Missy — Review by Food Network
Brooklyn, United States — Italian
Missy in Brooklyn, led by legendary Michelin-starred chef Missy Robbins, ranks as the number one noodle dish in America. The restaurant features hand-rolled spaghetti alla kitara paired with a rich, caramelized lamb ragu that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. The streetfacing pasta room showcases the artistry of traditional pasta-making, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
What was great: Hand-rolled pasta made on the kitara (guitar), perfectly executed lamb ragu with sweet and tangy flavors, beautiful streetfacing pasta room setup, artisanal pasta-making techniques
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of Missy is the spaghetti alla kitara with braised lamb ragu. The pasta itself is hand-rolled using a special piece of equipment called the kitara, which means guitar in Italian because it resembles guitar strings. This technique produces square spaghetti that reflects pasta-making traditions from 100 to 200 years ago. The lamb ragu is a masterclass in sauce craftsmanship, created from roasted lamb shoulder that has been carefully caramelized to bring out maximum flavor. The sauce begins with a sofrito of seared lamb, caramelized bones, onions, fennel, celery, and garlic, creating an aromatic base. Vino and crushed San Marzano tomatoes are added to the pot, where everything simmers together to develop a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously sweet, rich, and tangy with vinegar notes. The combination of the perfectly cooked pasta and the lamb ragu creates a harmonious pairing that feels like comfort food elevated to fine dining.
The Experience
Missy features a beautiful streetfacing pasta room that functions almost like a pastry shop, creating a visual spectacle for diners. The setup is described as a show in itself, with the pasta-making process on full display. This transparency showcases the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating each dish from scratch, allowing guests to witness the dedication that goes into every plate.
Value and Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, but given that Missy is a multiple Michelin-starred restaurant in Brooklyn operated by legendary chef Missy Robbins, it represents fine dining pricing expectations.
Notable Moments
I literally think about this anytime I book a trip to New York.
I think there's something so beautiful about the artistry of making pasta the way it was made 100 years ago, 200 years ago.
We try and say like, Wow, I've had that before, but I haven't had it quite like this.
The Verdict
Missy ranks as the number one noodle dish in America according to Food Network's top 10 countdown, and rightfully so. Chef Missy Robbins has earned her legendary status through dedication to handcrafted pasta and sauce perfection. This restaurant is essential for anyone serious about pasta, particularly those willing to plan trips to New York around the dining experience. The combination of traditional pasta-making techniques, premium ingredients, and flawless execution makes Missy a destination restaurant that delivers on its promise of culinary excellence.