Are you ready for a new, mouthwatering Manhattan restaurant?

Step inside Casa Apicii, situated in the trendy west village.

Housed in an elegant, historic 19th century townhouse, Casa Apicii is situated in the former hotspot, yet perpetually unappetizing Lion restaurant. 

The 60-seat dining establishment is named after Marcus Apicius, a gourmand who lived in ancient Rome.

Purportedly, he was a socialite who loved throwing parties, admired great cooking and fine wine.

The place was hopping on a recent Friday night.

The well-heeled millennials were three deep at the bar.

We had a last minute reservation at the new seasonal Italian restaurant so we were seated close to the bar as the small, sophisticated dining room was filled to the brim.

The server was initially impressive, but she plummeted by the end…I think we was overcommitted.

The Italian red, Valle Refosco 2014 was lovely…full bodied, great finish, fruit forward ($14).

David ordered a classic Manhattan ($14).

Courtny went with Winter Star, which was a delicious as well as aromatic cocktail, similar to a hot toddy, served in a teapot with a pinky’s up cup and saucer ($15).

I must point out that the wine pours are very chintzy and the Manhattan glasses are the size of tiny espresso.

We started with an excellent creamy Stracciatella with Compari tomatoes and Pesto Genovese with crunchy toast on the side ($14).

This was served along with a mild, flavorful and delectable Cured King Salmon with Pistachio, Satsuma and Basil ($15).

And, for a new twist on a traditional vegetable, the Delicata Squash was amazing. It was accompanied by almonds, apricot mustard and parmigiano dressed with aged balsamic ($12).

We then ordered a pasta course. The Paccheri with lobster meat, cured tomatoes and serrano chili was good, but too spicy for my taste ($28).

We finished with an incredibly delicious thick cut of fresh Swordfish. The dish was presented with cauliflower, capers, golden raisins and brown butter. This was one of the best fish dishes I have ever had…a wonderful combination of flavors ($33).

It was difficult to find the server by the end of the meal and we were charged for drinks we did not order…gin and tonic in the winter…please.

The hosts were lovely and the ambiance upbeat and comfortable.

Chef Casey Lane made a name for himself at the Tasting Kitchen in Los Angeles, which he still owns.

The Tasting Kitchen, in my opinion, is the top dining experience on Venice’s Abbott Kinney Boulevard.

Being bicoastal, Chef Lane has tapped Adam Nadel, formerly of Lincoln and A Voce Columbus, as his executive chef.

Fabio Raffaelli (Daniel, Del Posto) and the co-founder of Employees Only, Dushan Zaric, oversee cocktails and Patrick Cormier (Locanda Verde) leads the front of the house.

Casa Apicii reminds me of Minetta Tavern, Babbo and the Waverly Inn where the traditional, dark and cozy atmosphere envelops you, feeds you well and sends you home happy and satiated.

Casa Apicii 62 West 9th Street New York City. Open for dinner Sunday and Monday 5:30-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday 5:30-11pm. Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. Reservations on Resy.