Short answer- just once. You should check out the new hotspot for sure. For the ambiance, the liveliness, and the assortment of cocktails that are sure to impress any visitor or date. If, however, you want to show them the best Italian in town, Bad Roman is not the answer. You’re better off at one of the more authentic West Village eateries or even Eataly’s Il Patio di Eataly. But, if you want some of the trendiest decor, coolest sounding drinks, and pretty good food that can be enjoyed in large or small groups, it’s a great spot to check out!
Nestled in the Columbus Circle Mall of all places, Bad Roman is the newest Quality Branded establishment to take the NYC food scene by storm. You’re living under a rock if you have not heard of it at this stage. You’ve also probably seen TikTok’s galore on the must try’s. I am not above getting my recommendations from clearly paid creators, and therefore started the tasting adventure with the Roasted Garlic Babka and ‘Roni Cups & Ranch.
I’ll start on a high- the babka. I’ve had Chocolate Babka and loved it. But roasted garlic babka, what??? Brilliant. Delicious. The well-known twisted shape is infused with a garlic (and pesto maybe?) filling that creates a savory version of what is typically a sweet Eastern European treat. An elevated garlic bread if you will, that would go perfectly with any of the pasta dishes. Of course, none was left over by the time the pasta came but it was an appetizer well worth the hype. Makes me wonder what other modern variations we can make.
Then the roni’s. Massive, crispy pepperoni cups primed for dipping, specifically in the ranch they come with. I had a total of two. One to try and the second to give it another chance. I don’t understand what all the rage is here, these are literally just large pepperoni’s served with slightly above average ranch. Why we opted to pay $11 for 10 pepperoni’s is beyond me. I guess just assumption that there must be something special (and admittedly, the TikToks), we felt it was worth a try. In retrospect, I would have gone with the Black Truffle Honey Whipped Ricotta or Babka for the table would be fine solely as the main dishes are so rich and filling, it’d be good to save room.
Not pictured was a third starter, the Spicy Gem Caesar. Spiced ciabatta crumbs top a familiar Caesar salad for an above-average experience for this salad. I think it may have been the one dish that was better than other versions I have tried, mostly thanks to the twist on the croutons. Would not return for it but glad we got some greens into the meal.
And now the reason for the season, checking out the mains and seeing if the restaurant taste lived up to, well, everything else. Starting with a pasta that comes as no surprise as the one I would choose, the Short Rib Pappardelle:
Sure the images of the Whole Roasted Lobster & Calabrian Pasta look absolutely insane, and the Rock Shrimp Chitarra has more positive reviews than any menu item I have seen; but, I am a sucker for pappardelle, as chronicled many times before, even across the globe. With its thick and chewy noodle, it’s the carb that can’t be beat once it soaks up the white sauce it accompanies. Unlike most noodles, it can also compliment a meat like pulled short rib surprisingly well as the wide ribbons provide a substantial base to carry the flavors. With all of that said, I liked this pasta, not loved. It was a rich and hearty pappardelle, with a flavorful cheesy sauce that did not overload the plate. The braised rib tasted good too but, as you can see above, came in a very small quantity. Almost as if it were an afterthought or garnish.
I expected much more in each bite for a Braised Rib Pappardelle both in the flavors of the noodle and in the meat. Pappardelle is a great pasta to hold and complement rich sauces and pair with various ingredients like hearty meats- Bad Roman should take much more advantage of that!
And then, the restuarant’s biggest conversation starter: Filet with Cacio e Pepe Raviolo. A perfectly cooked filet, with its tender and succulent texture, served as a strong foundation for the star of the show: the Cacio e Pepe Raviolo. Cacio e Pepe Raviolo combines the beloved flavors of Cacio e Pepe with the luxurious presentation of a single large raviolo. Cacio e Pepe is a traditional Roman pasta dish made with simple ingredients like pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Raviolo, on the other hand, is a larger version of ravioli, typically filled with various ingredients. Put them together and what do you got? Apparently the exact right thing to top your steak with! As you cut into the pasta on top of the steak, the filling oozes out over your plate, creating the most perfect video:
So I’ve mentioned a couple of food pluses, and a few misses, but this one? This knocks it out of the park! The filet is well-prepared, perfectly medium-well and tender as a steak should be. Then the oversized raviolo was carefully placed on top of the filet, showcasing the creativity and innovation that Bad Roman is known for.
Rating: ★★★★★
And to finish, the Lemon Cheesecake. There are a couple of desserts on the menu that are attention-grabbing. Caramelized Chocolate Tart & Olive Oil Gelato and Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake offer a unique take on tried and true sweets but we played it safe with a Lemon Cheesecake. We didn’t realize the presentation would come to WOW us and end the meal on the most perfect, tart note. Behold the most beautifully presented lemon-shaped slices of cheesecake I have ever seen:
A whimsical take on cheesecake, you crack into the lemon shell to reveal a creamy lemon-flavored cheesecake below. Visually, the contrast in the yellow exterior and white interior, the shape, and the beautiful plate the dish is served on already gets your anticipation going. And when you bite into it, you are not disappointed! Tangy and zesty, you immediately get a kick of lemon. The smooth inside, crunchy outside, and crumbled cheesecake around the lemons also have every texture, adding to the cheesecake experience. The taste is all around there with velvety cheesecake and zingy lemon essence, finishing off the meal on a very bright note.
So, as you see, a bit of a mixed bag at Bad Roman. An incredibly innovative menu with beautiful presentations and lots of different things to try, it’s a place to see and be seen. I say it is worth the hype, but perhaps just once. NYC is too full of great food spots to give up the opportunity to try something else, even if the restaurant is less ornate.
P.S. I wasn’t kidding about the decor. Just check out the full on fountain outside of the bathroom!
