After hearing great things from Adam Platt (http://nymag.com/restaurants/reviews/69636/), we decided to try Osteria Morini. We’ve never tried one of Michael White’s restaurants before.

What a great call! My only complaint is the seating situation in the dining room. They have butcher-block like square tables that offer no leg room and the space is rather tight. After that, it’s all good.  If you go, sit at the bar if you can.*

MOZZARELLA
bufala mozzarella, figs rosemary oil, saba
MARE
adriatic style seafood salad olives, lemon, capers
PORCHETTA
carpaccio of roasted pork rosemary, lemon, greens
POLPETTINI
prosciutto and mortadella meatballs baked in tomato sauce
CAPPELLETTI
truffled mascarpone ravioli, melted butter, prosciutto
TORTELLI DELLA NONNA
braised beef ravioli, sugo di arrosto, fossa cheese

By far the Cappelletti stuffed with truffled marscapone was the best pasta I’ve ever had. The marscapone explodes in your mouth. Smooth flavor, amazing. The braised beef ravioli melted in your mouth as well. We loved the carpaccio of porchetta, served with shaved fennel and arugula. Adam Platt claimed the mare was the best item on the menu. They were out when we got there, so we actually waited 1/2 an hour and ate it after our entrees! It was well worth the wait. So fresh and delicate, filled with roasted calamari and scallops with a light dressing and that fantastic shaved fennel again. It goes without saying the mozzarella melted in your mouth. It was served with figs and rosemary oil.

The wine list is lovely and the bloody Mary is terrific as well.

*I went back again with a friend for lunch and we sat at the bar watching while they made all of the cold preparations and desserts.  We had salads, but shared that killer Cappelletti as well. Delicious and I was right about the bar area.

http://www.osteriamorini.com/
218 Lafayette St. – SoHo