I walked into da Toscano in Greenwich Village expecting great Italian food, but I was not prepared for what hit my table. The moment this masterpiece landed in front of me, I knew I was looking at something truly elite.
It starts with extra-thinly sliced octopus spread across a massive plate. The chef hits it with salt, sharp lemon vinaigrette, and a heavy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Then comes the game-changer: olive-oil-soaked pickled eggplant mixed with roasted tomatoes. A fresh dusting of black pepper completes the plating.
To eat it, you get super crunchy garlic bread that is freshly swiped with raw garlic cloves right in front of you. The crunch on this bread is unbelievable. You stack the tender octopus, tangy eggplant, and roasted tomatoes right on top of that crispy toast.
The combination of textures and bright, bold flavors is unreal. The delicate octopus melts with the acidity of the lemon and pickled veggies, while the garlic toast adds the ultimate crunch. The result? Pure perfection.
This is hands-down one of the best starters in New York City. I could honestly eat this exact plate every single day for the rest of my life. Make sure da Toscano is at the absolute top of your devour list.
