If you’ve been dreaming of an Italian getaway but your bank account is barely getting you a ride on the subway, let us introduce you to Alba Accanto, which is whisking NYers away on an Amalfi Coast adventure without having to leave NYC.
In reality a trip to Alba Accanto places you below the High Line on the ground floor of the Lantern House, though you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped straight to Positano.
That’s to say the decor is all pastel colors inspired by the grandeur of the Mediterranean including sculptural pieces, large-scale paintings, illustrated menus, and hand-painted tableware sourced straight from Puglia.
“Will and I wanted to create a welcoming Italian-inspired experience in the spirited neighborhood of Chelsea that would provide a true glimpse of Positano,” says Cobi Levy of Prince Street Hospitality. “Our dedicated team has worked meticulously to curate the ultimate escape with a quality-driven menu of crudi, wines, and aperitivo-style cocktails to savor the elegant flavors of Italy while immersed in New York City’s infectious energy.”
And their menu is exactly what we have our eyes on.
Executive Chef Adam Leonti helms the kitchen, which serves a number of seasonal dishes composed of light and colorful flavors.
Crudi dishes (which means raw in Italian) are the star of the show and include Seared Yellowtail served with grapefruit, pink pepper, and ginger, Spicy Toro, a spicy tuna dish served with bomba sauce, and Sweet Shrimp Tartare served with tomato confit and stracciatella.
There are a couple of baked and fried dishes on the menu as well though, such as Zucchini Flowers served with yuzu mousse, and Focaccia di Recco, a thin Italian flatbread served with herbs, prosciutto, or truffle.
And as for the cocktails you’ll obviously find all the classic aperitivo, spritz, and negroni selections–all which complement the crudi-focused menu flawlessly. Plus some non-alcoholic libations are available as well.
The fan favorite Portofino is their tequila reposado-based pineapple signature margarita, while the Cocoffee combines a vodka-based espresso with coconut cream. The Capri and Water Will are other great citrus choices, which combine vodka with subtle citrus and tequila blanco with grapefruit respectively.
And don’t worry, an extensive selection of wine makes up the menu as well.
Alba Accanto comes from Prince Street Hospitality–the ones behind instant-hit neighborhood establishments like Little Prince, Lola Taverna, and Cucina Alba.
And while we know White Lotus was filmed in Sicily and not the Amalfi Coast, this dreamy Positano escape gives us the ultimate White Lotus vibes and is the perfect place to live out your inner Tanya (just don’t go near any boats post-meal!)
Alba Accanto is located at 141 10th Ave. in West Chelsea. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. You can learn more and book a res on their website.