We chose Giardino 54 for its proximity to A.R.T./New York Theatres, where we were seeing the musical Los Otros with music by Michael John LaChiusa, who we bumped into at the performance. Los Otros is a musical about love, risk and revelation told through two characters who explore significant moments in their lives. I recommend.

I started lunch at Giardino 54 with a glass of their on-tap Vicentini Agostino Valpolicella, Vento 2019 ($10), reminiscent of Italian house wine. They also offer a white — Trebbiano, Poderi Dal Nespoli IGT, 2017 — on tap.

Our friendly, attentive waiter served us an olive oil-balsamic mixture for dipping the bread.

I tried their seared octopus with fingerling potatoes and a couple of oven-dried tomatoes ($22) while my dining partner ate their frittata with artichokes and mozzarella ($17) and a lightly dressed arugula salad.

Before heading to the theatre, we shared their moist tiramisu ($14).

I’d recommend a stop if need a place to grab a bite pre-theatre.

Giardino 54
Hell’s Kitchen
400 1/2 W 54th St
New York, NY 10019
(646) 726-4575
giardino54.com