the space opens to a large covered courtyard garden with plenty of seating. We had time to kill before our table was ready so we started with a bottle of wine at the bar. The wine list is extremely extensive with price points for every budget ($33-$367 for a bottle). On the service front, the staff was attentive, efficient and friendly.

Start With: Roast Beet Salad & Ricotta Salata, $9.95 & Crispo Spiced Olives, $7.95
Meat eaters shouldn’t miss out on the prosciutto platters, which are a hit among regulars. We opted for a light start with a salad and there are plenty to try.

Entrée With: Ricotta Gnocchi & Ragu Di Vitello, $22.50
Prepared perfectly al dente (as it should be), the sauce was fresh and delicious.

End With: Tiramisu, $7.50
Opting for a classic finish to our meal, the tiramisu is exactly how it should be. Light in weight, but rich and creamy.

Table to Book: The cozy garden area in the back is the perfect spot for a group of friends or intimate dinner for two.

Insider Tip: Even though they’re consistently busy, because there is ample seating you don’t have to worry about booking weeks in advance.

Where to Find:
Crispo Restaurant
240 West 14th Street
New York NY, 10011
212-229-1818
crisporestaurant.com