A Voce has been one of my favorite Italian restaurants ever since celebrated Chef, Andrew Carmellini, held rank in it’s kitchen (oh, how I miss his duck meatballs!)—but the popular Madison Avenue hotspot hasn’t skipped a beat since Missy Robbins, named one of Food & Wine‘s Best New Chefs of 2010, took over as Executive Chef in 2008. This much-acclaimed modern eatery offers classic and accessible Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The menu celebrates the traditional ingredients and flavors of Italy with memorable dishes that are executed simply, with a touch flair and elegance.

A Voce Columbus (photo courtesy of Grub Street)

A Voce opened a second location late last year on the 3rd floor of the Time Warner Center (in the former Café Gray space) and I recently dropped in to have lunch at the new locale. The clean, modern interior features an intimate bar area, exposed kitchen and a spacious, sun-drenched dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering magnificent views of Columbus Circle and Central Park.

Sagne Alla Amatriciana pasta diamonds with pancetta bacon, san marzano tomatoes & pecorino

The all-new, moderately priced menu pays tribute to Carmellini’s original, but clearly Robbins had no hesitation in making it her own. She masterfully enhances rustic Italian classics to create straightforward dishes with delicately balanced flavor profiles.

Focaccia bread with A Voce’s famous Sardinian sheep’s milk ricotta spread

Prosciutto di Parma & Nduja—a soft, spicy salami

The perfect bite of bread topped with prosciutto, nduja and ricotta…delish!

Baccalà house made salted cod with green beans & potatoes

Bisctecca hanger steak with fennel & tomatoes

Dreamy dark chocolate gelato with sea salt, olive oil & pignoli nut brittle

While my expectations of the Columbus offshoot were about as high as the first time I dined at A Voce Madison after Robbins originally took over, I have been extraordinarily impressed on both occasions-Missy delivered an artfully crafted meal with incredible finesse that left me feeling satisfied, stuffed and in a state of bliss.

A Voce Columbus, 10 Columbus Circle #3, New York, NY 10019

[rating:5]

1. This looks amazing! Delicious (you know how I say it) :)

   Laura DeKostic

   October 11, 2010 at 3:06 pm