Misipasta

When you go to sleep at night, do your dreams taste like whipped ricotta? Do you have a dog named Rigatoni and another named Diavola? Have you ever thrown a penny in a well and mumbled the words “reservation at Lilia”?

If so, you’ll love Misipasta the way a Gleek loves nationals. If not, and you have no clue what we’re talking about, congratulations. You’ve somehow dodged the delicious twin vortex of Misi and Lilia fandom, and you therefore lead an uncomplicated life with few reservation hassles. You, too, will like Misipasta, just not as rabidly.

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

Williamsburg restaurants Misi and Lilia have gone double platinum, and neighboring sister establishment Misipasta is the follow-up EP for the dedicated fan base. Part grocery store and part aperitivo bar, this all-day spot features a leafy backyard, several rows of bar stools, and a section where you can buy fresh pasta, $28 housemade pesto, and other alluring take-home goods that seem to be priced in anticipation of a societal collapse. The menu is tiny, so this isn’t the most practical place for a full meal, but it’s the ideal venue for a flawless negroni and a few impressive bites.

Given the name, it would be fair to assume that Misipasta serves a lot of pasta. That is not the case. The menu changes frequently and includes, at most, two pastas. Most of the other options are snack-sized items that tend to do a lot with a little. Past highlights have included smoked swordfish with a hefty pour of olive oil, anchovies served over sweet roasted tomatoes, and a crunchy fried sandwich filled with mozzarella. If available, be sure to get the prosciutto paired with puffy gougères that taste like custardy Cheez-Its.

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

photo credit: Kate Previte

You’ll probably order a pasta as well, because not doing so would feel weird and inappropriate. Just be aware that the pastas here aren’t the showstoppers you’d expect from this restaurant group. They’re simple and understated—tart spaghetti with crunchy breadcrumbs, say.

Misipasta isn’t like its siblings. It’s not a big-night-out spot, and it’s not where you go to eat bucatini and agnolotti until you’re 50% semolina. It is, however, useful for when you want to enjoy some memorable small plates in a backyard that looks like it was airlifted in from Malibu. If the reservationist at Lilia is no longer taking your calls, you can also pop in for a box of rigatoni. It'll run you around $15, but in this stretch of Williamsburg, that's the price of fandom.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Kate Previte

Smoked Anchovy, Slow Roasted Tomatoes, Fennel Pollen

Yes, this dish is $14, and you could eat the whole thing in one or two bites, depending on how concerned you are with choking—but it’s also a great drinking snack. The smoked anchovies are fantastic on their own, and the sweet roasted tomatoes help round things out.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Spaghetti, Bottarga, Lemon, Garlic Breadcrumbs

So much lemon juice. So many breadcrumbs. It may not look like much, but this pasta is packed with flavor, and you should get it every time.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Maltagliati, Salsa Pomodoro, Roasted Garlic, Fiore Sardo

Misipasta's maltagliati arrives in a simple pomodoro sauce with a bit of smoked cheese grated on top. It's not a ground-breaking dish, but the bouncy sheets of fresh pasta are the closest you'll get to eating grade A silk. Do the spaghetti first, then try this.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Prosciutto di Parma, Fontina Gougère

If you're curious about Misipasta, and you decide to drop in and order one thing off the menu, this should be that thing. The warm gougères are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Drape some prosciutto on top, and enjoy.

Mozzarella In Carozza

Unsurprisingly, fried bread filled with stretchy mozzarella tastes good. To keep things interesting, there’s a bit of anchovy hiding inside. We wouldn't say this is a must-order, but there's very little chance you'll complain about it.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Grilled Artichoke, Sharp Provolone, Hot Peppers, Sesame Roll

One of the most substantial items on the menu, this sandwich comes stuffed with charred artichokes, hot peppers, and thinly sliced provolone. It's not the epiphany that some people make it out to be, but it is a nice, simple snack. We’re big fans of the crispy sesame bun.

photo credit: Kate Previte

Negroni

Maybe it's the pristine backyard, maybe it's the bartender's crisp chore coat, or maybe it's the Italian gin that they use. We don't know exactly why this is the best negroni in Williamsburg, but it is.