Slideshow

A First Look at SPQR, an Italian Standby Reborn

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A while back we told you that Little Italy stalwart Sal Anthony’s SPQR was reopening under the ownership of the Criscitelli family. Well, the moment has come. The new management has given the airy room a wall-to-wall polish and plunked down trees direct from Florida, but the main change is in the kitchen, where Gianfranco Raicovich, formerly the chef-owner of Viccuria and later Aria in midtown (he also did a stint at Astoria’s esteemed Piccola Venezia) is preparing familiar dishes (with mozzarella, linguine, and ravioli that are made in-house) as well as daily specials that have more of a modern twist. Sundays mean the traditional Sicilian gravy of braciole, meatballs, sausage, and spare ribs. “Because we’re on Mulberry, nothing’s wildly creative but everything’s on point,” says the chef. “We’re doing simple dishes to the max.” And now, the maxed-out menu.

Antipasti
Mozzarella Caprese - $12
Prosciutto e Melone - $13
Vongole al Forno - $12
Calamari Fritti - $12
Zuppa di cozze - $12
Mozzarella in Carrozza - $10
Formaggio e Funghi - $13
Antipasto Freddo - $12 per person
Antipasto Caldo - $13 per person
Garlic Bread - $9
Garlic Bread Parmigiana - $13

Zuppa
Minestrone della Mamma - $9
Pasta e Fagioli - $9
Stracciatella - $9

Insalate
Misticanza - $9
Di Cesare - $10
Tricolore - $10
Insalata SPQR (Roman chopped salad with baby greens, artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roast peppers, and pecorino in a white balsamic vinaigrette) - $12

Pasta
Spaghetti con Polpettine - $16
Rigatone al Pomodoro - $13
Absolut Penne - $17
Capellini Primavera - $15
Fettuccine Alfredo - $15
Penne Puttanesca - $16
Spinach Gnocchi al Pesto - $16
Linguine alle Vongole - $18
Lasagne Bolognese - $16
Ravioli di Formaggio – $15
Fettuccine SPQR (sweet sausage, artichokes, asparagus, shaved pecorino romano) - $18
Linguine di Mare (shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops in light tomato-basil sauce) - $29

Secondi
Pollo:
Pollo Marsala - $19
Pollo Piccata - $19
Pollo SPQR (crisp stuffed chicken breast, prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella – rosemary sauce) - $22
Pollo Boscaiola - $19
Pollo Parmigiana - $18
Pollo Scarpariello - $19

Pesce:
Gamberone Scampi - $22
Calamari Marinara - $19
Sogliola al Limone - $24
Gamberi Parmigiana - $22
Salmone - $26
Cioppino - $36

Vitello
Vitello Marsala - $21
Vitello Piccata - $21
Vitello Parmigiana - $20
Vitello Francese - $21
Vitello Romano - $34
Vitello Caprese - $38

Carne
Bisteca Pizzaiola - $28
Filetto di Manzo - $33
Bistecca Grigliata - $34
Salsicce e Broccoli Rabe - $24
Filetto di Maiale - $24

Contorni
Zucchini Fritti - $9
Broccoli - $9
Crèma di Spinaci - $9
Spinaci - $9
Asparagi - $12
Broccoli Rabe - $10

FAMILY STYLE MENU
Antipasti & Insalate
Garlic Bread - $9
Mozzarella & Tomato - $19
Baked Clams - $22
Fried Zucchini - $12
Hot Antipasto - $21
Zuppa di Mussels - $18
Mixed Green Salad - $19
Tricolore Salad - $19
Garlic Bread Parmigiana - $13
Prosciutto & Melon - $18
Fried Calamari - $22
Mozzarella in Carrozza - $16
Cold Antipasto - $20
Caesar Salad - $19

Pasta
Rigatoni Tomato-Basil - $20
Spaghetti & Meatballs - $23
Penne Puttanesca - $22
Gnocchi Pesto - $23
Cheese Ravioli - $22
Penne alla Vodka - $22
Fettuccine Alfredo - $24
Linguine with Clam Sauce - $26
Baked Ziti - $22

Secondi
Chicken Parmigiana - $26
Chicken Scarpariello - $28
Chicken Marsala - $26
Chicken Cacciatore - $28
Chicken Francese - $26
Chicken Piccata - $26
Eggplant Rollatini - $24
Shrimp Scampi - $29
Filet of Sole Oreganata - $32
Sausage & Peppers - $26
Shrimp Marinara - $29
Veal Parmigiano - $28
Veal Piccata - $28
Veal Pizzalola - $28
Veal Marsala - $28
Veal Francese - $28
Veal Milanese - $27

Contorni
Broccoli - $18
Sautéed Spinach - $18
Broccoli Rabe - $22
Potato Croquette - $18
Creamed Spinach - $18
Asparagus - $24
Mashed Potatoes - $18
Asiago Fries - $18

SPQR, 33 Mulberry St., nr. Hester St.; 212-925-3120

A First Look at SPQR, an Italian Standby Reborn