Set the scene.
New York City’s Flatiron District is no stranger to sleek restaurants (Coqodaq, Oiji Mii, and Bar Calico all call this cosmopolitan neighborhood home). Adding to its stellar gastronomic scene is a new establishment that’s taken Instagram by storm—Massara, the sister restaurant to the coveted Rezdôra, opened by Chef Stefano Secchi earlier this year.
Step into its Broadway location, and you’re instantly transported to Southern Italy. The moody, candle-lit dining space spans two levels: the first reveals a rustic Italian trattoria with rugged travertine-tiled floors, a grand wood-fired oven, and an open kitchen where chefs craft each meal; the second floor offers a modern, stylish setting with olive green walls, white marble tables, and a center-stage cocktail bar nestled in forest-hued cabinetry, showcasing an impressive selection of libations.
What can we expect from the food?
The menu at Massara is thoughtfully divided into appetizers, first courses, and entrées, guiding your meal with ease. If you’ve come across the restaurant on Instagram or TikTok, chances are you’ve been captivated by their signature “Cheesemakers Ravioli:” delicate, flower-shaped pasta filled with buffalo mozzarella, topped with datterini (plum) tomato sauce and drizzled with basil olive oil. Trust us, it’s a must-try for two reasons: one, to see if the viral dish lives up to the hype, and two, because it tastes as incredible as it looks. (And let’s not forget, its big sister Rezdôra earned a Michelin star for a reason—their pasta is nothing short of mouth-watering.)
While you wait for the ravioli, there are plenty of other tempting dishes to explore. Massara, meaning “matriarch” or “head of the household,” reflects Chef Stefano Secchi’s homage to his childhood visits to Southern Italy’s Campania region. The menu features a mouthwatering array of seafood, pasta, and pizzas. Standouts include the polpo (octopus) with a green sauce and slow-cooked cantellini beans, as well as the irresistible pizzettes—personal-sized pies like the Raw, topped with stracciatella, arugula, and ham.
Be sure to save room for the entrées, whole fish, and sides—these dishes are not to be missed. The Wagyu ‘New York’ steak, wood-grilled to perfection, arrives sliced and garnished with flaky salt and extra virgin olive oil, earning rave reviews every time. As for the whole European bass (yes, it’s served head, eyes, and all, but trust us, it’s worth it), it’s prepared as if freshly caught from the Mediterranean, with a bright, citrusy touch from charred lemon.
And, of course, there are the sweets. The sfogliatella—a traditional shell-shaped Italian pastry with a sweet or creamy filling, hailing from the province of Salerno—comes in three flavors: classic citron, fig, and pistachio. For something lighter, lemon or elderflower sorbet is a refreshing way to end your savory meal with just a hint of sweetness.
And what about the drinks?
Massara’s curated wine and cocktail list only enhances the dishes you’re about to take in while dining here. We loved the “Strega Nona Needs a Spritz,” a refreshing spritz with Amante 1530, Strega, lemon bitters, and Prosecco served in a sizeable chalice (get ready to drink up), along with the “Sardo Sour,” mixed with Winestillery Gin, Mirto, blackberry, lemon, basil, and egg white. Those who wish to not consume alcohol can opt for the “St. Agrestis Phony Negroni.”
The staff pours their heart and soul into curating the wine selection, with a dedicated menu paragraph highlighting the care that went into choosing the perfect pairings. These wines are described as “drinkable art”—wines with so much personality and depth that they simply can’t be overlooked. While we could keep detailing the offerings, your best bet is to stop by and ask the knowledgeable personnel for their expert recommendations.
Final thoughts?
Did the Instagram hype surrounding Massara do it justice? We’d say it certainly meets expectations—and it’s clear why this Italian eatery has become one of the toughest reservations to snag in New York these days.
Top Takeaways
Location: Flatiron, New York City
Address: 913 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
Cuisine: Italian
The vibe: An elevated Italian trattoria that transports you from NYC’s Flatiron to Southern Italy.
Pricing: $$$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: We loved the “Candles” pasta, which was served with a traditional “Genoese ragù” and a healthy amount of finely grated parmesan.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., it serves dinner every night. Brunch is offered on Saturdays & Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
