Borgo delivers a blend of rustic charm and refined cuisine.

Nestled at 124 E. 27th Street, Borgo is the latest culinary venture by renowned restaurateur Andrew Tarlow, marking his first foray into Manhattan dining.

Known for Brooklyn staples like Diner and Roman’s, Tarlow brings his signature offering to this popular new venture.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Jordan Frosolone, whose impressive resume includes stints at Momofuku and Hearth. Frosolone’s approach to Italian nouvelle cuisine shines through in dishes that balance tradition with innovation.

Borgo’s entrance feels like an authentic Italian trattoria  with stamped ceilings and an inviting bar.

The restaurant occupies the former site of I Trulli, retaining elements like the original bar while introducing new touches such as a back garden adorned with a sculpture by Gabrielle Shelton.

The main dining room is a bit soulless and faces away from the outdoor area. The host is an inhospitable woman who has as much charm and grace as a stale loaf of bread.

Back to the restaurant..,true to Tarlow’s tradition of involving family in his ventures, Borgo sees his son Elijah stepping in as sous-chef. This familial involvement adds a personal touch to the dining experience, reflecting the restaurant’s name, which means village in Italian.

Our server, Ashley, was charming, exuding boundless energy and personality.

We kicked off lunch with a deliciously creamy and flavorful Fava Bean Puree. We dunked and scooped with the fabulous bread ($18).

.

The next selection was outrageous Roasted Asparagus with grated Parmesan, layered with a perfectly prepared fried egg with crispy edges ($21).

The al dente Crabmeat Spaghetti Pomodoro was very good and the sauce light and flavorful ($34).

The Chicken Milanese was wonderful. It was crispy, lightly breaded with a lovely celery accompaniment ($34).

We closed out the lunch with a meringue and biscotti treat.

Borgo, located in a less traveled section of Manhattan,  offers a unique dining experience that marries the comfort of Italian tradition with the sophistication of modern cuisine, but at least at lunch time, lacks personality.

Borgo 124 East 27th Street New York City. Open for Lunch weekdays from 11:30am–3pm and Dinner daily from 5:30–10:30pm. Reservations on Resy.