Just a few blocks from Astor Place, Chef Sara Jenkins draws on memories of her Tuscan and Roman childhood to create a pasta-centric menu. Porsena showcases Italy’s finest artisanal pastas, served with traditional and imaginative sauces, along with a series of tasty antipasti and hearty main courses. Modeled after the simple restaurants in Italy that serve as neighborhood dining rooms, the focus is on timeless classic Italian dishes such as maccheroncini al ragu and spaghetti con le vongole. Porsena is just the kind of colorful neighborhood restaurant you might be thrilled to find in the narrow back streets of Rome or Florence.