Meet NYC's Hottest New Restaurant of 2023: Bad Roman

At this point, I’ve probably been to Bad Roman more times in the past few months than any normal person. Located on the top floor of the Columbus Circle Shopping Center, Bad Roman is an over-the-top Italian spot that became the newest addition to the Quality Branded restaurant group in 2023. It’s the ideal place to go when you want to impress an out-of-towner, or just have a fun night out. Since opening just around a year ago, Bad Roman has been the subject of many questions of “is it worth the hype?” and I can safely say that it definitely is worth the hype. As soon as you step inside, the bright reds and oranges of the booths, and the giant statue of a wild boar, makes you feel like you are being transported to a swanky, downtown restaurant, and no longer in the middle of a mall.

At first glance, the menu is wildly chaotic and quirky, ranging from pepperoni cups and ranch dressing to roasted garlic babka, both of which left me with a sense of uncertainty and anticipation for what would arrive at my table. Drawing inspiration from traditional Roman cuisine while adding their own innovative twist, Bad Roman’s menu embodies “inauthentic versions of authentic dishes.” As a delightful surprise, the best dishes at Bad Roman are the ones that really follow the “phone eats first” mantra.

Let's Dig In:

Pasta E Carne

The filet mignon topped with one piece of Cacio e Pepe Ravioli, coated in a creamy black pepper and pecorino cheese sauce, was definitely intended to land on your Instagram story, but it also tastes pretty delicious.

Whipped Ricotta

The whipped ricotta drizzled table-side with black truffle honey, coming with large slices of toasted focaccia bread is the perfect appetizer to get for the table (or honestly just yourself).

Roni Cups & Ranch

I’m pretty sure this dish is the reason you’ve heard of Bad Roman in the first place. It’s silly and fun, and the taste resembles a good pizza, but it definitely doesn’t need to land a spot on your table.

Roasted Garlic Babka

This is the dish you will see at the table next to you and have to ask the name of. The smell is enough to have your mouth watering even before you try it. Don’t skip it.