The other evening I met a friend for dinner at La Villeta Italian Restaurant in Midtown East. La Villetta (or cottage in Italian) is located at 358 East 52nd Street off First Avenue. Interestingly, La Villeta is housed in a former carriage house dating back to 1910. This unique space presently features tones of emerald green, colorful blue, red, and yellow stoneware, and exposed brick walls, which give it both an intimate as well as rustic feel. Moreover, the emerald green and dusk blue colors are reminiscent of Puglia’s stunning seas and coastline, and the region of Puglia known for its legendary yet simplistic cuisine boasting some of the finest Mediterranean cuisines!
Highest Quality Ingredients
As their website noted, “The inspiration for La Villetta comes from frequent trips to a similar concept in Roma, Italy, and a love for Italian food. Its cuisine, wine, and cocktail lists are particularly reflective of dishes local to Puglia. Also, each course is prepared with the highest quality ingredients and made fresh daily. We offer approximately ninety wines by the bottle and a comprehensive selection of wines by the glass.”
So let’s check it out.
What to order?
I was famished and chose the Pollo alla Contadino, Chicken Breast with grilled eggplant and melted smoked mozzarella.
This was overall, one of the finest restaurant meals that I’ve had. The eggplant on the chicken and the melted mozzarella combination was particularly superb. La Villeta also delivered perfectly prepared vegetables and sublime roasted potatoes.
If you’re in the Midtown area closer to First Avenue check out La Villetta. It won’t disappoint!
La Villeta Italian Restaurant in Midtown East
https://www.lavillettanyc.com/
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Fouquet Brasserie in Tribeca, El Parador Cafe, and Chez Josephine. The Butcher’s Daughter in Manhattan. and Amata In Midtown.