Shortly after the original Sant Ambroeus opened its doors in Milan in 1936, a devoted following emerged. This celebrated pasticceria and confetteria became the meeting place for the local intelligentsia, whether beginning their day with Sant Ambroeus’s legendary cappuccino and cornetto, savoring panini at lunch, or spending their evening enjoying refined cuisine in the restaurant’s elegant dining room.
These old-world sensibilities of Sant Ambroeus have been translated to modern times, and the rich culinary traditions to three New York neighborhoods: the West Village, Nolita, the Upper East Side, and Southampton.
Sant’Ambroeus on West 4th is as much about the scene, as it is the food. The small restaurant, caffe, bar, gelateria seats probably no more than 30 inside, and 15 out. But the food is reliable on every level. The panini are excellent, the pasta is good, and even the maon courses deliver. Of course, all of this does not come without a price, so expect to pay for it.