Restaurant Spotlight: Rezdôra
There is some real magic happening in the kitchen at Rezdôra.
This magic takes form in the unique menu from this Norther Italian osteria. Paying tribute to the ‘Emilia Romagna’ region, each Italian dish is purposefully and descriptively enticing, making it really hard to decide what to order! This is a problem I love to have, and means I’ll have to keep coming back to try more.
Taste of Italy in the Flatiron District
The Flatiron neighborhood has many delicious restaurants, but especially on 22nd street amongst Sugarfish, Mari Vanna, and Gramercy Tavern. There is also some delicious traditional Italian food close by like Eataly. But after trying Rezdôra, I can objectively say it was one of the more delicious and memorable Italian meals I’ve had in New York.
This restaurant is in my neighborhood, and has been on my list for a while! But it’s often hard to get a prime-time reservation! I suggest booking a reservation here in advance.
Rezdôra means “head of household” and often a Nonna. And there is a real honor in that title now, mostly because of the deserved appreciation for Italy and its cuisine that continues to grow. The rezdôra is the one doing the cooking!
Chef Stefano Secchi at Rezdôra uses ingredients and flavors customary to the region.
Each pasta dish on the menu is unique and handmade, and they all look delicious. From the capalo ‘pope hat’ pasta to one XL ravioli, to a dish literally called “grandma walking through the forest in Emilia.
There has been so much buzz about Rezdôra since it opened because of the eye catching dishes, its large menu and wine list, and its comfortable decor that feels like home. Needless to say, I was THRILLED to be dining there for the first time on Friday, along with my friends Jenna and Veronica.
The Meal
We started off with a little complimentary starter of phyllo dough stuffed with pesto and cheese. It was unexpected and so tasty!
Appetizer
burrata boscaiola
"royal mushrooms" roasted & "sott'aceto", "prosciutto grattugiato"
Pasta Dishes
“Grandma Walking Through the Forest in Emelia” is cappelletti verdi pasta with roasted leeks, baby leeks & black mushroom puree.
The Rezdôra menu describes this meal as “This dish is inspired by the nonnas in the Romagna region of Italy where Capaletti comes from. At many Sunday dinners that Chef Stefano attended in Italy, local nonnas would serve braised leeks as an antipasto, which inspired this filling. The earthy mushroom pureé represented the forest outside of one nonna's house in particular.
maccheroni verde
"faraona" ragu, porcini mushroom e parmigiano
tagliolini "paglia e fieno" al ragu from modena
Next time I would love to try the large ravioli, or Uovo Raviolo di Nino Bergese as well as the “cow grazing in emilia romagna” but there are so many other dishes that look great too! Again, this is a problem I’ll never complain about!
The Experience
Overall, I’m giving this restaurant some EXTRA CREDIT for their complimentary starter from the chef, served prior to our appetizer, as well as a sweet dessert at the end of the meal!
We were able to enjoy 2 hours at the table which was great, and the heating provided was so warm and comfortable. Heaters above and below the table!
The Wine
All of the wines are from Northern Italy in the same spirit of the menu. And they pair really well with the food! You can order by the glass, a quartino, or a bottle. Jenna and I split a bottle of a delicious white wine Soave called Straforte from Veneto.
Feels Like Home
My grandfather was raised in the mountain region of Northern Italy, called Bergamo. He and his 11 siblings grew up in a very simple lifestyle, and despite having so much more food when they came to America they continued to cook their traditional and comforting dishes from Italy like polenta. So some of the mushroom flavors and thick hand-cut pasta felt very familiar and nostalgic.
Whether you are dining with friends, going on a date, impressing visitors from out of town - it’s a great meal for any occasion. And there is really something delicious for everyone here.
Highly recommend a meal at Rezdôra, and I hope you check it out!
Xx Gab
Restaurant spotlight on Bhatti Indian Grill in Murray Hill, New York