Chef Andrew LoPresto owns a remarkable eatery on Lenox Avenue that is just as noteworthy as its neighbors in Harlem’s restaurant row.

Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own

Babbalucci (meaning snail) in Italian is a silent nod to the slow food movement, which is what every aspect of the menu here embodies.

This casual Italian-American spot has the comfort of home from the minute you walk in with its wood-fired oven, exposed brick walls and smattering of antique decor.

The brick oven does much more offer warmth – it is the core of Babbalucci. All their baking is done in-house producing bread, pizza crusts and more that are so light and airy – you just can’t stop eating it.

Just look at the crust on this Neapolitan style pizza known as the “Nutty Tom” topped w/ artichoke, oven roasted tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta and nutmeg. 


What I really love about Babbalucci is just how fresh their ingredients are. You can really taste the flavors of everything you are eating. Even a simple frisee salad – is so well crafted.

I found that you really can’t go wrong with anything you pick from LoPresto’s menu. Take for example the “Trenette” which is any pasta lovers dream dish. Made with fresh pasta, shrimp, Italian hot peppers, cognac cream sauce and touch of tomato – it is simply outstanding.

Babbalucci is a destination that is really worth going uptown for. I, for one, cannot wait to go back.

Here is some of what we ate:

Frisee kale, butternut squash, apple, goat cheese, cider dressing

Nutty Tom mozzarella, ricotta, roasted tomatoes, spinach, artichokes, nutmeg

Tonno tuna, whipped goat cheese, tomato

Wild Coho Salmon frisee, olives, rosemary potatoes, mustard sauce

Trenette fresh pasta, shrimp, italian hot peppers, cognac cream sauce, tomato