Eat This: Sassetta's Sexy Space and Luscious Italian Will Have You Drooling

Photo: Sassetta/Facebook

While I will totally opt for takeout in order to stay in sweatpants (ciao, winter!), I expect an atmosphere when I’m in need of good Italian food. That means everywhere from the red sauce joint with the questionably sticky corner booth to a spot that is committed to artful statements from the interiors down to the plating. Like Sassetta.

This place sets some high expectations upon entering — you’re in the Design District, after all. With warm, modern fixtures, glitzy embellishments and cozy textures, Sassetta invites you to take a look around before turning your attention to the menu. Earn yourself some extra gawking time and go ahead and order the dry-aged meatballs and ricotta for the table. Then start peeping what the servers are delivering to neighboring tables. After all, this is an influential kind of place.

The wine offerings vastly outnumber the food menu options, so if you find yourself stuck, the servers are happy to suggest a solid pairing or something for the entire table. Get bottles, y’all. And for those of us taking a tour of the cocktail menu, start with a Venetian OG, the Bellini. The sweet, classic combination of white peach, St. Germain, and Prosecco will have you flushed and giggling before the server is back to take the dinner order.

Sassetta has been described as “Italian by way of California,” so you can expect to see a few classics (and surprises) on the menu. Pappardelle al Ragù alla Bolognese, done. Yellowfin tuna crudo, sign me up. Taleggio, black pepper, burnt honey pizza… oh yes. And trust me, after seeing this greyscale pizza floating by your table, you’ll be just as intrigued.

I recommend balancing out the unexpected with an Italian staple. And honestly, an Italian place’s lasagna is like a dive bar’s Bloody Mary. It’s the true taste test. (Spoiler alert: Their Lasagna al forno is made with béchamel cheese instead of ricotta, so you’re still in for something slightly different but just as delicious.)

All in all, this place checks every box. The warm and friendly atmosphere perfectly complements the sparkling service, and the menu packs just enough surprises but still satisfies that craving for Italian comfort. And Bellini-induced euphoria aside, it’s a place that should definitely be in everyone’s rotation.