Whether you’re living uptown or downtown or west, you should know that there’s a new, centrally located Italian restaurant called Otto Strada on Park Ave {fyi — Otto Strada means Eighth Street in Italian!}. If you look quickly as you pass by this spot at the corner of 8th and Park, you might even miss it! The Otto Strada banner is tastefully hung with some beautiful Christmas lights {as an Italian restaurant, I hope they stay up all year!}. We dined here recently and really enjoyed our visit.
Upon entering, we were greeted right when we walked in the door. We were seated right away even though most of the place was packed, which is not always the case in a small restaurant in Hoboken! Granted the restaurant just opened, but still—always a nice experience to be seated asap. The décor is tastefully done; there is exposed brick and very cozy. Chairs aren’t the most comfortable {even the bench seats are wood, but it goes with the ambiance and I didn’t really feel that much different than when sitting on a cushioned bench seat}.
On to our meal:
Newsflash #1: Otto Strada has been known to serve KALE CHIPS to start instead of a bread basket = GENIUS! I don’t care if this is an Italian restaurant, bread baskets are for the birds. Kale is so 2014.
Newsflash #2: Otto Strada is BYOB = so nice to be able to bring a bottle of wine in and cut some per glass costs {unless you’ve become a wine snob like me…juuuust kidding}.
For an appetizer, we actually ordered the Four Cheese Pizza {Quattro Formaggi}. I was quite good. I really enjoyed the cheese {it wasn’t too intense where it would make even the least lactose intolerant person sick} – it was just right. The crust was not to thin and not too thick. I doused it in parmesan cheese {since that’s my jam – I like to make it snow}—so delish.
Pizza, pre-parmesan
For entrees, my dinner date ordered the giant meatball {Polpetta di Nonna}. It was VERY good – 16 ounces of Truglio’s ground beef with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese, san marzano tomatoes, basil, and evoo — would highly recommend!
For my entrée: I ordered the kale salad {Insalata Di Cavolo Verde = kale, shaved cheese, onions, pumpkin seeds, and tuscan beans with a spicy mango vineagrette}. Oh-my-YUM! The perfect healthier addition to our appetizer of pizza.
For dessert, there are several options, but the two desserts that make the men stand out from the boys are DEFinitely the cannoli cones and the nutella pizza.
I hear the Pappardelle alla Bolognese and Pollo alla Milanese are great dinners to try as well….and you can’t forget some chocolate cake for dessert!
Overall, a delectable meal in a cozy neighborhood ambiance – perfect for date night or a meal with some friends in Hoboken! Next time I want to try the Mezza Luna: Nutella + Italian Mascarpone Calzone. How much was our entire meal you might ask? A whopping $46 before tip! Not bad for a yummy evening out for two, not bad at all.
See you soon, Otto Strada!
Have you been?
