Located across from the New York Academy of Art, Tutto Il Giorno is an all Italian restaurant serving Southern Italian cuisine, cooked by Chef Nicolas Reisini, a Northeastern native. I thought it was a small place for two reasons: first, by looking at the facade and second, because of the lack of spots for reservation on Opentable, the few times we tried to go there. I was wrong: it is a fairly big place, long, with high ceilings and a minimalist decor, that celebrates nature.
Food wise, their menu offers many dishes that will satisfy the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian. We started off our meal with Parmigiana, a dish made with eggplant, a robust tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes and provola, a cheese made with cow's milk the same way mozzarella is done, that had a fantastic smokiness. This was definitely a great way to start and I could easily imagine this dish as an entrée.
But then, the pasta dishes were disappointing. Jodi went for the penne, served with mozzarella, tomato and eggplant.
On my side, I chose the rigatoni, made with sweet and hot homemade sausages, peas, touch of cream.
For sure, it was a touch of cream, as well as everything! My dish was dry and I could barely taste the sausages. I was expecting a dish with bold flavors and it fell flat. Jodi's dish was better, but there was definitely more pasta (not enough cooked in my own opinion and don't get me wrong I love al dente pasta), than anything else.
We then hoped to finish on a high note with their tiramisu. Well, we were also disappointed: not enough mascarpone cream too cake-y.
I should mention the wine that was very good: a Tutti Il Giorno Montepulciano 2013.
We left quite disappointed. I really thought that this place was amazing, having heard good things about it. I thought that it was pricey and the food just ok. For Italian in TriBeCa, I surely prefer Max or Petrarca Cuccina e Vino. That is where I would go back!
Enjoy (I did)!
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