If you've known me for awhile, you already know how obsessed with food I am. Constantly willing to try new cuisines and go to new restaurants. And one of the perks of growing up in New York City, is consistently being exposed to different cultures and people. However, I understand that it can be absolutely overwhelming to decide what you want to eat, and where you should go. Therefore, I'm compiling a list of some of my favorite places to eat. Usually these blog posts will also be accompanied with a video; however, I lost all the footage I filmed in the restaurant. Just a warning, if you're here just to find insta-worthy places to go, this is not the guide for you. I'm focusing on the food. If a place happens to be cute, that's just a bonus. With that being said - welcome, to my very first NYC Food Guide.
I'm going to admit, I have an undying love for carbs, especially in the form of pasta. And one of my favorite places to go is a little Italian place tucked away in Soho. Located on Prince Street, between Thompson and Sullivan street, is Il Corallo Trattoria.
I've been going to this spot for about 7 years now and it has never disappointed me. They offer such a wide selection of food and they do most of them so well. I say most only because I have yet to try their pizza, since I'm usually here for their pasta. They offer about two pages worth of pasta choices and it ranges from seafood, meats, vegetarian and ravioli. Whatever kind of mood you're in - they have you covered.
I wasn't able to take pictures of the decor because it was busy and I didn't want to be rude. It can get pretty packed sometimes and the tables are quite close together, but it's still comfortable in a way. The only time I find the tables a problem is when I come here during the weekend, when the place is packed, and I have to squeeze between the tables. The "windows" also slide open when the weather is nice and warm, so it gives the place more of an open and refreshing feel. It's pretty nice. The customer service is pretty great too. And my favorite part about this restaurant is how affordable it is for how much food you get and it's location.
Address: 176 Prince Street, New York, NY, 10012
Phone Number: 212-941-7119
Website: https://www.ilcorallotrattoria.com/
Starting off with the Crostini Pomodoro. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and some chopped up basil on top of a slice of slightly toasted country bread. It's very deconstructed in a way but still giving off the fundamental Italian flavors. This is a dish I order almost every single time I come here. It's a rather light and refreshing dish, which for me is the perfect way to start off a heavy meal.
Price: $7.75
As I have mentioned, I'm usually here for their pasta. Out of all of their pasta dishes, the Rigatoni Sardi is the one that stands out to me the most. I think it's because this is the dish that made me start to enjoy eating lamb. This dish is the epitome of beauty in simplicity in a dish. The sauce is a basic one using white wine, garlic and olive oil. However it coats the pasta tubes perfectly. Between the mushrooms, the lamb, and the pasta tube - this dish offers different textures to each bite. The lamb is fragrant but not gamey at all. It pairs very well with the sauce. Though it might seem a bit bland, I think this is a dish you have to come and try for yourself. Trust me on this one, it's actually quite flavorful. Unless you're not a meat-eater, this is a dish I would recommend to everyone.
Price: $14.75
Unfortunately, I couldn't possibly eat two pasta dishes and the appetizer all by myself, so I invited my friend to come along. My friend, Stephanie, ordered the Spaghetti Vongole. I did take a bite of her food, just to try it out. Compared to the Rigatoni Sardi, this is definitely less flavorful - it just didn't pack quite the punch I hope it would. However, the spaghetti was cooked perfectly, and I think the flavors compliment the clams very well. The simple olive oil and garlic sauce allowed the clams to shine on it's own. Therefore, it is very important for the clams to be fresh; which, Stephanie claims, they were. And the parsley on top adds a hint of freshness.
Price: $15.95