Extra Virgin Menu

Extra Virgin Restaurant Review:

Popular in the warm weather months because of its outdoor seating (and thus, great people-watching), this West Village Italian eatery isn’t always patronized for its food. And with its too-narrow bar and sometimes cacophonous crowds, Extra Virgin may seem like an unlikely spot for romance, but canoodling couples can be spotted inside the brick-exposed, candlelit space enjoying one of the restaurant's gimmicky classics for two, like merguez-tinged seafood paella or osso buco on pesto risotto. That doesn't mean that single diners need to fret: most of the good dishes are for one. Minestrone with yellow tomato and Gorgonzola bursts of roasted vegetable flavor; the freshness of wild mushroom and asparagus cling to the sturdy, homemade fettuccine; and a potently-reduced jus adds a rich layer to the Virgin chicken crusted with rosemary and breadcrumbs. Blander choices like artichokes Provencal, covered with an egg and a light dusting of Parmesan breadcrumbs, come off like wallflowers in comparison, but there's enough personality across the board to make diners want to get to know the rest of the menu better---whether dating, solo or just hanging with friends.