Via Trenta Osteria & Wine Bar

Via Trenta Osteria was recommended to me by a local Italian American who was born and raised in the neighborhood. I honestly wasn't planning on writing a review for this small, unassuming hole-in-the-wall spot—but after our meal, I had to.<br><br>We made a reservation for nine people on a weekday evening, and the service was outstanding from start to finish.<br><br>We kicked things off with the burrata with figs, burrata with prosciutto, grilled octopus, mussels in tomato broth, and fried calamari. The burrata was the clear star of the appetizers—creamy, fresh, and absolutely delicious. The grilled octopus was cooked perfectly: tender, flavorful, and not chewy at all. Great octopus is surprisingly hard to find in NYC, and when you do, it usually costs a fortune. The mussels in the rich tomato broth, served with bread for dipping, were excellent as well. We enjoyed everything so much that we ordered another burrata and grilled octopus after finishing the first round.<br><br>For our entrées, we ordered the gnocchi di barbabietola, cacio e pepe, tagliatelle al pesto, fettuccine Bolognese, linguine with clams, and the standout dish of the night—the linguine nero ai frutti di mare. Every pasta is made in-house, and you can absolutely taste the difference. The freshness and texture were incredible.<br><br>As someone who has traveled through Rome and Tuscany, I can honestly say this meal reminded me of the food I had in Italy. This isn't your typical Italian-American restaurant. The flavors are authentic, the pasta is exceptional, and the portions are just right for the price.<br><br>To finish, we shared the tiramisu and crème brûlée, both of which were excellent. The owner (or who I assume was the owner) came over to thank us for dining there. We chatted for a while, told him how much we loved the meal, and mentioned that it reminded us of our travels in Italy. He genuinely appreciated the compliment and treated us to limoncello to end the evening—a perfect finishing touch.<br><br>Overall, I think Astoria has plenty of restaurants that put more emphasis on atmosphere than the food itself. Via Trenta Osteria is the opposite. It's humble, low-key, and easy to overlook, but it serves some of the most authentic Italian food I've had in New York City.<br><br>I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Via Trenta Osteria to any friend visiting NYC. Sometimes the best meals come from the places you least expect.

Samuel is the best!!! The food here is 5 star and will get you full. Came here for my final NYC dinner before leaving with my lover and I wouldn’t have spent it anywhere else.

Fantastic dinner spot. Great location and they celebrated my friends 21st in such a lovely way!