Pastina Restaurant

Martha Burr

Citysearch

The Scene
Festive groups of friends and family pack into this intimate, warm room. Italian spills out of conversations here and there, while Industry-speak emanates from the black turtleneck and cashmere crowd.

The Food
Appetizers and pastas are the best bet on this traditional Italian menu. Mussels and clams come in a broth so ethereal with garlic and tomato, you'll mop up the last drops with crusty bread. Another dazzling starter is the creamy goat cheese, served warm and punctuated with pine nuts, sultry roasted red peppers and greens. Meat dishes are less successful. The rack of lamb can be fairly tough and uninteresting, and the osso buco is overwhelmed by a rich tomato sauce and gluey yellow rice. The pastas, however, elevate the menu to a much higher level. Our pick is the luscious penne blanketed in a pink vodka sauce. The dessert cart is beautiful to behold, and the excellent tiramisu a top choice.