Peasant NYC: Chef Marc Forgione’s Wood-Fired Italian in Nolita
Store Overview
Peasant, located at 194 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012 (☎ 212-965-9511), is a rustic-yet-refined Italian restaurant in Nolita helmed by Chef Marc Forgione. Since taking over the space, Forgione has maintained Peasant’s reputation as one of downtown Manhattan’s most distinctive Italian spots, blending wood-fired tradition with seasonal sourcing from local farms.
The storefront is understated but elegant, with an old-world charm that matches Nolita’s historic architecture. Inside, the ambiance is warm, candlelit, and rustic—exposed brick, a glowing wood oven, and a cozy downstairs wine bar. The clientele is a mix of date-night couples, stylish Nolita locals, food-savvy New Yorkers, and international visitors. Reservations are recommended (via Resy or Tripleseat), especially on weekends.
Menu & Services
Peasant leans heavily on wood-fired cooking and handmade pastas, with a menu that balances hearty classics and seasonal innovation. Prices fall in the $50–100 per person range, reflecting its fine-dining status.
Menu highlights include:
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Rigatoni alla Vodka – $21, creamy and rich, a crowd favorite.
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Bucatini Carbonara – $22, wood-smoked pasta with pancetta and yolk.
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Smoked Linguine – earthy, rustic, and one of Peasant’s signature handmade pastas.
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Rosette Pasta – stuffed rolls baked in the wood oven.
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Wood-Roasted Oysters – charred, smoky, and briny.
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Suckling Pig – $42, one of their most talked-about dishes.
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Scallops – $44, beautifully seared with seasonal sides.
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Pizza Piccante / Prosciutto – $24, with blistered crusts from the oven.
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Whole Branzino – roasted over the flames, served simply and elegantly.
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Piedmontese Steak Tartare – $21, Italian-influenced raw preparation.
Drinks are a strong draw: a deep Italian wine list, craft cocktails like the Espresso Martini, and a dedicated wine bar downstairs with its own entrance.
Review Summary
Positives:
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Atmosphere: Romantic, rustic, and cozy; many reviewers highlight the ambiance.
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Standout dishes: Bucatini carbonara, smoked linguine, suckling pig, and oysters.
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Service: Generally attentive and polished.
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Wine list: Strong Italian focus, curated for pairing.
Negatives:
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Pricing: Several reviews note dishes can feel expensive for the portion size.
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Tourist vibe: Some locals feel it’s become more touristy than when it first opened.
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Inconsistency: A few reviews mention certain dishes (like seafood mains) can be hit-or-miss in seasoning.
Human Commentary:
Peasant is best approached as an experience rather than just a meal. The ambiance, wood fire, and chef’s reputation justify the higher price tag for many, though seasoned New Yorkers may feel it leans toward “special occasion” rather than weekly spot. For Nolita, it straddles the line between local hidden gem and destination dining.
Location & Accessibility
Nestled in Nolita, Peasant is easily reached via:
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Subways: B/D/F/M to Broadway-Lafayette, 6 to Spring St, or N/R/W to Prince St.
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Walking: A short stroll from SoHo, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.
Key Nearby Landmarks Driving Traffic
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SoHo Shopping District – Shoppers often head here for dinner after a retail day.
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New Museum – Art crowds spill over to Nolita restaurants.
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Elizabeth Street Garden – A hidden local spot, often visited before/after meals.
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Little Italy – Tourists walking Mulberry St easily stumble into Nolita dining.
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Bowery Ballroom – Concertgoers may hit Peasant for upscale pre-show dining.
The mix of tourists, culture seekers, and fashion shoppers keeps Peasant buzzing nightly.
Genius Marketing Analysis
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GI (Genius Insight): Peasant offers romantic nostalgia paired with wood-fire drama—an emotional pull for diners seeking authenticity and intimacy.
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MDA (Marketing Action):
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Expand wine-bar-only events downstairs to attract locals more regularly.
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Create a chef’s tasting menu for special occasions.
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Strengthen ties with nearby fashion/arts events (SoHo pop-ups, Nolita galleries).
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Promote its wood oven storytelling—showcasing the artisanal craft behind every dish.
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Position Peasant as the Nolita date-night restaurant, with targeted ads on Resy and Instagram.
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Genius Ideas (10)
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Wood-Fire Masterclass – Monthly cooking demo nights led by Marc Forgione.
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Pre-Show Prix Fixe – Timed three-course menu for Bowery Ballroom concert-goers.
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“Tour of Italy” Wine Nights – Pair regional wines with matching pastas/pizzas.
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SoHo Shopper’s Aperitivo – Post-shopping happy hour with light bites and spritzes.
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Oven Tasting Menu – A feast centered around the wood oven (oysters, pizzas, meats, veggies).
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Wine Bar Chef’s Snacks – Affordable small plates downstairs to lure in Nolita locals.
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Collab with Nolita Boutiques – Cross-promotions with fashion pop-ups (dinner + shopping deals).
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Weekend Brunch Experiment – Add rustic Italian brunch with baked eggs, focaccia, and Negronis.
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Loyalty Program for Locals – Return-diner perks at the wine bar (free glass after 5 visits).
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Seasonal Tasting Feasts – Whole roasted animals or seafood spreads for group dining.
Conclusion
Peasant remains a cornerstone of Nolita dining, balancing rustic authenticity with polished service. Chef Marc Forgione’s leadership keeps the wood oven at the heart of the experience, making it a place where both locals and visitors gather for intimate dinners, celebrations, and well-paired wines. While prices may feel steep, the overall package—ambiance, food craft, and location—cements Peasant as one of downtown’s most enduring Italian restaurants.
Q & A
Q: What are the hours?
A: Dinner only: 5:30 PM – 9 PM (Mon–Thu), until 10 PM (Fri–Sat), closed Sunday.
Q: What’s the price range?
A: $50–100 per person, depending on wine and mains.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Yes—book via Resy or Tripleseat, especially weekends.
Q: What’s the must-try dish?
A: The Smoked Linguine and Suckling Pig are most often recommended.
Q: Does Peasant have a wine bar?
A: Yes, downstairs there’s a dedicated wine bar with its own entrance, perfect for a casual drink or date.
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