The first of my group to arrive at the charming Ballarò Caffé Prosciutteria, I had time to sit and take in the decor. Above the bar, amidst the collections of Italian wines and sparkling glassware, wreaths of garlic and a deer’s head were hung with care.

The space was small and cozy, with several high bar tables with tall stools in the front, and a wooden bench built into the back corner to accommodate several smaller tables. A chandelier laden with crystals and glass flowers cast a romantic glow upon the wine bottles lining the walls of the restaurant.

My friends and I were there to embark on a special five-course menu that would take our taste buds on a tour of Italy. Before the actual meal started, we were greeted with a basket of warm, salty bread that set the tone for the night. Salt crystals sprinkled on the top crust crunched exquisitely, like so many brittle stars, before melting back into the soft bread. I was tempted to fill up on the bread basket alone, but I paced myself!

First course arrived on a rustic wood board lined with waxed paper. It was a cheese plate that included Pecorino Romano, mozzarella fior de latte, and cacciotta al tartufo. The selections provided us with a full range of flavors and textures. The pecorino was hard and intensely strong, while the mozzarella was delicately soft on both the mouth and palate. The appellation “fior de latte” translates as “flower of the milk” which perfectly describes the mozzarella’s light nuances. While all were enjoyable, the cacciotta was the runaway star of the plate. A soft mild cheese with specks of black truffles infused throughout, it filled my mouth with a pleasant earthiness. We toasted with glasses of a dry Prosecco. The bubbles were just right to offset the richness of the bread and cheeses.

Second course was a light salad composed of bresaola, fresh arugula, and shaved parmesan. The bresaola, a traditional aged salted beef, was served in transparently thin slices so that it almost melted upon the tongue. The salty taste combined really well with the cooler, bitter taste of the leaves and intensity of the cheese. We paired it with glasses of a dry white wine to really kick it up a notch.

For the third course, we tried two varieties of Italian sausages, one made from chicken and one made with pork. The server was thoughtful enough to place one of each on the two plates to make sharing easier on both sides of the table. The sausages were plump and juicy and exactly the kind of savory that makes you drool more you chew. The accompanying potatoes and broccoli were kept simple to help us soak up the juices. With the heartier fare under way, the ladies and I transitioned into red wine.

For the next course, we sampled two kinds of meatballs, chicken and pork. The kitchen kept the two flavors separate this time because the sauces were so different. The pork meatballs were served in a traditional tomato sauce. It was thick and hearty. In contrast, the sauce for the chicken meatballs was almost like a clear broth with vegetables. The taste was a lot lighter but still satisfying.

Entering the fifth course, we wondered how we would find the room. Then, our server placed bowls filled to the brim with luscious lasagne and the aroma convinced us to persevere. We took big gulps of our wine for strength and dug in. The layers of pasta, meat, and cheese resisted momentarily and then yielded easily beneath our forks. It was interesting that the dish was so robust but still felt like it just melted in our mouths.

Dining at Ballarò Caffé Prosciutteria was a truly enjoyable experience. The food and atmosphere was comforting, as if an Italian mom had decreed that we must mangia. And boy, did we!

Ballarò Caffé Prosciutteria
77 Second Avenue
212-228-2969