44 SW Ristorante & Bar - New York City

While walking back to our hotel we were heading down 9^th and were just going to eat at the first place that really caught our eye.

We had no particular type of cuisine in mind however as we passed 44 SW Ristorante and Bar the hostess walked up to us on the street and told us that they were family owned and had been open for 43 years.

After a quick glance over the menu we decided that with this longevity they must be doing something right and decided to give them a try.

After being seated in the charming dining area they brought out a basket of fresh bread while we perused the menu.

We decided to start with two appetizers.

The fresh Bufala Mozzarella (roasted peppers, roma tomatoes and fresh basil $15)

And Minature Fried Ravoli (filled with ricotta & spinach with pesto $11)

Both appetizers were quite good and by this point we knew we were in the real deal.

My friend ordered the Chicken 44.

(sliced chicken, goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms in garlic & oil, penne $20)

It looked delicious and he was very happy with it.

I didn’t want a pasta dish because I felt the need for something a little lighter so I decided on the Chick and Apple Salad.

(goat cheese and walnuts &17)

Wow this was a good salad!

First of all I couldn’t believe the generous amount of perfectly grilled chicken that was on it. The flavors of the apple, goat cheese and walnuts combined with the dressing was outstanding, and I feel like this is one of the most satisfying salads I have ever eaten in my whole life.

However just as we were really starting to enjoy our meals it happened.

Directly behind us at the bar (pictured in the floral shirt) this “know it all” type guy (who was obviously trying to impress the two ladies who were seated next to him) was talking so loud (and being obnoxious) that it started to ruin our experience.

He was overbearing and completely ruined our dining experience, so we quickly got our check and couldn’t wait to get out of there.

(I wouldn’t normally mention this type of thing in a restaurant review, but it did affect our experience so I thought I should mention it)

Even with the annoying man we still really enjoyed our food and thought that it was a great restaurant. I would definitely return, and think you should give it a try.