In the heart of the West Village, where cobblestone streets harken back to old New York, sits Little Owl—a restaurant that’s as charming as it is delicious. This cozy corner spot, with its unassuming exterior, is a beacon for food lovers. It also boasts the honor of residing in the ground floor of the “Friends” building (the exterior shot of the apartment building the characters live in). They recently added on another dining room a few doors down, which we snagged at a window-side table earlier this week.
From the moment you step inside, Little Owl’s intimate dining room feels remarkably comforting – something we desperately needed last week. With its exposed brick walls and soft lighting, the restaurant feels like a well-kept secret shared among friends: only a few other parties were scattered amongst the table lit candles. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time over a glass of wine and a plate of something extraordinary.
Chef Joey Campanaro’s menu is a masterclass in comfort food with a twist. From the first glance at appetizers like their Gravy Meatball sliders and Maple & Delicata Squash, and entrees like the Halibut with chive mash and lemon creme fraiche, you know you’re in for a treat. We opted for the Grilled Maine Sea Scallops and Maple & Chili Delicata Squash as appetizers, and the Nova Scotia Halibut and the Grilled Daily Fish with Lobster Paella as mains.
The Sea Scallops were a revelation – perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. The endive and citrus slices brighten up the fish and add a mouthwatering crunch, and the creamy palm hearts complement the scallops succulent bite. I was floored by the Maple & Chili Delicata Squash. A restaurant’s ability to make a simple vegetable sing is where it can truly set itself apart, and the Little Owl has done that with their squash. The delicata squash is roasted to perfection, with a tender yet firm texture that holds up well to the rich maple glaze. Each caramelized edge is brought to life with the spiciness of the chili and the comforting pepita pesto dressing.
The Nova Scotia Halibut is presented with an elegant simplicity that highlights the quality of the ingredients. The halibut fillet is perfectly seared, with a golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, green-hued chive mashed potatoes and a pool of rich, flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs completes the dish, which offers a masterful textural experience: the seared crust of the fish, the pillowy mash, and the creamy, tangy brightness brought by the lemon creme fraiche that ties the dish together. 
The Branzino with Lobster Paella is a feast for both the eyes and the palate: grilled, shining skin served atop a bed of spiced paella with succulent lobster chunks is finished with a bunch of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge. The rice holds up to the flakiness of the fish, offering a grounding flavor of warming spices that tasted just as good the next day as leftovers.
In a city where dining trends come and go, Little Owl stands out as a timeless gem. It’s a place where culinary excellence meets cozy charm, where every meal feels like a special occasion, and where you’ll find yourself returning again and again. Book your reservation here.
