Gnocchi might be one of my favorite dishes in the world, but hardly one of my favorites in this country. So often they are too dense, too starchy or flavorless. Paprika surprised me. A Northern-Italian inspired menu that brought simple mountain food to the East Village. Typically I eat Southern-Italian food because those flavors are more recognizable and thus more prevalent in American cooking, but up North, they know what they are doing. Especially when it comes to the gnocchi.
Paprika is a small restaurant, so I wouldn't bring the whole office here, but it is on a quiet tree lined street away from the annoying NYU kids getting piercings in god knows what places. The restaurant has an Italian charm to it, like you just came in from hiking in cinque terre and you're starving for dinner. What Paprika serves you is a dish that has layer upon layer of flavor. It's simplistic and complex at the same time, comforting and inviting. If a bowl of pasta could wrap itself around you instead of vice versa, this is the place I'd come.
WHAT TO BITE? Homemade Gnocchi with Prosciutto, Sage and Tomato Sauce, $12.50.
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