I headed back to the West Village on a recommendation of Ambra from a friend who frequents the neighborhood and shares my likes of Cafe Cluny and The Mary Lane.

We started with Maker’s Mark (+$2) cocktails: my friend had a Manhattan ($18), and I tried their Old Fashioned ($18). I’d recommend either.

Next, we requested our meal in three courses, beginning with the Margherita pizza ($25) made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. The flavor was fine, but the dough could have used additional time in the oven.

Their tricolore salad ($23) included Italian chicories, bocconcini, olives, avocado, and thin carrot strips in a Prosecco vinaigrette was next.  It was pretty sparse in the olives and cheese with only two small mozzarella cheese balls.

Our entree was tender grilled octopus ($28), served with Ndjua Calabria sausage, lots of new potatoes and confit shallots. I’d recommend.

The manager, who had stopped by, sent us their delicious moist almond cake ($15) for dessert. Worth the calories.

I liked Ambra, yet I’d recommend the food at either Cafe Cluny or The Mary Lane over it.

Ambra,
West Village
569 Hudson Street
New York, NY, 10014,
(646) 989-8120
ambranyc.com