I always like trying new places, especially friend’s favorites.

When I asked, my floormate shared Osteria Nonnino, her favorite West Village restaurant. It’s an inviting Italian place with large glass windows on the corner of Hudson and Horatio.  I decided to try it.

I arrived early and witnessed a tableside preparation of tiramisu for my neighbors, who were so close it was as if we shared a table.  Yes, the tables are very close along the banquette. The server poured fresh espresso over housemade ladyfingers in a small au gratin dish, topped it with creamy mascarpone and sprinkled it with cocoa powder. I knew what we’d have for dessert!

Once my dining partner arrived, we listened to Gianni, our server, describe the specials. One — the mini-pumpkin special with a mushroom ragu ($24)

After listening to Gianni describe the mini-pumpkins special with a mushroom ragu ($24), we had to try it. Would there be multiple tiny pumpkins? Was he referring to a different squash?  Would it be pieces of cooked pumpkin?  The dish was one small pumpkin filled with mushrooms in a rich sauce. An interesting, tasty presentation—we only wished they had cooked the pumpkin a little more so all the skin would have been edible.

We also shared their layered melanzane al forno, eggplant with Parmigiana, mozzarella and a light Pomodoro sauce ($20).

Our entree, which they kindly offered to split for us in the kitchen, is cavatelli barese ($27): homemade pasta shells with Italian sausage and broccoli rabe.

We finished the tableside tiramisu ($15, which could have used a bit more espresso to soften the ladyfingers) and an espresso martini ($17).

I’d recommend a visit to this cozy Italian West Village corner restaurant.

Osteria Nonnino
West Village
637 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
212.625.3333
osterianonnino.com/