The New York Times | Off the menu
The chef Massimo Sola has been involved in several New York kitchens, including Sola Pasta Bar in SoHo. The latest is in an intimate Italian restaurant owned by Antonio Sinesi and Claudio Della Monica.
The chef Massimo Sola has been involved in several New York kitchens, including Sola Pasta Bar in SoHo. The latest is in an intimate Italian restaurant owned by Antonio Sinesi and Claudio Della Monica.
Following 15 years of success at his first restaurant in Milan, Al Valentino, Italian restauranteur Antonio Sinesi has made the move stateside to open New York’s chicest new hot spot.
Sitting at this tiny table in Il Divo, celebrating Valentino and eating tagliolini, I feel transported from my everyday existence. Sweeping through the velvet curtain is like entering another world.
At the Upper East Side’s new Il Divo, the walls tell too many stories to count. The back section of the restaurant is absolutely covered with black- and gold-framed, 1920s memorabilia: vintageNew Yorker covers, an ad for the Grand Hôtel de Paris, a black-and-white photo of Village Cigars at Christopher Street and multiple movie posters and autographed portraits of the famed Rudolph Valentino.
Vibe: An homage to the late Italian-American actor Rudolph Valentino, Il Divo is an outpost of restaurateur Antonio Sinesi’s Al Valentino in Milan…
New York has never had a shortage of old-school red-sauce spots or exuberantly expensive odes to Italian cooking, but the last few months have seen a serious uptick in restaurants and cafés from Italians eager to introduce New Yorkers to the way Italy eats now…
Who knew that timid Upper East Side tastes could tolerate so much pleasure! At this elegant corner spot, where images of silent film star Rudolph Valentino festoon the walls, executive chef Matteo Limoli’s hearty, richly conceived Italian classics almost make you wistful for winter…
Antonio Sinesi has been impressing the Milanese for the last 15 years. Now, with Il Divo, he’s impressing stateside. The small space exudes charm and elegance with 1920s movie posters and sparkling chandeliers. The exceptionally warm staff adds to the inviting ambience—the manager may even stop by with a complimentary grappa at meal’s end.
The usual menu of classic Northern Italian dishes is available which includes favorites like risotto Milanese with osso bucco ragout and eggplant parmigiana. Sweeten your date by sharing…