Bar Stuzzichini
928 Broadway, Flatiron, NY
Considering our disappointment with new sister restaurant Stuzzicheria, and a general feeling of malaise after our recent meals here, we decided it was time to reassess the official Infatuation position on Bar Stuzzichini.
Take a look at the original Bar Stuzzichini review and you’ll find that we used to be quite fond of the place. Mostly because our meals here were always consistent and satisfying, but also because they always made us feel VIP like these guys. Nowadays, visits to Bar Stuzz feel a little flat. The stuzzichini snacks and pastas that we used to love so much all seem to taste a little different now…or maybe they just don’t really taste like anything. Was there a recent salt shortage? A devastating, industry-wide garlic recall? Why is this all suddenly so boring? And it seems that we’re not the only ones feeling the boredom. Bar Stuzzichini always had problems keeping the massive space adequately seated, but these days it’s a ghost town. Even when it’s empty, service can be hit or miss, and this place isn’t cheap. What was once a fail-proof Infatuation go-to has sadly become very average. Go ahead and stop in for a drink at the bar and a quick bite, but until Bar Stuzzichini rights the ship, you can skip sitting down for dinner.
Food Rundown:
Arancini
Once cheesy and awesome, now bland and deprived of seasoning. We still love the texture, but they just aren’t as good as they used to be.
Carciofi
Halved and fried small artichokes. These are still a safe order for the table…most fried things are.
Polpo
We’re still fans of the grilled octopus. This is grilled perfectly and should be a crowd pleaser.
Tagliolini
This is where we start to really lose the plot. Back in the day (2008), this was one of our favorite pasta dishes around. This fresh made pasta in a lemon cream pistachio pesto used to blow our minds…but not so much anymore. You can’t really taste lemon or pistachio.
Gnocchi all’Amatriciana
A perfect example of not enough of the good stuff. That pork jowl tomato sauce is ridiculous, but it’s barely there. The gnocchi needs that spicy, salty goodness from the sauce to elevate it to the next level.
Pane e Panelle Sandwich
A much heralded sandwich of chickpea fritters and a tangy cheese that’s available during lunch. It’s good. Is it next level, #2 sandwich in the city good? Not so sure about that.
