Il Falco, the vibrant Italian restaurant in New York City, has quickly become a hotspot. But what makes it so popular? This in-depth review explores Il Falco's menu, analyzing its offerings, pricing, and overall dining experience based on various online reviews and personal observations. We'll delve into what makes Il Falco a must-try for both locals and tourists.
Il Falco's Menu: A Taste of Italy in NYC
Il Falco's menu is a celebration of classic Italian dishes, executed with a modern twist. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. This commitment to quality shines through in every dish.
Appetizers: Starting Your Culinary Journey
The appetizer section of the Il Falco menu is a delightful introduction to their culinary philosophy. Expect options like:
- Arancini: Crispy fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and ragu. Reviews consistently praise their perfectly crisp exterior and flavorful filling.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with various seasonal ingredients, often including tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. The freshness of the ingredients is a recurring theme in positive Il Falco reviews.
- Carpaccio: Thinly sliced raw beef, typically seasoned with lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Many reviewers note the quality of the beef and the delicate balance of flavors.
Pricing: Appetizers generally range from $12 to $18.
Pasta: The Heart of the Il Falco Experience
Il Falco's pasta dishes are a highlight. They offer both classic and inventive preparations, using fresh pasta made in-house. Popular choices include:
- Spaghetti Carbonara: A rich and creamy carbonara made with guanciale (cured pork jowl), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Reviews often mention the perfectly cooked pasta and the authentic flavor of this classic dish.
- Tagliatelle al Ragù: Tagliatelle pasta served with a slow-cooked meat ragu. The depth of flavor in the ragu is repeatedly praised in customer feedback.
- Cacio e Pepe: Simple yet elegant, this dish features pasta tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. The simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to truly shine.
Pricing: Pasta dishes generally range from $18 to $28.
Main Courses: Hearty and Satisfying
Il Falco's main courses offer a satisfying conclusion to the meal. These dishes showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and masterful preparation. Popular options include:
- Osso Buco: Braised veal shanks, tender and flavorful. Many reviews highlight the incredibly tender meat and the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Saltimbocca: Veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried to perfection. The delicate balance of flavors is frequently praised.
- Grilled Branzino: A whole grilled sea bass, simply seasoned and cooked to perfection. Reviews emphasize the freshness and quality of the fish.
Pricing: Main courses generally range from $25 to $40.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
Il Falco's dessert menu offers a sweet ending to a delicious meal. Expect classic Italian desserts with a modern twist. Popular choices include:
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.
- Panna Cotta: A creamy Italian dessert made with milk, cream, and sugar.
- Cannoli: Crispy fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese filling.
Pricing: Desserts generally range from $10 to $15.
Il Falco Reviews: What are People Saying?
Online reviews for Il Falco are overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers praise the:
- Quality of ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients are consistently mentioned in positive reviews.
- Authentic Italian flavors: The dishes are often described as authentic and flavorful.
- Attentive service: The staff is frequently praised for their attentiveness and helpfulness.
- Ambiance: The restaurant's ambiance is described as warm, inviting, and romantic.
However, some negative reviews mention:
- Price point: Some find the prices to be on the higher side.
- Noise level: The restaurant can get quite noisy, especially during peak hours.
- Reservations: Getting a reservation can be challenging, particularly on weekends.
Overall, the positive reviews significantly outweigh the negative ones. Il Falco consistently receives high ratings on various review platforms, suggesting a consistently enjoyable dining experience for most patrons.
Conclusion: Is Il Falco Worth Visiting?
Based on the menu, pricing, and numerous positive reviews, Il Falco is undoubtedly worth visiting for a high-quality Italian dining experience in NYC. While the price point is higher than some other Italian restaurants in the city, the quality of the ingredients, the authentic flavors, and the overall ambiance justify the cost for many. Just be sure to make reservations in advance!
