Arno Ristorante, whose namesake is a river in Tuscany, Italy, is conveniently located in New York City’s Garment District overlapping Hell’s Kitchen. This part of New York City, once known for its gangsters, is now home to young professionals and artists whose presence has elevated and enhanced the neighborhood.
Arno’s has become a place for commuters to hang out before heading home since it is close to Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority. Theatergoers and visitors go to Arno’s as it is very close to Broadway.
The setting is warm and relaxing with dark-wood paneling, antique yellow paint, and light hues of blue.
Memories of my teenage years popped into mind, of the town I lived in, an Italian neighborhood. Every Sunday the aroma of fried garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh tomato sauce would emanate from the entire neighborhood. After church, the whole family feasted on the Italian goodies with a glass of wine. At that time, I thought that spaghetti with meatballs was Italy’s national dish.
I will always remember the spaghetti and meatballs I had at Arno’s the first time I ate there. It arrived unpretentiously in a small bowl. The tomato sauce has brought me there again and again. Its bold with sweet and sour flavors that are so delightful. There was a time when I thought that the only one who could master this was my friend’s mother who comes from Sicily, and viola! Magically, here it is.
I was reminiscing so much over the pasta that I forgot to mention the very popular Vongole Oreganate (Baked Clams) ($12.95), for starters. I am not a fan of this kind of clam, but the mixture of the bread crumbs over the clams was delicious and crunchy in contrast to the chewy and soft clams.
There are many other interesting classics from the Antipasti Menu, such as Peperoni Arrostiti con Filetti D'Alici (Fresh Roasted Peppers with Anchovies) ($10.95). If you prefer soup, you may try Tortellini in Brodo (Dumplings in Broth) ($8.50).
Owned and managed by the same people as Delmonico’s, known for its steak, your next main dish would, of course, be steak. It was tender and juicy. Delmonico’s first chef introduced steak to America, and you do not want to miss it here.
Bistecca alla Americana (Aged Prime New York Sirloin) ($32.50) I like to have plain. If you wish additional flavoring, ask for Delmonico’s Steak Sauce, bottles of which are also available for purchase.
You would think that anyone can broil a steak, but it does require knowledge of the meat, the way it is cut, the temperature, and the time for cooking it. It is prepared to your order.
If beef is not a favorite, perhaps you can order Costoletta Di Vitello Alla Griglia (Broiled Veal Chop) ($ 36.50), which is as satisfying as the beef.
The fish would be a sin not to try. Ask for the fish of the day, whole and broiled, and watch the waiter debone in alongside the table. Zuppa Di Pesce (Assorted Fresh Fish in a Light Red Sauce) ($29.95) would be the alternative choice.
You may want to ask him to sing an aria as there is one who sings every once in a while. I remembered that there was once a place on Mulberry Street of Little Italy, New York, where you can listen to live arias sung in Italian. That was not too long ago, but those were romantic times when good things were made and appreciated.
With a chef who has been supervising and working the kitchen since almost the beginning, the food is very consistent.
A wide variety of wines is available to enjoy with a meal and for take out.
After a dinner as wonderful as this, an ending with Italian-style cheesecake and espresso is called for.
Arno is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Private dining rooms can be used for business meetings, conferences, and weddings, and the entire restaurant can be reserved accommodating 400 people.
141 W. 38th St.
New York, NY 10018
212-944-7420
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