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 9th 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
