La Bitta is a very small place and the tiny tables are close but with a jazz soundtrack in the background and lower ceiling it makes for a cozy setting. It is very casual with paper napkins and table covers and no superfolous elements on the plates. A variety of languages were spoken in the packed room and the friendly and helpful staff handled it easily. With the close and full room the sound level was noisy but not to a point that conversation was difficult. A sign on the door said it was full and thus not a lot of popping in by people looking for a table. Don’t be late for your reservation as they do turn the tables so each seating is allowed a 2 hour time window. It is a cash only restaurant.
They have a small daily menu that is heavy on meat, as opposed to seafood, and is considered slow food. The bread on the table had biscuit like rolls that were dull but perfect for mopping up sauces, particularly our first course the artichokes with cheese sauce. A creamy cheese sauce on artichoke bottoms was a perfect accent for the subtle taste of the artichokes. It was absolutely delicious. Huge yum!
Next was the pasta with pork products – ham, mortadella – and leeks. Served with a tasty shaved hard cheese on the side, the rich egg noodles were cooked perfectly and the various meats all ground together into the savory sauce. It was not runny but was packed with flavor. Another huge yum!
For main course the lamb shank was served with a jammy sauce. The meat was very tender and accompanied by chunky mashed potatoes with parsley that had been molded into shape. Very home style and quite delicious.
The veal liver was cut into small tender pieces and served with an incredible polenta and onions. The sweetness of the onions added just the right touch to the dish to the perfectly cooked liver. It was wonderful.
For dessert the waiter suggested the Panna cotta and then added that it was “the best in the city – no the galaxy”! He was telling the truth, smooth, sweet and light and served with a yummy caramel sauce. This was a a triple yum. We ate at a good pace so we had time to finish with some grappa. A wonderful experience!
