All'onda describes itself as a modern Italian restaurant and it's another one that I got to cross off my list recently when we had lunch there during Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week is a discount dining program that usually occurs every winter and summer in New York City in which participating establishments offer three course dining deals at lunch ($25) and dinner ($38). It's a fantastic way to try fine dining spots for less. Because of timing, we only got to go to All'onda for this round but I hope to hit up a few more restaurants during the summer event. The word All'onda means "of the wave" and the decor of the bi-level space is mostly contemporary with some rustic touches. The cuisine is Venetian influenced with some flashes of Japanese fusion. For our appetizers, we went with the kale salad and tuna tartare ($5 supplement). The tuna tartare had good flavor but it was only a few bites. The kale salad was more generously portioned and it was also over-seasoned. Our entrée choices were the parmesan dashi ramen with porchetta and brussels sprouts and skate with lemon parsley and salted plum. The skate had the better flavors but the portion was minuscule. The ramen was a skimpy portion as well. The broth tasted good but the porchetta lacked flavor and the noodles were lacking as well. This dish is usually $17 and l would've been pissed if I had to pay full price for it. Dessert was probably the best course and this is coming from someone who doesn't usually eat desserts. The olive oil cake with lemon and basil was moist with a nice subtle flavor. It probably looks bigger in my photo than it actually was. The hazelnut mousse with chocolate crumble and candied orange was probably my favorite dish. The texture was light and creamy and tasty. The service was pleasant enough though quite slow and not particularly attentive. For the standard prices they charge, I would hope that the portions aren't so tiny when it's not Restaurant Week. I can appreciate it when a restaurant offers their usual menu during RW but these serving sizes were ridiculous and we're not even big eaters. I can say that I dined at All'onda but I will not be going there again. For Italian food, Locanda Verde was way more impressive.
Have you dined out for Restaurant Week in New York? Does your city offer such an event?
All'onda
22 East 13th Street (University & Fifth)
New York City
212.231.2236
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