It’s hard to find elegance, presentation, fast service and authentic Italian cuisine all in one place. Let alone one with ultra-reasonable prices including $12 cocktails that go down to $10 during happy hour (every day from 4 PM to 6 PM). Alessa’s Espresso Martini has become somewhat of a legend in the neighborhood with the afterwork bar crowd even though it’s not officially on the drink menu. Meanwhile, adventurous cocktail enthusiasts partake of the truly unique Martini Parmigiano which features parmigiano-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc, olive oil, black pepper and an olive stuffed with bleu cheese.
CLASSIC AND CREATIVE
You can actually get “Italian classics” like Chicken Parm as well as fusion Italian—the perfect example of this being the off-the-chain locally made Burrata with a fresh green sauce that includes basil, squash, peas and honey. The Burrata is the perfect app and big enough to share before moving onto Alessa’s highly beloved pizza selection.
Owner Thomas Murphy of 212 Hospitality Group agrees that the Burrata is a great example of the more experimental dishes served at Alessa. He explained in our exclusive interview, “We love playing with ingredients and seasonal flavors to give some of our dishes a fresh twist. The burrata with the green sauce is inspired by the traditional flavors of pesto, but we’ve added fresh peas to bring in a natural sweetness and a bit of vibrancy. It’s those small, intentional tweaks that make a dish feel both familiar and new. We’re not reinventing the wheel, but we’re always exploring ways to elevate the experience by utilizing fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.” Another popular app is the House Made Meatballs served with San Marzano sauce and grilled bread.
For something with a meaty kick, try the pizza known as the Spicy Salami which is topped with Calabrian chili and whole basil leaves. White pizza lovers will have their minds blown by the classic Bianco pizza which features buffalo mozzarella, ricotta and roasted garlic—with the option of adding mixed wild mushrooms and chives. Vegan substitutes are available as well as gluten-free crust. In all honesty, it’s hard for two people to finish a rich Alessa pizza (let alone one), so plan on taking leftovers home. “Our pizza is a must-try—they’re crafted with a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust and high-quality ingredients that really shine,” revealed Murphy.
There are both light and indulgent entrees available and it is hard to choose just one. Alessa is a good place for a table of four to share a few different entrees—portions are generous so there truly is enough food for everyone! The Veal Milanese—which is actually a pounded extra-large veal chop battered, fried and then brushed with herb oil—is a runaway favorite served atop arugula, tomato and lemon. Chef Denevin Miranda (a Food Network Chopped champion) knows how to do a beautiful bone on presentation. Regulars praise the pasta entrees, especially Rigatoni With Braised Short Rib Sugo and Ricotta Gnudi With Blue Crab (we pretty much demolished a large bowl of the Braised Short Rib Sugo and loved the extra-large dollop of freshly made ricotta topping the bowl).
FROM TUNA TARTARE TO TIRAMISU
For those who love seafood, there are plenty of entree choices including Branzino served with spinach, artichoke and salsa verde, and salmon with sweet peppers. Those who are fans of raw seafood will love the Oysters served with pepperoncini mignonette, Tuna Tartare served with black olives, capers and confit tomato, Fluke Crudo served with blood orange, fennel and radish and Octopus Carpaccio served with pickled grapes and sorrel.
Don’t leave without having one of Alessa’s sumptuous house-made desserts. The most popular being their Tiramisu; a truly fresh and creamy take with a slightly stronger espresso taste than the standard. The portion was big enough for two people to share and I was tempted to pick up the bowl and lick it (you will be too)! Other desserts include Affogato (vanilla gelato, espresso and chocolate curls) and the Italian Chocolate Chip Cookie (a warm double chocolate brown butter cookie with hazelnuts, gianduja chunks, vanilla ice cream and a parmesan crisp). They also have much raved about Gelato and Sorbet with flavor offerings that are changed week to week.
As for the more than fair prices at Alessa, Murphy reveals that it was “a very intentional decision. With a space that holds up to 400 guests and our high volume of traffic (especially given our close proximity to Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, and the rapidly growing Penn District), we wanted to create a place that felt both elevated and accessible. We understand that the Midtown crowd is diverse—from locals and commuters to event-goers and tourists—and our goal was to offer something that feels high-quality without the high price tag. By keeping happy hour cocktails at $12 and offering generous portions at fair prices, we’re able to welcome a broader range of guests while still delivering an exceptional experience. It’s about creating value without compromising on flavor, atmosphere, or service.”
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Opening a restaurant is never easy, but Alessa has quickly gathered steam since its opening in September 2024. Murphy states, “Opening Alessa has been incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest highlights has been seeing how it fills a real void in the area—we’ve created a space that truly offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an upscale happy hour, a lively evening at one of our two bars, a more intimate private dining experience, or full-service catering, Alessa delivers all of that under one roof. Watching guests discover those different sides of the restaurant has been a real joy
The slogan on the home page of the Alessa website says that the midtown eatery is “a slice of ‘la dolce vita’ in the bustle of Penn District” and we couldn’t agree more. With its intricate yet modern woodwork that goes from floor to ceiling and 1950s style high-top chairs and booths, the resto feels airy and timeless—and the great smell of Neapolitan style pizzas baking makes your mouth water. Alessa’s a top pick for anyone from nearby middle-aged office workers to young families to hipster artisanal cocktail chasers (there is actually a speakeasy in the back with dim lighting and plush couches).
It’s hard to create a resto that people with all different tastes can love, but Alessa is the closest that you can get to it in the Big Apple. Murphy concludes, “What’s been especially rewarding is how many families and date nights we’ve seen embrace Alessa as their go-to spot—there’s something about the space and the food that makes people feel at home. That kind is what makes the energy at Alessa so dynamic. No matter who walks through the door, we want them to feel welcome and well taken care of.”
For more information, please visit alessanyc.com