Peasant

In keeping with its namesake the atmosphere of Peasant is unmistakably authentic rustic Italian. Long wooden tables and church pew benches, exposed brick walls, bare, concrete floors and candlelight make for the perfect foreground for the star of the show, the open kitchen featuring vintage brick wood-fire ovens, rotisserie and grill, all hand crafted by Chef/Owner Frank DeCarlo himself, “I think I was a mason in a past life, laying the brick in this kitchen was almost as fun as cooking in it every night.” And cook he does. DeCarlo is one of the last well known chefs of his generation in NYC who cooks on the line every night.

The menu is a multi-regional array of traditional, rustic dishes that changes seasonally and focuses on local farm to table as well as imported Italian products. The menu includes signature dishes like whole grilled orata, spit-roasted suckling pig, wood roasted squab & several hand made pastas. DeCarlo emphasizes the authenticity of his dishes, “everyone is so excited about farm to table in this country but in Italy that’s the norm. I’m just trying to give my customers the authentic experience, no prosciutto from Wyoming, it has to be from Parma, or it’s just ham.”

Insider tip. If the restaurant is full make sure to checkout the wine room downstairs which has a no reservations policy and offers the full dinner menu. The cellar room offers old barn wood, French laundry tables and hand hewn benches with communal and large group seating. Aside from the full dinner menu there is an impressive selection of antipasti platters of meats & cheeses.