New Kid On The Block.

Greetings and salutations to the food God for bestowing a delectable restaurant upon the hungry and discerning mortals who reside below west 80th street.

As much as I enjoy dining at a new eating establishment it is usually a journey to get there.

Who doesn’t enjoy walking a few New York City blocks to indulge in a good meal.

Very recently we welcomed Canto to the upper west side neighborhood. The restaurant is breathing new life into the Lincoln Center neighborhood’s mediocre cuisine scene.

During a soft opening the attractive, newly renovated doors were opened wide by Chef/Owner Djamel Omari who has been a beloved fixture in the West Village for his devotion to good food, good wine and most importantly people.

Now Omari is spreading all this goodwill on the upper west side.

The transformation from the dreary Indian restaurant, Sapphire Cuisine of India to authentic Italian cuisine, is stunning.

The food is genuinely delicious.

Craft Cocktails and wines abound.

Pull up a chair or comfy bar stool with an actual back  and savor an adult beverage.

Customers are graciously offered slices of grilled bread with a side of sweet and delectable homemade tomato sauce adorned with a dollop of burrata to accompany the drinks.

We kicked things off with a well chilled Caesar Salad. A bit more dressing would have further enhanced a good classic. It also comes with anchovies and tasty house made croutons which, in many other restaurants, are often unappetizing store bought morsels tossed on Caesar salads ($18).

Branzino is trending in all restaurants. The Canto version  is superb. The pan seared Branzino fillet is a thick cut of flaky fish in a terrific lemon caper sauce and wait for it, unbelievably, served with sides included. The mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach were great accompaniments ($36).

The evening special was a delicate, delectable Risotto embellished with outstanding Black Truffles ($52).

The menu is wide ranging with something for everyone.

Do not sleep on the desserts. The chef/owner suggested the light as a feather Chocolate Soufflé served with vanilla gelato. I cut into the moist, airy cake and a waterfall of chocolate flowed out…even the strawberries were lovely ($16) .

I highly recommend reserving or just strolling into Canto.

It is an absolutely lovely place to savor a delicious meal hosted by an owner who is truly invested in the fact that you experience a memorable meal.

Canto 2014 Broadway between 68thand 69th Street Upper West Side New York City. Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-11pm. Reservations on Resy. The original Canto is located in the West Village.