When Alessa Cucina e Bar opened in The Penn District on Sept. 20, it brought more than just another Italian restaurant to Midtown — it delivered a fresh take on Italian dining that’s equal parts elegance and fun.

The latest venture from Thomas Murphy of 212 Hospitality Group (of Juniper Bar and Bourbon & Branch fame), Alessa is the kind of place where you can indulge in the charm of la dolce vita—with a New York twist, of course.