ofCorsica NYC’s Pan-Mediterranean Delights & Dazzling Sunset Views

There are many compelling reasons to head to Pier 57’s ofCorsica NYC restaurant: their fresh food and ever-evolving seasonal menu, the spectacular sunset views over the Hudson River, the roomy chairs and tables (so unlike most places in New York City), the friendly and helpful waitstaff, the knowledgable wine sommelier, the cocktails, the unique recipes, and the small details that reveal how much love and thought has gone into their food preparation and presentation.

At ofCorsica NYC, diners can revel in pan-Mediterranean flavors inspired by Corsica, Italy, Greece, the wider coast, and inspiration from NYC’s Hudson River. Using seasonal produce from local farms and fresh seafood, ofCorsica is an authentic dining experience that you will long remember. The menu shifts to accommodate fresh seasonal offerings rather than being fixed. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, as though you’re visiting an upscale relative with a personal chef, and the cuisine is decidedly healthy and nutritious. Although you’ll leave feeling sated, you won’t leave with regret.

In addition to their regular menu, ofCorsica offers a 3-course Restaurant Week menu for $60 that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert, and has to be one of the best deals in New York City. ofCorsica has an extensive wine and cocktail list, as well as a bar area for people who want to meet their for drinks and watch the sunset.

Fennel-Crusted Duck with roasted corn puree, roasted summer squash, chicken jus, and edible flowers.

Carta di Musica bread with olive tapenade and pistachio butter.

We began the meal with crispy, pita-like Carta di Musica with olive tapenade and pistachio butter, which was an unusual culinary delight, followed by a garden-fresh Heirloom Tomato Pananella (Heirloom tomatoes, stracciatella cheese, peaches, brioche croutons and everything bagel spices), a flavorful Squid appetizer, and something special that is not always on the menu: slices of tender Fennel-Crusted Duck Breast, served with roasted corn puree, roasted summer squash, and garnished with chicken jus and edible flowers.

Then, we tried the char-broiled squash and hand-made Spinach Bucatini Primavera with summer vegetables in a light butter sauce, both of which were spectacular. All of this alone would have sated us, but we didn’t know before our visit how generous ofCorsica’s portions were, and how down-to-the-last-bite delicious they would be.

Our entrees included Steak Frites and Branzino with hazelnuts, both cooked to perfection. The chef finds creative ways to use various nuts, types of greens, seasonal vegetables, lemon, parsley, rosemary, olives, capers, corn, and other herbs. Wild boar ragu is just one of many examples of how ofCorsica brings the Mediterranean to Manhattan.

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The crowning glory was truly dessert, all suitably magnificent to match the rest of the menu. I have rarely tasted a dessert quite as delectable as their Blueberry Crostata with a graham cracker-like crust and served with a scoop of olive oil gelato. The Lava Cake with hazelnut praline, dark chocolate fondant, and fior di latte gelato is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true.

Fiadone dessert with lemon sorbet.

Other desserts include Tiramisu, an array of different flavored gelato and sorbet, and special offerings such as soft Corsican cheesecake called Fiadone with fruit and lemon sorbet, and Affogato with Sfoglia.

Blueberry Crostata served with a scoop of olive oil gelato.

ofCorsica has a wide array of digestifs, too. They also have a table that seats 8-12 in the back of the restaurant for celebrations and parties, as well as private events and gift cards. This is a great date night destination.

View from a window table at ofCorsica.