On a recent trip into NYC, I literally stumbled upon a small, but quaint little Italian restaurant, Osteria al Doge, in the middle of Times Square.
Taking my daughters for our annual visit to Toys R Us Flagship store in Times Square, I hadn't pre-planned where to eat. I was dreading the thought of a fast-food, greasy and expensive lunch, when I decided to turn east on West 44th Street before crossing over to the famed toy store.
I figured, we'd have better luck finding something edible on a side street than the main avenue in the midst of the tourist trap Time Square.
After passing a deli and a barbecue joint, I spied, what looked like the perfect lunch spot for me and my two girls.
As we entered, I knew we had made the right decision. The decor was warm and inviting with a prominent dark wood bar and distinctly tuscan feel to the color palette and ceramic wall adornments.
Taking my daughters for our annual visit to Toys R Us Flagship store in Times Square, I hadn't pre-planned where to eat. I was dreading the thought of a fast-food, greasy and expensive lunch, when I decided to turn east on West 44th Street before crossing over to the famed toy store.
I figured, we'd have better luck finding something edible on a side street than the main avenue in the midst of the tourist trap Time Square.
After passing a deli and a barbecue joint, I spied, what looked like the perfect lunch spot for me and my two girls.
As we entered, I knew we had made the right decision. The decor was warm and inviting with a prominent dark wood bar and distinctly tuscan feel to the color palette and ceramic wall adornments.
 | With high ceilings, attractively decorated wainscoting on the walls and scattered greenery throughout the interior, our luncheon was relaxing and enjoyable. Welcomed by a friendly staff, we were pleasantly surprised by our Times Square find. Osteria al Doge prides itself on its Venetian cuisine, and features a wide array of Italian delicacies on its lunch menu including many traditional appetizers, salads, homemade pastas, fish and meats, pizzas and side dishes. |
After taking our drink orders, we were treated to a yummy assortment of bread and some tasty, seasoned olives. We were all pretty starving, so we dug in right away to the crunchy bread sticks and warm peasant bread. I pretty much, single-handed polished off the dish of olives!
Our little trio was looking for something light before heading off for a day of toy shopping and the menu had something for each of us.
As usual, my little Kelsey ordered a margarita pizza, which looked, and tasted deepish!! (Yes, I tasted it!!)
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It was a pretty easy decision for Gianna, who ordered Gnocchi with tomato sauce and basil, as this is one of her all-time favorite italian dishes. My hand was in everyone's plate and I wasted no time tasting these light and tasty, potato pillows!! So very good and cooked to perfection.
 Seasoned assorted olives |  Bread basket |
 Margarita Pizza |  Gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce and basil |
 Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken |  Fresh Anchovy on Caesar Salad |
Not looking for anything too heavy, I oped for the Caesar Salad with grilled chicken. Now, I want to make a special note here regarding the Caesar salad. While I am not personally a fan of anchovies, I was struck by the fact that this restaurant prepared their Caesar salads in the traditional way that I grew up eating them - with fresh anchovies. The dressing was flavorful and light.
I am particularly picky about my chicken as well and this chicken was cooked to perfection - crispy, yet juicy.
I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of my lunch!
I am particularly picky about my chicken as well and this chicken was cooked to perfection - crispy, yet juicy.
I thoroughly enjoyed every bite of my lunch!
Dessert Tray
 Complementary cookie platter |  Tiramisu |  Fruit Tart |
Moving on, we all left plenty of room for dessert, opting against having appetizers. The dessert tray was mouth-watering. Making a selection was easy for me - Tiramisu all the way! One of my very favorites!! It was all I had hoped for - light, creamy, and with a distinct mocha taste - not too over-powering or strong. Just right.
Gianna went for the fruit tart. Once again, my spoon made its way to my daughter's dish. I've had a great many fruit tarts in my day, but I can say with all certainty that this one was filled with one of the best custards I've ever tasted. It was smooth and mild, possessing the perfect vanilla flavor. My girls were making fun of me because I kept going on about how luscious the custard was.
Gianna went for the fruit tart. Once again, my spoon made its way to my daughter's dish. I've had a great many fruit tarts in my day, but I can say with all certainty that this one was filled with one of the best custards I've ever tasted. It was smooth and mild, possessing the perfect vanilla flavor. My girls were making fun of me because I kept going on about how luscious the custard was.
We couldn't resist taking a taste of the complementary cookies and sweets. Gianna loves meringues and being a huge biscotti fan, I gobbled up one quickly.
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Osteria al Doge has a second floor as well, which has a lovely view of the entire restaurant. If you are looking for a delicious meal, with great ambiance, in the heart of Times Square, go no further than West 44th Street. Priced comparable to other restaurants in the area, but with superior food, Osteria al Doge is a must-eat-at!
-Elisa
-Elisa
For Your Reference
Osteria al Doge Bar and Restaurant
142 West 44 St
NY, NY 10036
212.944.3643
www.osteria-doge.com
Osteria al Doge Bar and Restaurant
142 West 44 St
NY, NY 10036
212.944.3643
www.osteria-doge.com
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