Restaurant Review: De Santos
The West Village is packed with date night spots. From The Waverly Inn to Bobo, there are just too many intimate restaurants for one small section of Manhattan. Naturally we thought about what new ideas and dining concepts that De Santos would bring to the table that would differentiate it from the rest of the pack. On the outside, De Santos doesn’t look too different from the other date spots in the West Village with it’s dark brick townhouse look but the inside actually does deviate from the typical cutesy village design. The front bar area can either be the perfect place to grab a cocktail before going out to say the Meatpacking District or a good spot for a first date. It’s really all depending on where you sit to be honest. The front of the restaurant seemed to be much more packed and lively than the back areas. That being said, the acoustics were off throughout the restaurant. It was a bit difficult to speak to someone across the table and eavesdropping on another table’s conversation was almost inevitable.
The food is mostly American but there are a few Italian influences on the menu. The Beef Carpaccio with Gnocchi and Truffle Cream is a very good starter to share for the table. The thin slices of beef carpaccio are fresh and the rich flavor of the beef went well when mixed with the gnocchi. The Truffle Maccaroni and Cheese, a bit on the safe side, is generally a good item to order especially when dining with picky eaters. The Grilled Pork Chop was also great as an entree. The pork was moist and cooked well and the couscous underneath was a nice touch.
De Santos is a good spot for a date in the West Village or if you are with some less than adventurous eaters. The food is decent, but it is not anything that you can’t find at another spot around the corner. However, the portions are generous for what you get which is great especially since an entree averages around $26. De Santos is also a nice spot for a cocktail and an appetizer at the bar as the atmosphere is lively enough to fill those awkward pauses we all encounter on first dates but also can be an intimate place to get to know one another. Also the cooking is simple and straight forward so you won’t have to worry about you’re date not liking anything on the menu.
De Santos
Ambiance: 7
Food: 5
Service: 7
Overall: 6
Verdict: Mirage
139 West 10th St.
New York, NY 10014
212-206-9229
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