Motorino

I crashed my friends dinner date Friday and I'm so glad that I did because we went to Motorino.  And it was sooooo gooooood!

Motorino, we finally meet!

It's true, I don't explore my neighborhood as much as I should.  But when I do, I always love my finds!  Motorino was one of those places that I've always been hearing about and reading about but just never tried.  And so when my friend told me she and her bf were headed there for dinner, I couldn't resist inviting myself along.

Located in the East Village, it has the typical EV casual feel in a space that is longer than it is wide. 

Casual space in the East Village

Looking at the menu, you'll notice that its a pretty simple offering with just antipasti and pizzas.  Beers and wines are also available, although I wish there were more moderately priced wines available (how many diners are going to order $50+ bottle of reserve wine with their pizza dinner??).

Menu!

To start, we couldn't resist the fresh Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella special and the Octopus Salad (just can't seem to shake the octopus addiction...).  The Heirloom Tomato was fresh and sweet and the Mozzarella perfect.  Paired with some basil and a touch of olive oil, this simple and classic dish was delicious.  Makes me wish summer tomatoes could stay forever!

The Octopus Salad was ok.  The flavor was good and I enjoyed the chili oil with the onions and potatoes.  The octopus, I think, was sadly a touch overdone.  Meh...this is a pass for me next time. 

Fresh Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella

Octopus Salad

Our pizzas followed afterwards and WOWSA they did not disappoint!  We ordered the Cremini Mushroom pizza with sausage and olives, the Brussels Sprouts pizza with smoked pancetta, and the Margherita pizza with sausage.  The toppings were plentiful but not overwhelming.  The crust was excellent and happily devoured by yours truly.  But the real winner here is the Margherita pizza - its INSANE!!  The tomato sauce tasted so fresh and the mozzarella, fresh basil, and sausage were just heaven together!  Hands down one of the best Margherita pizza's I've ever had!  A MUST try!!!!!

Cremini Mushroom Pizza

Brussels Sprouts Pizza

Margherita w/Sausage

And of course, how can I resist dessert?  The chocolate mouse cake sadly tasted packaged - I do not recommend.  Tiramisu here was a winner thought!  Not quite as good as my favorite from Il Brigante but this is a close second.  Plus this tiramisu lives just a couple blocks from my apartment.  Now I can have excellent pizza and tiramisu delivered to my door ALL the time yipeeeee!

Chocolate Mousse Cake (veto) and Tiramisu (excellent)

And at the end of our amazing dinner, they packaged our leftover slices up into a neat little package and off we went with sated smiles on our faces.  Until next time Motorino...I'll be dreaming of your Margherita pie!


Smile of a satisfied dining compadre with her neatly wrapped leftovers.  Thanks for letting me crash! 


Piggy says Yes!

Motorino 
349 E 12th St (btwn 2nd and 1st Ave)
212-777-2644

Thanks for reading - Piggy KK