Barcibo Enoteca

Because I am a wine drinker I am constantly seeking out places that have good wine with good value.  Life is just too short to drink bad wine and so I often find myself at Barcibo on 69^th and Broadway.  

Not only do they have a fantastic list of Italian wines, but they also have a staff that is extremely knowledgeable and super friendly so they can help guide you through the list to make sure you get a glass of wine that you will like.  Italian wines can feel overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with all their grape varietals, and there are a lot!  They have over 100 wines by the bottle and over 40 by the glass.  They also have a full bar for the non-wine drinkers out there.

Though Barcibo is very popular amongst those who know about it, it is still a bit of a secret.  It is one of the bigger wine bars out there.  They have an upper and a lower section as well as outdoor seating in the summer.   The food there is also fantastic.  We shared a few things.  One of my favorites is the crostini.  We got the crostini with prosciutto and bufala Mozzarella and the burrata with tomato.  

The lump it is sitting on is bufala mozzarella.  YUM!

The prosciutto is so delicious it almost melts in your mouth.  We also had the cheese and meat plate as well as the risotto. 

The portions are very generous

The risotto is really spectacular there.  We had the risotto with the sweet Italian sausage, peas and corn.  Wow!  I have also had the mushroom risotto as well and I can say that it is one of the best I have had.

The atmosphere is warm and sophisticated.  The staff is great and the prices are very reasonable.  This is one of my favorite spots on the upper west side.    Wine bars are all the rage, but not all are created equal.   This one, however,  is top notch.

Barcibo Enoteca

2020 Broadway

212-595-2805

9th Ave – the real restaurant beat of Times Square

Times Square is a tourist destination, and let’s face it a restaurant trap.  Most of the restaurants that are a stone’s throw from the glamour and lights are not worth the trip.  However, when venture a little East or West you walk into an oasis of great restaurants.  That is what 9^th Avenue is.  One of my favorite haunts is Bocca di Bacca.  

It serves up Italian cuisine and offers 45 Italian wines by the glass and over 500 hundred by the bottle.  You can choose to go all out on their “reserve list” by the glass or just go for the regular list.  Both are exquisite and the bartender or server will help guide you through the list.  Ask for a taste before you commit.  They also have a full bar if wine isn’t what you are in the mood for.

The food there is fantastic.  I brought my friend from Italy there and he loved it.  I recommend getting the Bruschetta al Funghi with Truffle oil.  

It will melt in your mouth.  I have on many occasions had their cheese and meat platters and they should be on the top of your list as well.   Last night we had the Scallops with celery root puree

and the Garganelli Ossobucco.  

They were divine!  The pasta was cooked to perfection and the scallops and celery root were just lightly seasoned so that you were able to taste all the flavors in the dish.  I recommend the risotto if they have one available.  The décor is rustic and cozy and the service is great.  The prices are very reasonable (especially the wine list).  If it is good Italian you are after and you are in Midtown, don’t miss out on this fantastic gem.  It will not dissapoint.

829 9th Ave betweeen 54th & 55th

212-265-8828