PEASANT

Peasant

The next restaurant I will be covering is Peasant! Peasant serves wood-fired Italian dishes & wines in a rustic, sophisticated space. Peasant is located in the NoLita neighborhood, at the cross streets of Elizabeth Street and Spring Street. Peasant earns a $$$ price rating from Zagat.

The Restaurant Atmosphere

Peasant is certainly a fitting name. With a warm, rustic setting, the atmosphere is perfectly simple. This theme begins outdoors as the exterior appears rustic, almost to deceive those who are contemplating entering the restaurant. The same follows with the very hidden wine bar below the main dining room (notice the staircase on the right, descending below street level).  

Another interesting aspect of the atmosphere at Peasant is the stunningly backlit, brick-walled kitchen which features only open-fire cooking. The atmosphere at Peasant feels very... modern New York. It's simple, dark, and rustic, but there is an undeniable sense of expensive and exciting dining. In a way, it seems that Peasant is trying to play down the famed dining experience that is taking place (notice the simple metal chairs and bland wooden tables). 

The Food

Peasant has built a following by adhering to some very simple premises. Keep the food simple, rustic and Italian. Cook it over a wood fire. Serve abundant portions. Be nice. That's about it.  Peasant sends out highly satisfying food, fresh and flavorful, with the rich tanginess that wood smoke imparts. The menu at Peasant is fairly diverse while sticking to the Italian theme - pizzas, meats, seafood, and more can all be found on the menu.

Personal favorites include the razor clams appetizer, the leg of lamb on polenta main course, and the ricotta cheesecake for dessert. A wine pairing with the help of the knowledgeable wait staff will make the meal even better!

Summary

This memorable, hidden gem in New York City is sure to please. Peasant is as close to perfect as it gets for a dinner date. Featuring the cellar wine bar, Peasant has quickly become one of my go-to restaurants for dates. Although it is not one of NYC's most renowned restaurants, it is my testimony that the atmosphere and food rival the most famous restaurant names in Manhattan.