Rafele

Rafele Restaurant Review:

The chef from beloved Cornelia Street eatery Palma decided to strike out on his own with Rafele. While the large bar, good for after-work wine and small plates, is welcoming, the food can be hit or miss. The restaurant hosts an exclusively Italian wine list with many bottles to be had at a sub-fifty-dollar range. Share one over a few antipasti, which is where many of the winning menu items can be found. Veal meatballs are light and savory; arancini risotto dumplings are crispy, cheesy bites with a molten center; and the crispy fried artichokes are flaky and tender. Pizza has yet to be perfected, with most pies dry and flavorless. You'll fare a bit better with the pastas, though all seemed to be missing something from the flavor profile. Best among the bunch is the spinach ravioli with sage. Perhaps go for the wine and stay for a bit more wine.