Ginger Ristorante, an outstanding new Italian restaurant located in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, is transforming the dining scene for visitors and office workers in the area.
Due to their wide ranging all-day menu and health-focused dishes, the eatery is the perfect destination for on-the-go breakfast, power business lunches, pre-theater dinners, or post-work drinks. From handmade pasta and hearty pizzas to fresh organic smoothies, Ginger Ristorante really caters to all types of diners with their delicious and nutritious meals.
Acclaimed Italian restaurateurs Dario Asara and Corinna Bassetti Josi, who have multiple popular restaurants in Rome, Italy, have brought their impactful cooking philosophies and authentic flavors to Ginger Ristorante, which marks their very first U.S. restaurant. Located at 123 West 49th Street—a few blocks away from the theater district and Rockefeller Center—Ginger Ristorante is serving an incredible menu that embodies an ethos centered on healthy, sustainable, and predominantly organic ingredients expressed through a contemporary, Italian cuisine inspired by Mediterranean wellness traditions.
Courtesy of Ginger Ristorante
The Knockturnal recently visited for a dinner tasting and the 12 oz. broiled prime NY strip served with crispy potatoes and mustard mayo was the best dish of the night. The top-tier tender meat was exceptional and had a rich beef flavor with strong marbling, which delivered a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The pasta dishes at Ginger Ristorante are also worth ordering, especially the cacio e pepe with shaved black truffle, which was robust and incredibly satisfying. The earthy aroma of the generous portions of the black truffle perfectly cut through the rich, salty Pecorino Romano and the sharp bite of toasted black pepper. The tagliatelle alla bolognese was another standout and a must-order. The flat egg ribbon pasta was flawlessly cooked and paired well with the classic bolognese ragù sauce that was abundant, savory and full of meat. Every bite had the perfect meat-to-pasta ratio.
Another highlight was the pizza. We highly recommend ordering the Diavola, which was made with Mozzarella, tomato sauce, spicy salame, chili infused olive oil, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano. The pizza’s crust was perfection—thick, soft, chewy, and speckled with “leopard spots.” Speaking of bread, Ginger Ristorante’s oven-baked Italian Focaccia flatbread called pizza bianca was simply the best. I could eat this everyday! Their version was thinner than traditional focaccia, flatter in the middle, and raised at the edges. It was topped with rosemary, Maldon salt and oregano. It was so good that I can’t wait to come back and order more. Using the same tasty flatbread, they serve an assortment of homemade sandwiches that includes prosciutto or smashed avocado or oven roasted turkey.
What makes Ginger Ristorante stand out is their selection of fresh smoothies. They have a wide variety of drinks that improve your well-being with the use of super fruits and no added sugars. All the juices are even made with farmed-source fruits and ingredients sourced locally. The Madagascar smoothie made with passion fruit, guava, banana, pineapple was our favorite. It was refreshing and had a naturally sweet finish. There’s also smoothies made with organic chia seeds, mango, papaya, pineapple or with strawberries and oranges for a juicy combination of sweetness and acidity. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices. There’s even detox juices that are rich in vitamins and minerals. From orange juice to celery, fennel, carrot and ginger, there’s so many options that’s ideal after a meal.
Courtesy of Ginger Ristorante
There’s healthy choices for dessert too. Ginger Ristorante offers fruit plates, açai bowls and yogurt with homemade organic granola. But, if you’re in the mood for a classic Italian treat, there’s tiramisù, made with organic coffee, savoiardi, and mascarpone. There’s also açai cheesecake and homemade gelato pops glazed with dark chocolate.
Not only is the food fantastic at Ginger Ristorante, but you’ll feel calm and relaxed as soon as you walk in. You will immediately forget you’re in the hustle and bustle of Midtown. Their sprawling space is airy, welcoming and set up to be more like a market. They have separate zones for a smoothie station, a salad bar, a wine area, a butcher countertop, and a private dining area that all seamlessly blends with the expansive main dining room. Best of all, you won’t feel cramped when eating and have the dreaded “elbow-to-elbow” dining experience. The restaurant has high ceilings, wide aisles, and generous table spacing so you can actually breathe and enjoy your meal. They even have real plants to create an inviting, multi-sensory dining environment that enhances guest comfort.
Ginger Ristorante is truly the supreme restaurant you won’t want to miss in Midtown Manhattan. Their classic Italian dishes, insanely good smoothies and versatile setting for every dining occasion really makes Ginger Ristorante a top destination. They also have an astounding pre-fix meal that is very affordable. Book your reservation now. You won’t regret it.
