April 15, 2009 | Food + Drink

All in the Family

In Italian culture, everything social seems to revolve around food or la famiglia or both. And, at the newly opened Scuderia, a modern-day, Italian trattoria, nothing could be closer to the truth. Created by the energetic Silvano Marchetto, the restaurant is co-owned with his daughter Leyla Marchetto and his partners Alessandro Bandini (an 11 year veteran employee) and Fabrizio Sotti (a favorite regular at the restaurant and friend). Even the restaurant’s logo and key design elements of the space were done by a “family member,” in this case, Silvano’s wife Marisa, an accomplished artist and cartoonist.

The foursome, who were all considering separate projects, came together when the opportunity of taking over an empty space across the street from Silvano’s other restaurants, including the iconic Da Silvano, Da Silvano Bistecca and Bar Pitti, became available.

Serving simple Italian comfort food, Scuderia has quickly created a buzz around town for having incredible pastas and pizzas. We suggest ordering the Occhio di Bue or “Bullseye,” with mozzarella, pecorino, spinach, egg and pancetta for a taste of a traditional Roman pizza. For dessert, try the Pizzetta con Nutella e Marscapone for another decadent and fun treat.

With several large communal tables, including an 8ft long, bar height chef’s table that seats up to 12, Scuderia is ideal for casual group dinners. The mezzanine, located behind the bar, is a charming little nook that can seat 18 guests at 2 long tables or up to 25 guests at an assortment of smaller tables. When the weather warms up, expect the same sidewalk seating as across the street with just as much people watching.

Scuderia is located at 257 6th Avenue (between Houston & Bleecker Streets) or, simply, across the street from Da Silvano! For larger reservations and special events, call 212-206-9111.