In the space that housed Brasserie 8 1/2, you’ll now find the elegant Cucina 8 1/2. We decided to sample it one night before heading to the theatre to see Pictures from Home, starring the all-star cast of Nathan Lane, Danny Burstein, and Zoe Wanamaker.

We descended the grand stairway into the sleek, softly lit dining room. Service was attentive; the food plentiful. Since it was Restaurant Week, we each indulged in the three courses for $45, nibbling on their parmesan crisps as we perused the menu.

Their insalata verde came with gem lettuce in a creamy dressing with lots of aged ricotta and Marcona almonds. The three large meatballs sit in a puddle of tomato sauce with a large dollop of whipped ricotta.

I recommend the cavatelli with tender shreds of lamb dusted with grated pecorino over their chicken parmesan, a dish I had oddly craved. The latter was hearty enough to satisfy a lumberjack yet squelched my desire.

Don’t miss the incredibly moist olive oil cake served with a dollop of chantilly cream fresh berries. I took it home, minus two bites, and enjoyed it sliced and toasted.  

I’d recommend a visit to 8 1/2, but sadly, not the show.

Cucina 8 1/2
Midtown
9 W 57th St #5000
New York, NY 10019
(212) 829-0812
cucina812.com