Chef Rich Torrisi has mastered the recipe for creating a hit restaurant. When the New York-native chef opened Torrisi Italian Specialties in 2009, it was a watershed moment for Italian cuisine. Offering charcuterie-stacked sandwiches by day and elegant prix-fixe dinners by night, Torrisi showcased the range of high-quality Italian products and recipes.
Together with the Major Food Group founders, Torrisi has opened Carbone, Parm, Sadelle’s, and many more—all instantly popular, all known for their vibes and great food. Opened in late November 2022, Torrisi Bar & Restaurant is the team’s latest New York venture. Swapping red-and-white checkered tablecloths for crisp pressed linens, Torrisi serves upscale homey recipes like tortellini pomodoro and linguini with clam sauce. A critical success, it was no surprise that the restaurant earned One MICHELIN Star in 2023.
Helping to run a hospitality empire keeps Torrisi busy, but he still finds time to enjoy New York, soup to nuts. Here, he shares with The MICHELIN Guide some of his favorite places around the city.
New York runs on coffee. What's your favorite place to get a cup?
Coffee with cardamom from Punjabi Deli.
When the night stretches on, where do you go to keep the evening alive?
I love neighborhood spots. The Mulberry (a neighborhood speakeasy), The Nines, and The Bowery Lobby in the Bowery Hotel.
When hunger strikes, where can you find a great late-night snack?
Great N.Y. Noodletown. My go-to orders are the salt baked squid, baby pig, Chinese flowering chives with shredded roast duck, Singapore chow fun (spicy), and wonton soup with shrimp.
What is your guilty pleasure and where do you go to satisfy it?
George Motz's fried onion burger with cheese from Hamburger America; lamb shawarma from Mamoun's Falafel; nocciola gelato from Gelateria Gentile; a classic Sabrett street hot dog with the works; or a dim sum feast.
What are your favorite spots to celebrate a special occasion?
The Grill, Torrisi, Yoshino, or Cote.
What are your go-to spots for taking out-of-towners?
I take them to one of my restaurants, otherwise, Russ & Daughters, Lucali, Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Minetta Tavern, Tatiana, or Sakagura.
Outside of the restaurant scene, what is your preferred place in the city?
I live near Washington Square Park and find myself there at least once a day, whether I'm with my dog, just passing through, or having meetings there. I love to cycle the loop in Central Park and go for runs under the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. I enjoy Hudson River Park, Carl Schurz Park in Yorkville, and Columbus Park in Chinatown, all of which I've discovered at different times in my life. When I lived in Stuy Town, I appreciated the green areas there. Regardless of which neighborhood I'm living in, I'm drawn to the parks. I'm an outdoors guy.
Address Book:
Punjabi Deli
114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
The Bar on Mulberry LLC
Lower Level, 240 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
The Nines
9 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012
Hamburger America
51 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Mamoun's Falafel
119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Gelateria Gentile - West Village
43 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Washington Square Park
Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
Central Park
79th Street & 85th Street, New York, NY 10024
Hudson River Park
61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
Carl Schurz Park
East 86th Street &, East End Ave, New York, NY 10028
Columbus Park
Mulberry Street &, Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
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