The West Village is an area to note when discussing the restaurant revolution within the past decade. The Village has attracted a variety of people–age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality–for centuries. These diverse groups of people brought with them diverse cuisines. Today, the artsy neighborhood inhabits countless restaurants as unique and diverse as its residents and visitors. Just three of the more famous restaurants in the West Village today include: Babbo, Nobu, and ‘sNice Cafe.

 

Babbo

Owners Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali (also, Chef) opened Babbo was opened in the summer of 1998 at 110 Waverly Place between MacDougal Street and West Washington Square. Their vision was to emulate the great Italian traditions of hospitality and quality of both food and drink. Their vision is to use the best local ingredients, as well as importing specific ingredients so distinct and “indispensible” for the creation of an exquisite, simple Italian meal.

Babbo’s featured recipe of the month, for the month of April, is a perfect example–Capretto e Carciofi (goat chops served with sauteed onions, artichokes, and a goat milk-base sauce). Or, try their dolci of the month–Crostata Alle Visciole (a tart filled with delicious, sour cherry preserves).

At Babbo, take pride in quality and freshness, making their own salumi, importing cheese from all over Italy, producing unique desserts, and guaranteeing a one-hundred-percent Italian wine list showcasing the standard and range of Italian wine-making. The owners believe, “Babbo is [their] interpretation of the best [they] have come to know in the Italian culture of family where it is best and most often celebrated, at the dinner table.” ³

FULL MENU FOR BABBO RESTAURANT

 

Nobu

Nobu New York is the namesake of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Partnering with restaurateur Drew Nieporent and Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, Nobu opened his restaurant in 1994. The restaurant served as a pioneer for Japanese cuisine. The unique, modern cuisine is an innovation of Nobu’s combination of classical training at sushi bars in Tokyo and life abroad in Peru.

The interior was designed by architect David Rockwell to reflect the beauty of the Japanese countryside. New York Times gave the restaurant three stars and Nobu has also received a Michelin star. Nobu has multiple menus including lunch and lunch specials, sushi/sashimi, lunch to go, dinner, and drinks. ⁶

 

 

 

‘sNice Cafe

‘sNice was opened in 2004 by Mike and Deb. These long time West Village residents were searching to fill a void; they sought a casual eatery offering vegetarian food that transcended the typical, boring dishes. Thus, they opened their shop! They chose to construct the food stop using natural materials and offers a relaxed vibe that contrasts the fast pace of the city.

‘sNice quickly became both a neighborhood gathering spot and a sought out destination for the health-conscious and vegetarians. Their menu offers a wide array of vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, along with an abundance of homemade vegan treats prepared daily.

‘sNice café has a green image, sourcing ingredients carefully and using organic when possible, as well as using biodegradable take-out materials. This hole-in-the-wall on Eighth Avenue at West 4^th is a high recommendation for a satisfying bite! ⁹

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page Contributor: Stephanie

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