The quintessential Antico Nuovo starter. The focaccia is baked in the wood hearth to achieve a charred, smoky crust and is served with a light-as-air whipped ricotta and a deeply savory hazelnut pesto that is unique to the house.
Tips from diners
This is non-negotiable. It's some of the best bread in the city, and the hazelnut pesto is a revelation.
A showcase of Chef Colby's technical mastery. The pasta is delicate and translucent, filled with a savory rabbit stuffing that's been slow-cooked with aromatics, and finished in a simple but luxurious brown butter sauce.
Tips from diners
The filling is incredibly flavorful. It's a more delicate dish than the heavier meat mains, making it a great middle course.
Antico Nuovo has gained a cult following for its ice cream, which is hand-churned in small batches using traditional methods. The result is an incredibly dense, smooth, and flavorful dessert that is the perfect end to a rustic Italian meal.
Tips from diners
The texture is unlike anything you'll find in a grocery store. It's remarkably smooth and dense. Don't skip it!
Proof that the hearth can transform the simplest ingredients. The potato is cooked in the embers until the skin is charred and the inside is creamy and concentrated in sweetness, served with a hint of sea salt and olive oil.
Tips from diners
It sounds simple, but the wood fire gives it a smoky depth you can't get at home. It's a perfect accompaniment to any of the meats.
Using whatever fish is freshest from local suppliers, this dish is a brilliant example of hearth cooking. The skin is perfectly charred and the meat remains succulent, highlighted by the subtle smokiness of the wood fire.
Tips from diners
Ask the server for the daily selection. The kitchen's control of the open flame is incredible, resulting in a perfectly cooked fish every time.
Chef Chad Colby's Antico Nuovo is a deeply soulful exploration of regional Italian cuisine. The restaurant centers around a massive wood-burning hearth, using open flames to prepare everything from focaccia to whole fish, all served in an elegant but comfortable Larchmont space.
Antico Nuovo is a popular neighborhood spot. Book at least a week in advance via Tock, or try for a weeknight table.
They offer valet parking, which is highly recommended as street parking on Beverly Blvd can be very difficult during dinner hours.
The interior is elegant and slightly rustic, reflecting the 'ancient techniques' of the kitchen. It's perfect for a more refined neighborhood dinner.
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