Review: Visit PROVA PIZZABAR at Grand Central Station for Top Italian Fare

Delicious Italian food, some of the best pizza you'll find in the city, and a full beverage program is now available in the Grand Central Station on the lower level dining concourse. Prova Pizzabar has recently opened to the delight of their customers. This is a spot where you can do a quick takeout or dine in to relax and retreat from the hustle and bustle. We stopped by just after work on a Thursday night and enjoyed a pizza dinner with a few sides and drinks. The dining room is chic and spacious with top-notch service.

Prova Pizzabar is the brainchild of Donatella Arpaia, TV personality, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Arpaia is well known for her role as head judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and the Next Iron Chef. Pizzabar is her first upscale, quick service, pizza concept and she already has plans to expand nationwide.

Tempting starters include Donatella's famous award-winning meatballs served in a regular or spicy sauce. They rival the taste and texture of any meatball you've ever had. Appetizers include Mixed Salami and Cheese with the finest Italian meats and cheeses and their Caprese Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh micro-basil and a drizzle of balsamic.

We sampled a few delectable slices of pizza. While the pies are inspired by Neapolitan tradition, Prova Pizzabar's style is all their own. They take pizza to the next level. There are classics like the Margharita or the Rustica with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sweet sausage, and roasted peppers. Specialty slices like their Prova with truffle burrata, cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, and prosciutto di parma is a house favorite. And vegetarians will love the Vegetariana with mozzarella, peppers, Japanese eggplant, mushrooms and parsley. Did we mention the crust? Light and flavorful, it is the perfect platform for pizza. If you're not in the mood for pizza, they also have a great selection of salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Prova Pizzabar serves a full bar menu so you can enjoy just the right pairing with your food. There's a fine selection of red, white and sparkling wines, beer and your favorite cocktails. Sip a perfectly crafted Negroni or try one of their signature selections. The bar is very accessible so you can stop by anytime for a drink.

We also suggest you indulge in one of Prova Pizzabar's housemade desserts and a cup of coffee or cappuccino. We had Donatella's Chocolate Lava Cake, a rich chocolate lover's dream.

Prova Pizzabar gives you many reasons to stop by and enjoy their Italian fare. Whether you're catching at train, visiting midtown, or exploring the beauty of Grand Central Station, visit them and "Mange!"

Check out our Chef Spotlight on Donatella Arpaia of Prova Pizzabar and read about her career and some of her culinary inspirations: /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-Donatella-Arpaia-of-PROVA-PIZZABAR-in-Grand-Central-Station-20170505.

Prova Pizzabar is located in Grand Central Station, 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY. It is the only venue on the Lower Level Dining Concourse that has a full liquor license. All major credit cards are accepted. Call them at (212) 972-0385 and visit: www.provapizzabar.com.

Be sure to follow on social media: Facebook @ProvaPizzabar; Instagram - @ProvaPizzabar; Twitter - @ProvaPizzabar; Facebook - @DonatellaArpaia; Instagram - @DonatellaArpaia; Twitter - @DonatellaArpaia

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Prova Pizzabar