Opulence meets whimsical vibes at this new play-on-Italy restaurant that opened near NYC’s Columbus Circle earlier this year.
Backed by Quality Branded, the family of restaurants behind NYC’s most popular dining destinations such as Don Angie, Zou Zou’s, and Quality Bistro, the new restaurant, Bad Roman, may seem like an Italian restaurant, though it’s not an Italian restaurant in the strict sense of the word, according to Michael Stillman, founder of the hospitality group.
Instead, it’s a decadent dining space filled with lush greenery draping from the ceiling, maximalist pops of color, and a gorgeous organically shaped bar at center stage.
Take in sprawling views of Central Park through the floor to ceiling windows as you dig into a menu that boasts dishes inspired by Italian cooking around the world–from the Italian countryside to NYC’s Little Italy.
Dishes include tons of smaller bites for you and your group to share, such as pepperoni cups with ranch and roasted garlic babka, a sweet braided bread which originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine.
A selection of raw bar offerings can also be found on the menu, as well as house-made pastas. And more decadent choices, such as a whole-roasted lobster with Calabrian Campanelle, will make your mouth water when you’re looking to splurge.
Cocktail selections that highlight Italian spirits and play off classic Italian flavors and ingredients make for the perfect accompaniment to your meal, and include drinks such as the Martini Pepperoncini with vodka, pepperoncini brine, and lemon zest, the Bad Ombré with rye, lemon, a Barolo float, and a Chinato sinker, and the Strawberry Sbagliato with strawberry-infused Aperol, Carpano Antica, and prosecco.
A special selection of post-dinner drinks include the Vesuvius Bowl which is set aflame tableside and made with rum, Pinoli Orgeat, and lime, and the Reverse Affogato with vanilla milk-washed vodka and espresso shaved ice.
Is your mouth watering yet?
As for the space itself, the restaurant aims to inject some fun into the city’s regional Italian and Italian American restaurant scene, says Stillman.
The vibrant and playful color scheme is made up of orange hued banquettes, trompe l’oeil mosaics, and blown glass light fixtures all centered around the restaurant’s focal point–a captivating statue of a wild boar that you won’t be able to peel your eyes from.
A variety of seating styles come ready to seat groups of any size, and two private dining rooms with 40 seats each also make up the space.
You can learn more and make reservations on their website.