arco cafe menu overview - authentic sardinian italian flavors in new york city dining experience at 886 amsterdam avenue nyc 10025 usa

Discover the exquisite world of Sardinian and Italian cuisine at Arco Cafe, nestled in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side. This casual yet intimate café delights diners with a dedicated focus on housemade pastas, freshly baked focaccias, and seafood dishes, all crafted with authentic regional ingredients and attention to detail. Whether you're craving a comforting plate of pasta, a savory starter, or a sweet finish, Arco Cafe offers a vibrant menu that marries tradition with creative flair.

starters

Begin your meal with Arco Cafe’s delightful selection of focaccias, each highlighting rich, fresh ingredients and traditional Sardinian flavors. The Focaccia Rossa is a simple yet aromatic choice, topped with a robust tomato sauce, oregano, garlic, and olive oil. For a classic combination, the Focaccia Regina features fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Adventurous palates will appreciate the Focaccia Deliziosa, layered with spicy sausage, mushrooms, and smoky mozzarella, while the Focaccia Primavera bursts with vibrant toppings including cherry tomatoes, olives, onions, mushrooms, goat cheese, and peppery arugula. The Focaccia Sarda offers a rustic blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella, Fiore Sardo cheese, dry sausage, and Pecorino, encapsulating the essence of Sardinia. Lastly, the Focaccia Marinara combines tomato sauce, mozzarella, capers, red onions, and tuna, elevated with a sprinkle of oregano for a savory seafood twist.

mains

The main courses at Arco Cafe are a testament to traditional Sardinian and Italian culinary artistry, featuring a wide array of housemade pastas and hearty sauces. Dive into the Malloreddus con Salsiccia, showcasing traditional Sardinian gnocchetti pasta bathed in a savory sausage ragu. The Bigoli Uova e Pancetta offers thick bigoli noodles tossed with crispy pancetta, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting dish. Seafood lovers can indulge in Casarecce in Salsa Rosa, combining shrimp with a luscious pink sauce, or the Busa ai Frutti di Mare, a delightful mix of mussels, shrimp, calamari, and spicy tomato sauce served over bucatini-style pasta.

Other standout dishes include Gnocchi alla Montanara, tender gnocchi served with pancetta, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, and Tagliatelle al Ragu', featuring fresh tagliatelle noodles coated in a hearty beef ragu with tomato base. Radiatori al Gorgonzola introduces a spicy sausage, green peas, walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese sauce combination, while the Cavatelli Rapini e Salsiccia unites sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, and olive oil for a flavorful punch. Pasta aficionados should not miss Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini with its creamy porcini mushroom sauce, Riccioli con Pistacchio with pistachio pesto and cherry tomatoes, and Casarecce del Contadino, a rustic dish of sautéed broccoli, pancetta, Pecorino cheese, and anchovies.

For a unique blend of land and sea flavors, Fregula Mari e Monti features Sardinian fregula pasta with shrimp, mushrooms, salmon, garlic, and olive oil. Malloreddus Pepe Pecorino highlights the peppery notes of black pepper paired with a creamy Pecorino cheese sauce, and Ravioli di Patate e Menta offers delicate homemade ravioli filled with potatoes, fresh mint, and Fiore Sardo cheese. For a personalized experience, diners can Build Your Own Pasta, choosing from customizable pasta options and sauces to craft a dish tailored to their taste.

desserts

Indulge in the sweet side of Sardinia with signature desserts like the Sebada, a fried pastry dough filled with Pecorino cheese and lemon, then drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. For a classic Italian finish, the Tiramisú blends robust espresso with creamy mascarpone, delivering a rich and satisfying conclusion to your meal.

drinks and specials

Complement your dining experience with a selection of cocktails and wines that celebrate Italian flavors. The Italian Sin cocktail mixes Aperol, bourbon, prosecco, and a fresh orange slice for a lively aperitif, while the Mirto Royale pays homage to Sardinian traditions with Mirto liqueur and prosecco. Arco Cafe also serves a curated list of wines and offers options for beer lovers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect sip to accompany their meal.

Fresh handmade pasta dishes showcasing regional Sardinian ingredients and authentic sauces.
Savory focaccias with toppings ranging from fresh mozzarella and basil to spicy sausages and regional cheeses.
Traditional Sardinian specialties like Malloreddus and Fregula prepared with authentic ragu and seafood combinations.
Decadent dessert options including the honey-drizzled Sebada and classic tiramisú.