Just steps from Rockefeller Center, Ginger Ristorante brings a contemporary Roman sensibility to Midtown Manhattan, pairing Italian culinary traditions with a fresh, ingredient-driven approach and an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city’s usual rush. Founded by Roman restaurateurs Dario Asara and Corinna Bassetti Josi, the restaurant opened its first U.S. location in October 2025, bringing a concept already established in Rome to New York at 123 West 49th Street.
My visit to Ginger Ristorante was lovely, offering an opportunity to settle into the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and explore a menu that moves effortlessly between classic Italian comfort food and lighter, produce-forward dishes. Spanning 7,000 square feet, the space draws inspiration from the open-air piazzas of Rome, with a striking skylight, black-and-white ceramic floors reminiscent of the cobblestones of Piazza di Spagna, and a palette of forest green, burnt orange, and crisp white. Italian-designed furniture, patterned wall panels, and lush greenery lend the dining room a polished yet relaxed sensibility, making it equally suited to a leisurely lunch, an after-work aperitivo, or an unhurried dinner.
The menu reflects the founders’ commitment to mindful Italian cooking, with an emphasis on seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients, and preparations that allow natural flavors to shine. My meal began with the tartare di manzo, a beef tartare layered with confit onion, garlic purée, toasted hazelnuts, orange zest, and chives, served with crispy bread. The combination brings together richness, texture, and a bright citrus note, while the fritto misto offers a more familiar indulgence, with crispy shrimp and calamari accompanied by horseradish mayonnaise.
Courtesy of Patrick Dolande
Pasta is a natural centerpiece here, and the spaghettoni cacio, pepe e tartufo is a standout choice for anyone drawn to the simplicity of Roman classics. Made with fresh homemade pasta, the dish pairs a creamy cacio e pepe sauce with shaved black truffle, creating a deeply savory combination that feels both comforting and refined. Elsewhere on the menu, guests will find seasonal specialties alongside traditional Italian preparations, with an emphasis on quality ingredients rather than unnecessary embellishment.
For the main course, the salmone offers a lighter counterpoint, featuring roasted salmon with crème fraîche, beetroot, arugula, and walnuts. The dish brings together earthy, peppery, and creamy elements, with the walnuts adding a welcome crunch. It is the kind of thoughtful combination that reflects Ginger’s broader philosophy: familiar ingredients presented in a way that feels fresh and considered.
Dessert brings the meal to a sweet close. The panna cotta, served with salted caramel and chocolate sauce, balances delicate vanilla notes with a richer finish, while the crostata di zucca offers a seasonal take on Italian cheesecake, incorporating pumpkin, amaretto, and Chantilly cream. Both provide a fitting finale to a menu that balances traditional Italian flavors with a contemporary approach.
Courtesy of Patrick Dolande
Beyond the main dining room, Ginger Ristorante has several distinct offerings that make it more than a destination for dinner alone. A dedicated salumi bar serves freshly prepared sandwiches, Italian cured meats, and cheeses for guests dining in or stopping by to take something to go. A marble bar anchors the front of the restaurant, where cocktails such as the White Negroni and the Diva incorporate Italian spirits, fresh fruit, and botanical notes. The restaurant also serves made-to-order juices and smoothies, seasonal salads, and an abundant Roman-style tropical fruit plate, extending its ingredient-conscious approach throughout the day.
Neapolitan-style pizzas, made with dough leavened for up to 72 hours, emerge from the brick oven, while a curated wine list features selections from Le Masciare, the founders’ organic vineyard in Irpinia, alongside small Italian and California producers. A newly opened outdoor patio adds another reason to visit, particularly during aperitivo hour, offered Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. For more intimate gatherings, a naturally lit private dining room accommodates celebrations and business dinners.
With its combination of Roman culinary roots, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and an interior that channels the spirit of an Italian piazza, Ginger Ristorante offers a welcome Midtown escape. Whether stopping in for a plate of truffle pasta, a leisurely afternoon over fresh juice and seasonal salads, or cocktails on the patio, the restaurant makes a compelling case for slowing down and savoring a little Italian dolce vita in the heart of New York.
