Piccante Ristorante in Bay Ridge, NYC, has earned a reputation for its delicious Italian-American cuisine. This article serves as a comprehensive review of Piccante's menu, exploring its offerings, pricing, and overall dining experience. We'll delve into the details, helping you decide if Piccante is the right choice for your next meal.
Appetizers: Starting Your Piccante Experience
The appetizer menu at Piccante offers a classic selection of Italian-American favorites, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light meal.
Standout Appetizers:
- Fried Calamari: A consistently popular choice, Piccante's calamari is known for its tender texture and perfectly seasoned breading. Served with a zesty marinara sauce, it's a great way to kick off your meal.
- Bruschetta: Freshly baked bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple, yet flavorful, this dish embodies the freshness of Italian cuisine.
- Arancini: Crispy risotto balls filled with mozzarella and ragu. These are a delicious and satisfying option for those seeking a more substantial appetizer.
Price Range: Appetizers generally range from $10 to $18.
Entrees: The Heart of the Piccante Menu
Piccante's entrees are where the restaurant truly shines, showcasing a wide variety of pasta dishes, seafood selections, and meat-centric options. Each dish is prepared with care, using high-quality ingredients.
Pasta Perfection:
Piccante boasts a robust pasta menu, featuring both classic and innovative dishes.
- Spaghetti Carbonara: A creamy and decadent classic, Piccante's version is rich with guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper.
- Linguine alle Vongole: This seafood delight features fresh clams sautéed in white wine, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes. The clams are perfectly cooked, maintaining their tenderness and briny flavor.
- Penne alla Vodka: A creamy tomato sauce with a hint of vodka, this dish is a crowd-pleaser, offering a balance of richness and acidity.
Hearty Mains:
For those looking beyond pasta, Piccante provides a satisfying selection of meat and seafood entrees.
- Chicken Parmigiana: A quintessential Italian-American dish, Piccante's chicken parmesan is a generous portion of breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Salmon Piccata: A delightful seafood option, the salmon is pan-seared and served with a light lemon-caper sauce.
Price Range: Entrees generally range from $18 to $35.
Sides and Salads: Complementing Your Meal
Piccante offers a selection of sides and salads to complete your dining experience. These options provide a fresh and flavorful complement to the richer entrees.
Salad Selection:
- Caprese Salad: Simple yet elegant, this salad features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Caesar Salad: A classic option, prepared with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
Price Range: Sides and salads generally range from $6 to $12.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
No Italian meal is complete without dessert. Piccante's dessert menu offers a tempting array of sweet treats.
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert, Piccante's tiramisu is rich and creamy, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
- Cannoli: Crispy fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese filling.
Price Range: Desserts generally range from $8 to $12.
Drinks: Pairing Your Meal
Piccante offers a well-curated wine list, featuring both Italian and American selections. They also offer a variety of beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
Atmosphere and Service: The Piccante Experience
Piccante Ristorante boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a night out with friends. The service is generally attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Conclusion: Is Piccante Worth a Visit?
Piccante Ristorante in Bay Ridge offers a delightful menu of classic Italian-American dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The warm atmosphere and attentive service contribute to an enjoyable dining experience. Whether you're a long-time resident of Bay Ridge or just visiting, Piccante is definitely worth a visit. The consistently positive reviews and the restaurant's enduring popularity speak for themselves. Remember to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date menu and pricing.
