New York’s gastronomic landscape continuously flourishes, particularly in the vibrant Flatiron neighborhood. With an impressive lineup of renowned restaurants like Gramercy Tavern, Rezdora, and Sugarfish, the area sets a high standard for culinary endeavors. In this thriving milieu, a fresh establishment has emerged—Opto, situated at 35 West 20th Street. A brainchild of executive chef Alex Tubero and co-owner Nicola Kotsoni, Opto embodies an innovative approach to Mediterranean dining that transports patrons to sun-kissed shores with every plate served.
The name „Opto,“ translating to „to desire“ in Latin, encapsulates the very essence of the restaurant’s philosophy. Chef Tubero, whose culinary roots are grounded in establishments like Amali and Union Square Café, aims to craft a menu that highlights simplicity and quality over complexity. He emphasizes, “Super simple, high-quality ingredients, nothing too fussy or overwrought.” This mantra resonates through Opto’s atmosphere, which aims to evoke warmth and elegance—characteristics embodied by Kotsoni, a seasoned restaurateur herself.
At the core of Opto’s culinary offerings lies a meticulous sourcing strategy, a facet Tubero champions thanks to his long-standing relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisan purveyors. Notably, the seafood presented at Opto is sourced from trusted partner Sherri Liepper of Liepper and Sons Fish, ensuring freshness and quality. Tubero expresses his commitment to an inviting culinary experience: “When guests come into the restaurant, they are greeted warmly by our team.”
Guests are immediately welcomed with complimentary house-made durum wheat bread paired with exceptional olive oil imported from Spain—a perfect introduction to the Mediterranean experience that awaits. The menu features an array of starters that leave patrons craving more. With offerings such as St. Simon oysters, Norwegian yellowtail, and king salmon tartare, the focus is decidedly on raw, pristine flavors complemented by wild caper leaves hailing from Santorini beaches.
The selection of appetizers is nothing short of enticing. Diners can enjoy in-house whipped sheep’s milk ricotta drizzled with artisanal Tuscan chestnut honey and charred Spanish octopus seasoned to perfection. The highlight, however, is the homemade pastas—each dish is a testament to culinary artistry. Options like macaroni di bussa al pomodoro, pansoti con salsa di noci, and trenette al pesto Genovese excite the palate while remaining true to the Mediterranean ethos.
Opto’s menu is designed to be not only diverse but also evocative of a Mediterranean getaway. Tubero envisions the restaurant as a place for diners to feel at home, inviting them to frequent the space as an extension of their own dining experiences. This sentiment underscores his belief that the variety and quality of the dishes set Opto apart in a competitive dining environment.
For mains, the offerings encompass a spectrum of flavors from both land and sea. Guests can savor filet mignon sourced from Tasmania’s fertile pastures, while Colorado-sourced Hawkeye Point lamb T-Bones display the rich cultural tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine. Tubero adds a twist with his signature suckling pig shoulder, making each bite a memorable experience.
The commitment to sourcing extends to the seafood options, notably the branzino imported from the Canary Islands, which Tubero proudly asserts is unrivaled in taste. Through these curated selections, the dining journey at Opto ultimately reflects Tubero’s ambition—to take diners on an exploration across the Mediterranean, inviting them to savor every aspect of the diverse menu.
No meal is complete without a tantalizing dessert, and Opto does not disappoint. The dessert menu features sumptuous options such as amaretti cookies and a rich dark chocolate mousse. Highlighting the culinary American-Italian fusion, the lemon torte caprese stands out, while the restaurant’s signature crème caramel borrows from Periyali’s esteemed reputation.
To complement the meal, the beverage program at Opto emphasizes accessibility with an excellent selection of wines from Italy and France. The cocktail menu also brings with it a sense of playfulness, with creatively named drinks like “Today You Are You,” a refreshing vodka-based creation, and “Don’t Give Up,” a vibrant gin cocktail infused with blood orange.
Currently, Opto welcomes diners for dinner service daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., making it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience. Reservations can be made through Resy or by calling directly.
As Chef Tubero reflects on the culinary scene’s evolution amidst challenges, he remains steadfast in his belief that the heart of the dining experience lies in the companionship and comfort of good company. With its stunning ambiance and thoughtfully curated menu, Opto promises not just a meal, but a place where unforgettable memories are crafted, bite by delectable bite.
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