Bottarga
Here at Arco Cafe, we bring a taste of authentic Italian food from the region of Sardinia to New York City. From handcrafted pasta to traditional Sardinian desserts like sebadas, Arco brings guests together with loved ones to discover new tastes and exceptional hospitality.
About Bottarga
Think of bottarga as Sardinian caviar. We grate this dried and salted fish roe over pasta as the final, briny flourish. We use it with clams and our homemade Busa pasta. Though you can find bottarga all over the Mediterranean region, it is mainly produced in Sardinia and Sicily. Bottarga is typically made from tuna or grey mullet, with the latter being more prized. Mullet roe is the one we use in our part of Sardinia.
Bottarga has a strong and salty taste similar to anchovies and is perfect for finishing your favorite pasta. Bottarga varies in texture, color and taste.. Look for an amber hue with uniform color.
It’s not easy to source bottarga in the United States, but you may find it online or in an Italian specialty store. Alternatively, you could simply go to your favorite Sardinian restaurant.
Nutritional Value of Bottarga
In addition to its distinct flavor, bottarga also offers a number of health benefits. For one, it is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with heart and overall health. Bottarga is also packed with zinc, an essential nutrient that may help boost immunity and metabolism. High in vitamin A and D, bottarga may also help reduce the odds of developing certain diseases.
Popular Items with Bottarga
Usually bottarga is grated over pasta as a finishing flourish, but it’s also delicious on its own as a simple appetizer. You can slice bottarga into wafer thin pieces, season with extra virgin olive oil or have them with pane carasau, the traditional flatbread from Sardinia. It can also enhance seafood dishes like prawns, seafood salads, and more. If you would like to try bottarga, or already a fan, give our Busa pasta a try. We dress our homemade pasta with clams, mussels, calamari, and shrimp, in spicy light tomato sauce. The finishing touch is bottarga. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers.
Why Choose Arco Cafe?
We first opened our doors to the New York community in 2014. Since then, we have been serving healthy, authentic Sardinian cuisine 7 days a week. Our wide-ranging menu includes homemade pasta, appetizers, desserts, and more. We also have an extensive wine and liquor menu that features authentic Italian wine and specialty cocktails. Dine with us and travel to Italy – no baggage or plane ticket required. Simply step into Arco Cafe and let us serve you the best Italian flavors. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported there instantly!
Order online or book a table now! For any other inquiries, call us at (646)781-9080.