If you've got Italian on the mind, Flatiron District residents and workers now have a new option: Scampi recently opened its doors in the neighborhood at 30 W 18th St. (between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th).
This newcomer is the first solo restaurant venture from veteran chef PJ Calapa—formerly of Altamarea Group, Nobu 57, Ai Fiori and Eleven Madison Park—and features seafood-centric, Southern Italian-influenced cuisine.
On the menu, expect to see an array of crudo and vegetable dishes to start, including tuna tartare with tomato, cucumber, and Calabrian chilies; Manila razor clams with fennel and prosciutto; delicata squash with caramelized kale pesto, pumpkin seeds, and burrata; and grilled beets with sheep's milk ricotta.
For mains, Scampi offers grilled entrées and pasta dishes. Look for branzino with broccoli rabe and chilies; langostines grilled in butter; herb marinated chicken with wild herbs; spaghetti with mint and squid; and braised pork ravioli.
Rounding things out are wines by the bottle or the glass, and bottled beers from Italy and New York.
With a five-star rating out of two reviews on Yelp so far, the new addition has been a hit in the neighborhood.
Marytere B., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on December 9th, said: "Amazing, amazing food! I cannot say enough about the crudos—all are perfection! The razor clams are out of this world, and the langostines are heavenly. The pastas are all delicious."
Yelper Mar V. added: “This is a great new restaurant! Delicious, super-fresh food. Lots of seafood, as you'd guess from the name. But also great steak, chicken and very yummy veggies."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Scampi is open Monday–Wednesday from 5pm–11pm, and Thursday–Saturday from 5pm–midnight. (It's closed on Sunday.)
