It’s nice to see a NYC staple be lovingly revamped and updated without losing any of its original appeal. Dante NYC has turned an Italian caffe house into something much more, with super nice bar bites and exceptional light cocktails.
Who to Take: Your best friend to sit and chat or someone who remembers Dante from the old days and can appreciate that it still exists
This sweet neighborhood spot, which opened in 1915, has been lovingly preserved by an Australian family and team of mixologists. Once a local meeting place where Italian immigrants would gather over espresso, the new Dante retains the same homey vibe, but with an updated, globally-influenced menu.
The space is white and sunny and bright, a little bit of heaven. Food offerings are the work of chefs Charlie Trotter and Noriyuki Sugie. The octopus appetizer is divine, and the shishito peppers come doused in smoked paprika, for an exta boost of flavor. You can also try the series of flatbreads or housemade pastas, for something more substantial.
The cocktails, by Naren Young, are quite continental—light and refreshing. We did sample a few! (see photos) Dante opens at 8:30am for grabbing a coffee and baked goodies for breakfast and serves until midnight every day. Weekends open at 10am.
The Garibaldi: campari & fluffy orange juice, their signature drink
El Presidente: bacardi 8, orange curacao, dry vermouth, house grenadine, sumac
Morning Glory Fizz: monkey shoulder, pernod absinthe, lemon, eggwhite, perrier
DANTE, 79-81 Macdougal St (btw Bleecker/Houston)
