It’s the quintessential New Yorker dining dilemma: With a seemingly endless number of Italian restaurants in the city, how do you know which option is actually worth your time? If a neighborhood spot with personality, authenticity, affordable pricing, an elegant rustic interior and a beautiful outdoor dining space are on your list of priorities, then Ortomare Ristorante Pizzeria is the spot for you.
Located at 994 Columbus Avenue (at 109th Street), Ortomare is a family-owned business that opened in 2019 with the goal of doling out delicious dishes like homemade pizza (from their wood-fired oven), fresh pasta and sumptuous seafood.
Ortomare boasts a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars on OpenTable and 4.7 stars on Google.
Perhaps the best part of Ortomare is that there’s something for even the pickiest of palettes — yes, all nine signature pastas can be made gluten-free, and don’t worry, there’s a popular burger if a member of your crew isn’t in the mood for traditional Italian fare. Before your visit, learn more about Ortomare’s special spring specials below!
While red sauce is always a hit, there’s just something about pesto when the temps start heating up. This spring special takes pasta to the next level with a healthy portion of burrata.
You’ll want to dive head first into this endive salad with pears, blue cheese and walnuts.
A traditional Orto e Mare dish (which means garden and sea), this octopus special is a fan-favorite.
Any fish fan knows that branzino is the cream of the crop, and this dish is no exception. The roasted potatoes and sautéed mixed vegetables are the perfect pairing!
Mimosas on deck! Peak brunch season is approaching, so raise a glass and toast the sunshine.
Sweet tooth? Same here … and this mango sorbet is gluten-free and dairy-free!
Ortomare Ristorante Pizzeria is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 4-10 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-10 p.m. (with a 12-4 p.m. weekend brunch). They’re also open for outdoor dining, delivery and pickup. Happy hour is from Sunday — Thursday from 4-6 p.m. (hello, discounted Aperol spritzes!) Learn more at ortomare.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
