Dinner at Savta (NYC) – The Wandering Eater

I’ve recently checked out Savta in the West Village on a cold and windy evening. This restaurant looks and feels cozy especially with the indoor patio at the back.

Browsing through their concise two-page menu, I noticed a significant emphasis on vegetable-based dishes, followed by their house-made pizzas with meticulously fermented dough. The menu then transitions seamlessly to familiar classics such as beef tenderloin with green peppercorn, a diverse selection of seafood dishes, and an array of pasta options.

Among the two vegetable dishes we ordered (the other being sautéed caulilini with garlic, chili flakes, vinegar, and lemon), my preference leaned strongly towards the Japanese eggplant agrodolce with cherry tomato, tahini, and sumac. The eggplant showcased a delightful complexity thanks to the agrodolce sauce, while the addition of tomatoes contributed gentle umami notes, and the sumac provided a pleasing tartness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Their house made milk bread served with salted French butter and the pizza were very enjoyable. We had the Spianata, a marinara based pizza topped with piccante calabrese salumi, grilled peppers, fior di latte, oregano and parmesan cheese. The pizza crust had flavor, it’s airy and just the right amount of chew. The toppings worked wonderfully together and it’s very mild in terms of spicy from the slices of salami.

The seared tiger prawns were indeed impressive in size, each likely spanning the length of my hand. Their delightful sweetness made the experience truly enjoyable, especially when savoring the flavor by indulging in the succulent heads of each peeled prawn. The prawns were seasoned well, and the sauce was abundant with delicious garlic, enhancing the overall taste.

My dining companion, a fervent meat enthusiast, wanted the beef tenderloin with green peppercorn sauce. The beef was cooked to a medium-rare, meeting his preference, while the cream sauce had a balance of flavors that complemented the beef nicely.

Overall, it was a wonderful dinner experience. Our waiter struck the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness, demonstrating efficiency and a thorough knowledge of the menu. The restaurant itself exuded a welcoming, unpretentious vibe, making it a great neighborhood spot that serves excellent food.