The Scene
Escape the comedy cub hawkers and gaggles of students that usually crowd MacDougal Street into la dolce vita. Dante takes a small space and transforms it into the airy Italian cafe of yore with a white tin roof and white booths- a nod to its first life as Caffe Dante, opened first in 1915 and operated for 100 years. A line of tables outside is perfect for people-watching in the warmer months and conjures up images of aperitivos in piazzas.
At night, Dante shifts from a bright daytime cafe serving families, friends at brunch, and happy hour clients to a more date-night vibe. At 5 pm, the lights are dimmed, and candles are brought to every table, that give the cozy space a more romantic ambiance.
The Drinks
Dante’s best work is being done at the bar: It has a voluminous list of Italian classics here, from spritzes to martinis and negronis, with both traditional and their own unconventional options. But whatever you choose, no one will be disappointed.
The on-tap Negroni will satisfy the most snobbish cocktail lover, while drinks like the Garibaldi, a cocktail of frothy, freshly squeezed orange juice and Campari, and the Chocolate Negroni made with gin, creme de cacao, and topped with freshly grated chocolate, will please diners craving a novel drinks experience.
Their martinis run wetter (vermouth-heavy) than the typical dry New York martini, but they are still an excellent option. Their Vesper martini was a surprise hit, perfectly balanced and diluted to taste refreshing rather than strong, and came with an option of either an orange peel or a lemon peel on ice.
The Food
Truth be told, despite the full menu, food is not the main event at Dante. Treat this as an aperitivo hour, and you won’t be disappointed. What works best here is the appetizer side of the menu for snacks that complement your drink order. I’d recommend the olives, the house-made focaccia, the cheese board, and the aged meat options rather than the main course.
But keep room for dessert. Their signature tiramisu is one of the best in the city: perfectly creamy, with the right amount of bite from the coffee-soaked biscuits and a thick dusting of cocoa powder that adds richness without being cloying or over-the-top. Pair with one of their dessert cocktails like the Grasshopper or an espresso martini.
Final Thoughts
New York is finally beginning to warm up, and all I want is to be on a sidewalk table with a delicious drink, watching the city come to life. If you want to feel the energy of the city, Dante is a quintessential New York experience. As the snow melts, I’ll be here, Vesper, or Negroni in hand, reveling in the buzz of New York in the springtime.
Fast Facts
Location: Greenwich Village and West Village locations
Cuisine: Italian
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes via Resy
The Vibe: Cafe-chic
Our Favorite Thing on The Menu: Negroni, Garibaldi, Vermouth Service
The Attire: Smart casual
Hours: Monday - Friday 12 pm-1 am, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-1 pm
United States
