Frankies 457 Spuntino

This place is superb. A true gem. I’m a local and have eaten here many times but my most recent visit compelled me to write a review. A waiter forgot one of our orders (it happens in restaurants). The waiter and manager graciously apologised, brought us some snacks on the house while we waited, didn’t charge us for the dish and offered us a nice dessert wine on the house. I wish all restaurants managed inevitable errors like this. Ambiance: Outdoor area is situated in a walled garden with nice greenery and warm lighting. It allows you to escape the noise of the street and the Subway and almost feel like you’re somewhere in Tuscany. Tables are spaced apart enough that you won’t feel like you’re part of the adjacent table’s conversations. Indoor is more lively and cosy with open kitchen and bar adding to energy. The windows fog up during winter, creating a “warm refuge with tasty food” vibe from the outside. The food is very good. I’ve tried most of the mains and I go back to the sausage and cavatelli. It sounds like the most unoriginal red-sauce Italian restaurant meal you’ve ever heard of, but it’s hands down my favourite meal in New York. Handmade pasta with brown butter, Italian sausage. Glorious. Folk who’ve lived here 15-20years agree too! For other meat dishes, the lamb ragu and the meatballs are some of the best I’ve had. The sweet sausage and red peppers is gluten free, served with polenta. For something lighter, the eggplant marinara is perhaps surprisingly a lighter variant vs the typical 8tonnes of bread crumbs, cheese and red sauce production served in many NY Italians. Homemade tomato sauce, nice balanced seasoning. Sweet potato ravioli is also nice and light. For dessert, give Tiramisu a break for just one Italian restaurant outing and try the stunning Red Wine Prunes and Mascarpone instead.

Some of the best service and food you can ask for. My husband is celiac / gluten free and the waiter was incredibly personable and walked us through everything. We were suppose to have dinner at Frankie’s but found ourselves in the area early and they welcomed us for a late lunch instead. Sadly, they didn’t have their GF pasta that day but we picked all items that were gluten free and the waiter broke it up into 3 courses for us — so it felt like we were experiencing a true Italian meal (just all gluten free). We left full and happy! There is something so homey about the inside and it makes you want to stay and enjoy another glass of wine (and Negroni) with whomever you’re dining with. We can see why it’s raved about!!