Italian: I Coppi
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It’s always a pleasant surprise to happen upon a hidden gem in NYC. Space and real estate are a hot commodity here – some of the best meals can be found at hidden holes-in-the-wall. However, I’m definitely not one to turn my nose up at quaint ambiance and cozy decor. With a secret outdoor dining area and scrumptious Italian fare, I Coppi won me over pronto; I had a truly delightful meal here!
Eating buddy and I first started with the Crostoni Di Taleggio E Fichi – grilled Tuscan bread with melted taleggio cheese and figs, served on a baby arugula salad:
My eating buddy ordered the entree special (first picture), a cheese and mushroom stuffed pork chop. This chop was huuuge! I admit I usually stay away from pork chops, as the ones I’ve had were a bit dry. However, a sample bite or two of eating buddy’s chop was juicy, flavorful and just the right amount of fatty. If you had to go with a pork chop, you couldn’t go too wrong with this one here.
I ordered the pasta special – pesto penne topped with a soft cheese, the name of which escapes me now (but was deeeelicioso!). I am a HUGE pesto fan. Huge. This one was exploding with fresh basil flavor – so yummy! The soft cheese added creaminess and just a touch of tang to the dish. Anyone know what type of cheese this is? All I know is that I was wiping up these pesto sauce with the breadbasket. Mmm!
As I mentioned before, we were lucky enough to be sitting in the covered dining garden – look at this place. Hard to believe it’s in the heart of the East Village, isn’t it?
I would definitely recommend I Coppi for scrumptious Italian fare in a casual, intimate setting. The service was attentive, knowledgeable and prompt. We dined here on a Sunday night and it was pretty packed, so definitely call ahead for reservations in the dining garden!
I Coppi
432 East 9th St. (between 1st/A)
212.254.2263
Unbeatable atmosphere, delectable cuisine.
That crostini looks amazing! Wish I could help you out with the cheese – it looks yummy. And the East Village is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York
1Oh man! I loooooove Italian food!! Those all look delish and drool worthy at 9:30 in the morning. ha!
2Oh my! A four apple rating! This goes on my "must visit" list for when I visit NYC.
3Love Italiand food, really I love! gloria
4Ummmm I hate you! Only because this looks absolutely amazing and I am starving!
5You seriously make me want to move to NYC just so I can eat my way through the city. Everything always looks wonderful!
6I was recently looking for some good Italian joints. I missed this one…Thanks!
7Looks like a great place! The pasta looks amazing!!
8omg. I'm craving pesto now. YUM!
9want to dine like you do!! Looks like a sweet and cozy place with amazing food! Im actually making pork chops tonight, but im sure they wont look or taste like this…but their okay!
10Ohhh my goodness, everything looks/sounds AMAZING!!! I go ga-ga for anything with basil. I just want to bathe in basil awesomeness…
11Love ICoppi! It's one of my favorites that we always frequent
xoxo
12Thank you and ooh BOTH you and Dawn love it – it's gotta be a winner!
xoxo,
13Chic 'n Cheap Living
the food looks so amazing. i just ate dinner but am suddenly craving i coppi!
14Oh I definitely need to try this place! Definitely a gem.
Perhaps the cheese is burrata?
15I went on an accidental date to I Coppi! I love that place . . .
16that looks really really yummy! although i never make it to the east village, because i'm a lazy fart. i may have to make an exception!
17Um, your blog makes me hungry!
18This looks and sounds SOO good. I definitely have to visit this place!
19That pesto dish looks to die for. I love the atmosphere too. I could easily see myself splitting a bottle of wine there. Thanks for the post!
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