Overview:
Villanelle was opened in February by novice restaurateur Catherine Manning. The relatively small space (44 seats plus a bar) is modern with a laid-back elegance that comes from natural materials like bare wood and white washed brick. Due to the restaurant's close proximity to the Union Square Green Market the food can focus on seasonality and local ingredients. The menu is concise with both a la carte and prix fix options. This is elevated cuisine with delicate plating, unlike some of the restaurants that dot the NYU campus area. Sample dishes include chicken liver mousse with chicharron, risotto with chanterelles and Colorado lamb with eggplant. You'll find a carefully curated wine list and imaginative cocktails to pair with the meal.
