Il Tesoro Ristorante, New York

An Italian-Educated Owner and Chef

Inside his open kitchen at IL Tesoro Ristorante, owner and chef A.J. Black sears ahi tuna, grills Colorado lamb chops, and crowns fresh black linguine with seafood. Drawing on his training at the Italian Culinary Institute and inside the kitchens of the five-star Grand Hotel Plaza in Rome, Black combines Old-World Italian flavors with modern cooking techniques and plays matchmaker by serving plates of spaghetti for two composed of only one noodle.

Seasonal Dishes in an Authentic Atmosphere

The menu showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients and rotating daily specials, such as Chef Black's signature risotto alla pescatora sautéed with clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops and finished with cherry tomato sauce. The wine list collects Italian wines carefully selected from both large and boutique wineries to pair with menu selections. Fresco paintings decorate the plastered walls with Tuscan scenery alongside antique artwork, intricate woodwork, and prospective diners with their noses pressed against the windows.