Bad Roman NYC: A Playful Italian Dining Experience in Columbus Circle
Looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in New York City? I highly recommend Bad Roman NYC, a playfully inventive Italian restaurant located in the heart of Columbus Circle. During my recent trip to celebrate my birthday, my husband and I had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic lunch here, and it was definitely a highlight of our culinary adventures.
Our trip involved exploring a variety of restaurants, from the upscale Italian seafood at Marea, to the popular neighborhood eatery, Via Carota. We also savored tapas at Chef José Andrés’ Mercado Little Spain. But our most playful and memorable meal was undoubtedly at Bad Roman.
Bad Roman, part of the esteemed Quality Branded restaurant group, is perfectly described as a “playful, maximalist Italian restaurant.” Situated on the third floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle, its prime location offers stunning views and easy access from Central Park.
The menu at Bad Roman features a creative blend of small, shareable plates and hearty main courses. Each dish is bursting with color, flavor, and a touch of whimsy. What I appreciated most was that the food was both playful and approachable, satisfying both the eye and the palate.
Restaurant Vibe: A Retro-Modern Italian Extravaganza
Stepping into Bad Roman is like entering a time warp, where a 1990s playlist collides with old-school Italian charm, neon accents, and the eclectic art collection of a Brooklynite. The ambiance is undeniably cool and captivating.
You’re immediately greeted by the iconic neon “Bad Roman” sign and a large, stone-cast wild boar, complete with a neon collar. Ivy plants cascade from the ceiling, and plush booths mirror the vibrant hues of dishes like the Tuna Tartare. Checkered designs and whimsical neon lights weave through the seating areas, creating a visually stimulating experience.
The overall atmosphere exudes a sense of fun and excitement, perfectly complementing the playful and delicious food and beverage offerings.
🍷 The Drinks: Cocktails and a Curated Wine List
Bad Roman’s drink menu is as thoughtfully crafted as its food menu. The wine list is impressive, and the cocktail program is tempting. As it was lunchtime and I anticipated enjoying more wine later that evening, I opted for a non-alcoholic wine. While it resembled a Pet-Nat, the flavor unfortunately fell a little flat.
In retrospect, I should have explored one of Bad Roman’s signature cocktails. The Spritzy Spritz and Bad Ombré cocktails, which I saw being served to other patrons, looked particularly enticing. I’ll definitely be trying one of those on my next visit.
For wine lovers, I highly recommend checking out the by-the-glass selections, which change frequently. On a previous visit to Marea, I enjoyed an Oregon Pinot Noir that was exceptional, and a glass of Barolo is always a great choice.
🍽 The Food: Italian Classics with a Playful Twist
The menu at Bad Roman is designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. You’ll find classic Italian dishes reimagined with creative and playful twists.
Starters: Raw Bar Delights and More
The Raw Bar at Bad Roman features a selection of fresh seafood options. We chose the Tuna Tartare ($23), which was beautifully presented with Agrumato and Lemon. It was served with a crispy, salted breadstick that was incredibly delicious. We only wished there were a few more breadsticks to accompany the dish.
The starter menu also includes other tempting options, such as the Black Truffle Honey Whipped Ricotta, which is known for its beautiful presentation and popularity on social media.
Main Dishes: From Pasta to Seafood and Meat
For my main course, I selected the Lobster Mango Salad. While this seasonal salad might not always be on the menu, I highly recommend it if it’s available during your visit! The salad was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.
It’s important to emphasize that the salad is massive. It could easily be shared by three people. I made a valiant effort to finish as much as possible, but I could only manage about half, even though it was incredibly delicious!
My husband opted for the Short Rib Pappardelle ($34). The wide egg noodles were perfectly coated in a rich San Marzano tomato sauce, complemented by tender pieces of short rib and a delightful crunchy breaded topping. It was a truly satisfying and flavorful dish.
The Bad Roman menu boasts an array of tempting pasta options. The Penne Luongo alla Gricia, in particular, sounded and looked amazing, and is on my list to try next time.
Beyond the pasta dishes, the menu also features impressive seafood and meat entrees, such as Scallops Piccata, Faroe Island Salmon, Grilled Pork Shoulder, and Chicken Milanese.
✨ Restaurant FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
What is the dress code for this restaurant?
Bad Roman is a casual restaurant. Most people were dressed in jeans and sweatshirts, sweaters, blouses, or jackets.
Is this restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes! Bad Roman is very kid-friendly. During our visit, it felt like the most family-friendly restaurant we dined at during our entire NYC trip. We saw families with babies, toddlers, older children, and teenagers all enjoying themselves.
Are reservations required?
Bad Roman is a popular restaurant located in a busy shopping mall across from Central Park. Therefore, making reservations is highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
Are there vegan options at this restaurant?
While most of the menu items at Bad Roman include seafood or meat, there are a few vegetarian options available. The restaurant also offers a small selection of vegan items. I recommend asking your server about the possibility of modifying some of the standard dishes to be vegan; they should be able to advise you on what’s possible.
Is there outdoor seating?
No, Bad Roman does not offer outdoor seating.
Bad Roman NYC: Location and Contact Information
Dining at Bad Roman in New York City is a guaranteed fun and delicious experience.
Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Third Floor, New York, New York 10019
(Located within The Shops at Columbus Circle)
Phone: 212.970.2033
Restaurant Hours:
- Dinner Nightly: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Weekday Lunch (Monday-Friday): 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Mid-Day Menu (limited menu available in the bar only): 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Weekend Brunch (Saturday & Sunday): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For the most up-to-date information, including special events and menu changes, please visit the Bad Roman website.
More New York City Travel Recommendations
Looking for more amazing dining experiences in New York City? Check out these other fantastic restaurants:
- Hav & Mar Restaurant (New York City)
- Carlotto NYC
- West Village Italian Restaurant: Via Carota NYC
Where to Stay Nearby
- 1 Hotel Central Park
- Westin New York Grand Central
If you visit Bad Roman, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some photos, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.