'ino
This buzzing Italian wine bar, set in a brick-laden, candle-lit den serves rustic bruschetta, paninis and tramezzinis in a hectically romantic Manhattan atmosphere. This wine bar's specialty might be its creative wedges of Italian bruschetta, the sweet pea and pecorino; summer squash with chili and mint or walnut and sun-dried tomato pesto go great with a glass of strong red wine. The restaurant also serves paninis, a rustic, warm Italian sandwich made the freshest ingredients and olive oil, as well as tramezzinis, elegant Italian sandwiches served on sliced, crust-less white bread. Opened and flourishing since 1998, 'ino is a memorable West Village spot to choose for a first date, enjoy a few drinks after a show, or settle down in for a light and tasty Italian dinner.
'ino
21 Bedford St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 989-5769
cafeino.com
Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca
Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca showcases authentic Italian foods and wines in a rustic Italian atmosphere. Chef Mario Batali is a sorcerer in the kitchen: Using only the most fabulous, fresh ingredients for his creations, he concocts both simple and extravagant recipes. For antipasti, guests can go the classic route with a fresh baby wild arugula salad with Parmigiano and Aceto Manodori or go more untamed with the pig foot "Milanese" served with rice, beans and fresh arugula. For main courses, the goose liver ravioli with brown butter, the gnocchi with braised oxtail or the pork tenderloin with pumpkin fregula and black truffle vinaigrette are favorite and exotic choices. A pasta-tasting menu is also available, as well as a wine pairing with Babbo's list of more than 2,000 labels representing all of Italy's wine-making regions. Babbo seats up to 90 diners in a split-level dining room, with a bustling bar. A short walk from Washington Square Park, Babbo's is an ideal Italian choice forming the core of your night in the village.
Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca
110 Waverly Place
New York, New York 10011
(212) 777-0303
babbonyc.com
Po Restaurant
This more casual trattoria-style restaurant on Cornelia Street in the West Village rewards dinner-goers with unusual Italian creations, the freshest ingredients and tasting menus at shockingly reasonable prices. Bold appetizers like the fresh marinated anchovies served over dried tomato tabbouleh, polpetta di carne (meatballs with tomato sauce), or a seasonal salad tossed with organic pears, radicchio, spicy walnuts and gorgonzola make a great first impression. For main dishes, the black fettuccine with fresh mussels, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions and green chilies is exceptionally flavorful, as well as gnocchi a'll Telefono, with freshly made tomato sauce, rosemary and smoked mozzarella. Seafood and meat dishes also top the menu, like the veal Marsala with crimini mushrooms and porcini-crusted cod with kale and sweet red pepper vinaigrette. Chef Lee McGrath's six-course tasting menu (for whole tables only) includes salad, two pasta courses, a main entree, cheese course, and dessert paired with a robust wine. As Po's new chef, McGrath continues the restaurant's tradition of serving simply prepared, seasonal plates in the West Village's cozy center.
Po Restaurant
31 Cornelia St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 645-2189
porestaurant.com
