Petrarca

I was in the area serving jury duty and was released early. Deciding to celebrate a little, I set off towards a lunch in the sunshine since it was a gorgeous Spring day. After wandering into TriBeCa I saw this place as I neared Canal Street. It had outdoor seating along the sidewalk and a nice lunch menu - salads, individual pizzas, pastas, a burger etc, and also a wine list that sold a vast and interesting array of 1/4 bottles (Italian mostly.) Exactly what I was looking for! A friendly, very pretty waitress sat me outdoors at a table (I was solo), which was along a row of them that wrapped around the corner. Soon I was brought water, delicious crusty bread and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and menus. I got the lunch omelette - goat cheese and herbs, and a 1/4 bottle of a delicious white wine which I think was called Tribbiano. The omelette was perfectly prepared - fluffy and light, and it came with perfectly crispy french fries and a small salad. Sitting there, people watching, enjoying the weather and the food and wine, I practically felt like I was in Europe (although the view of the iron front buildings is pure NYC). I had a very nice lunch, the service was very good, and the prices seemed fair. The only nit pick I would have is that you can only buy wine by the 1/4 bottle - but hey that's no big deal! Recommended!

We eat here regularly and find the food very consistent. Great neighborhood feel. Service is relaxed, and the wine list provides some interesting choices. Not quitea hot spot, but always a good meal.

We have ordered a selection of three cheeses for an appetizers. They were to be accompanied by fruit and jams- the waiter came with stale tasting toast topped with the cheese. After I had asked about the fruit and jams he brought a couple of tasteless grapes and a dish of some jam. We were alerady done with the cheese by then ( leaving the stale bread untouched). The main course, pizza and a warm shrimp and bean salad were equally mediocre. The salad occured to be a bed of greens with exactly five shrimp and a couple of canned, I am sure, butter beans. While the atmosphere seemed to be pleasant enough (candle light, soft music, wine racks all over) alltoghether I would not recomend this restaurant to anyone.

Although the food is ok, not great there is something not right about it. The 'whole wheat' pasta....ain't whole wheat, the parmesan is delivered in a cup with a spoon (at least they took it out of the Kraft container) The waitress was ok but had a bit of an attitude. We were the first folks in the restaurant for dinner (it was empty) and yet they still messed up the order. Despite the Kathleen Turner sighting............ just not happening!!

My office is around the corner so I've eaten here frequently -- which is a bit like the Woody Allen Chinese food joke. The setting is great, but the food is very mediocre, nothing like it's big brother, Arqua, across the street. And the staff is always distracted by what seems to be trouble behind the scenes that I never see, but sense....

We eat here regularly and have never had a bad experience. Great food, great wine list (only ever had wonderful recommendations) and 'interesting' staff make for a great atmosphere!

Friend and I stopped in for dinner because it looked nice. Though we had to wait for our table, that gave us a chance to sit at the bar and have the amazing little bruschettas that they have there. Being slightly inexperienced with wine the list of eighty was somewhat daunting but my waiter (even though he was clearly still in high school) was more than able to help me pick one out. Wine's a little expensive, but there are cheaper one's on the menu (which I chose). Calamari was decent, but my lasagna was very good for nineteen bucks. I'd definitely eat there again.