After the server gave us the hard sell on the various dishes listed on A Voce’s dinner menu, I was ready for a fabulous dining experience at this Flatiron Italian. But, sad to say, the selling was more impressive than the product.

We went there with an out-of-town friend, intending to dazzle her with the cooking of a star New York chef. Sorry to say, she wasn’t particularly dazzled, but she was impressed by the server’s salesmanship skills. Another problem: it’s noisy so it’s tough to have a conversation where you’re not shouting to be heard.

Now for the food. The vegetable antipasto was a definite hit. I loved the soft, silky mozzarella; eggplant agrodolce; and luscious sweet pepper con capperi. My hubby tucked into the duck meatballs; they were tender and flavorful.

But the pappardelle with sheep’s milk ricotta was uninspiring. It tasted underseasoned and the scoop of sheep’s milk ricotta which should have enriched the dish just made it mushy. The server said it was one of his favorite dishes, but we were not impressed.

This is my second time at A Voce. I know people love it but I can’t understand what the fuss is about.

A VOCE
41 Madison Ave.
212 545 8555

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