Via Carota

Via Carota is a joint venture between West Village power couple Jody Williams (Buvette) and Rita Sodi (I Sodi). All three of their restaurants are in a charming West Village enclave near Sheridan Square and attract a strong following of locals and restaurant-industry types. It's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't want to hang out in the welcoming, glass-fronted 75-seat space. The food is spectacular too. Salt cod fritters, black kale with pork sausage, gnocchi bathed in gorgonzola and fried rabbit with rosemary and garlic toast barely scratch the surface of the delights found here. Risotto and pasta specials are also good.