Porsena

Porsena

(Now Closed)
Italian Restaurant and Bar$$$$
East Village, New York
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  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Time Out New York
    • Eater
    • Time Out New York
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  • Renae M.heart icon on user image
    Renae MasonAugust 15, 2015
    The menu changes regularly but go for their signature salted cod dish if you can. Also, #summerofrose is an excellent way to try some dry, Italian Rose wines.
  • Risaheart icon on user image
    RisaFebruary 7, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Standout dishes: octopus braised in a rich, spicy (almost briny) tomato sauce, anelloni w a hearty lamb ragu and mustard greens, and silky short rib lasagna. Chicken liver pate was excellent too.
  • Sveta K.heart icon on user image
    Sveta KotletaDecember 8, 2015
    Very cosy place with great wine selection. Menu changes every day. My food was super delicious. Wd like to order the same again, but definitely coming back to see what else the chef can surprise with.
  • Reserve
    ReserveJanuary 28, 2016
    The neighborhood gem features a pasta-centric menu — with both classic and imaginative sauces — inspired by memories from Jenkins’ Tuscan and Roman childhood. Read more
  • Bin Y.heart icon on user image
    Bin YangFebruary 8, 2015
    Thank goodness that rich liver pate is always available. Any of the pastas/lasagnes that they're serving baked in a terra cotta is worth ordering. The veal and pork chops are great too.
  • Eater
    EaterOctober 28, 2013
    Brunch options include French toast with Nutella, orange-ricotta pancakes, fried eggs with porchetta hash, and a seared pork chop with polenta.
  • Kate L.
    Kate LaPortaNovember 3, 2013
    One of the best dining experiences I've had in a while. The lamb ragu pasta and the striped bass were amazing. The chef, Sara, came out to greet us with complimentary glasses of wine.
  • Dens
    DensJune 9, 2011
    The mussels are fantastic. I may come back and just sit at the bar w/ mussels, bread and wine. ps: lamb ragu pasta + clam spaghetti also great.
  • Wilson Z.
    Wilson ZhouApril 12, 2016
    Toothsome anelloni rings are tossed in a generous jumble of wilted mustard greens and house-made spicy lamb sausage, while a soothing mac and cheese features cannolicchi curls gooey. -TimeOut
  • Cover
    CoverApril 28, 2014
    A perfect date spot - start off with the mussels and move on to any of the pasta selections on the menu. Pay with Cover and skip waiting for the check.
  • Time Out New York
    Time Out New YorkOctober 5, 2011
    Try the green-bean salad. Crisp stalks of green beans, fried almonds, raw fennel and celery heart join forces in this crunchy, satisfying tangle. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more
  • Time Out New York
    Time Out New YorkFebruary 1, 2012
    The latest venture from Porchetta’s Sara Jenkins is this date-night–friendly spot. Sample one of the unfussy pasta dishes, like anneloni rings tossed with mustard greens and house-made lamb sausage. Read more
  • Halstead Property
    Halstead PropertyJuly 25, 2011
    Owner Sara Jenkins kept the menu simple but appetizing, and we were impressed with spaghetti con le vongole. It was delicious with a perfect balancing of flavors and heaping portion of mollusks.
  • Tom M.heart icon on user image
    Tom MaximFebruary 15, 2015
    Good wine. Pasta is super fresh. Olive oil pound cake with lemon great for dessert:
  • Marisa T.
    Marisa TomAugust 16, 2011
    Modern Italian with focus on pasta. Try the crostini salami, lasagna al forno, pasta al ragu. I thought about the ragu for days after. TMI?
  • nymag
    nymagDecember 26, 2010
    One of the most eagerly-awaited downtown openings of the year is Sara Jenkins’ latest, where she’ll augment her porchetta with homey dishes like lasagna al forno. Featured in Where to Eat 2011! Read more
  • Sandra R.heart icon on user image
    Sandra RubinchikNovember 30, 2015
    There's a reason you keep hearing about the anneloni with spicy lamb sausage. Listen.
  • Paula L.
    Paula LeeDecember 14, 2013
    Free bread situation is legit. As is the lamb sausage pasta and the rigatoni. Pass on the mussels.
  • Samantha T.heart icon on user image
    Samantha TaubeSeptember 23, 2018
    Great pastas, large wine list, delicious apps & salads.
  • Village Voice
    Village VoiceFebruary 2, 2011
    Anneloni with mustard greens and spicy lamb sausage is a flavor bomb, rich and peppery, with a lush, springy texture to the pasta.
  • Esther Y.heart icon on user image
    Esther YumApril 28, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    best pork chops in town!! meat ragu, vongole and the lasagna is awesome as well!~
  • Melissa F.
    Melissa FordNovember 14, 2016
    Lemon risotto is so delicious and vegetarian-friendly!
  • Porig S.heart icon on user image
    Porig SalbaJune 6, 2012
    Every pasta I've had is fantastic. Great place to sit at the bar for dinner. (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
  • Eheart icon on user image
    EJanuary 22, 2017
    Love this place - under the radar home cooked style Italian food.
  • Lexy B.heart icon on user image
    Lexy BexyDecember 24, 2019
    Prosciutto, escarole salad, anneloni, pappardelle, steak, burrata
  • RCheart icon on user image
    RCSeptember 3, 2015
    Nice for a date, but a little expensive for the amount of food. If you're desperately craving pasta this might not be enough food but the ingredients are quality.
  • Ginger S.heart icon on user image
    Ginger StanleyMarch 14, 2015
    Best gnocchi I've ever had!! Goes great with a bottle of chianti
  • Oonline
    OonlineJuly 10, 2011
    Fantastic pasta. Eat at the bar and let the amazing Cynthia advise you on what to eat and to drink.
  • Andrea H.
    Andrea HongMarch 26, 2011
    Sit at the bar and take the server's recs on wine - Dominique recommended amazing ones. Lasagna and anneloni were both delish.
  • Paul M.heart icon on user image
    Paul MayFebruary 6, 2015
    Braised octopus is delicious. Highly recommended.
  • Chris F.
    Chris FaileFebruary 4, 2011
    Adore this place, it's great addition to the neighborhood. Try the lasagna, you will not be disappointed. (Watch out, though, it's hot!)
  • Rina M.
    Rina MadhaniSeptember 19, 2013
    The spaghetti pomodoro was great! Want to try the risotto next time.
  • Becca M.
    Becca McArthurJanuary 21, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Sit at the bar, order the mussels, and let the bartender recommend a good red wine.
  • Brice D.
    Brice De La CorteDecember 4, 2011
    The food was delicious, but I can help being disappointed when I go out of a restaurant feeling I can eat something more. For the price the portion are a little bit too tiny.
  • Russell S.heart icon on user image
    Russell SinclairMay 11, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Some of the best pasta that New York has to offer.
  • Elizabeth M.
    Elizabeth MitchellMarch 11, 2011
    If you're having trouble deciding, ask your server-they've tried everything and won't lead you astray. Ate at the bar-fabulous wine reco's.
  • Claire J S.
    Claire J SongSeptember 30, 2015
    anelloni with mustard greens and house-made spicy lamb sausage
  • Andrea P.
    Andrea PagliaiJuly 10, 2011
    The most delicious family-style meal - Sara Jenkins and the crew are geniuses. Order the octopus!!!!
  • ali h.
    ali haiderMay 8, 2012
    The lamb sausage pasta is amazing, as is the vongole! Will return!
  • Sherry O.
    Sherry OJuly 2, 2011
    Skip the mozzarella crostini, it's cheese on soggy bread. The mussels were excellent as was the lamb ragu pasta. The walnut chocolate dessert was extremely disappointing. Bummer town.
  • Matthew
    MatthewMarch 8, 2013
    The anneloni with lamb sausage and mustard greens -- ridiculously good.
  • etta y.
    etta yFebruary 12, 2012
    One of my favorite meals in NYC. Green bean salad and cauliflower penne.
  • Jeffrey S.heart icon on user image
    Jeffrey SilverMarch 13, 2019
    Yes! Get the anelloni
  • Lauren D.heart icon on user image
    Lauren DJanuary 24, 2020
    Very good calamari
  • M M.heart icon on user image
    M MJanuary 1, 2016
    Perfectly cooked pasta.
  • Marlene M.
    Marlene MorenoDecember 29, 2011
    I love the bartender! If you want good company and conversation eat at the bar.
  • Amanda K.
    Amanda KludtJanuary 7, 2011
    I love the pasta with the cauliflower, olives, capers, and garlic. briny and delicious.
  • Jesse H.
    Jesse HutcherJanuary 20, 2018
    Don’t expect them to hold your reservation. Not worth the wait, try one of the other great pasta spots in the neighborhood.
  • Rafi R.heart icon on user image
    Rafi RomeroApril 1, 2015
    scallop ceviche
  • Vic C.
    Vic C.August 11, 2014
    Great date joint..excellent pasta
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