Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria
(212) 995-9559
1 5th Ave
New York,
NY
10003
40.7314
-73.9969
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria
The Editor
Allison Austin
Citysearch
The Scene
Bartenders, sporting jeans and button-down shirts, pour quartinos (quarter bottle pours, served in mini-carafes) of Italian wine to the casually dressed crowds waiting, and waiting, for a table. Walls in the dining rooms are painted a warm terra-cotta, subtly encouraging a boisterous noise level.
The Menu
One can, and should, make a meal of the excellent antipasti: roast cauliflower with olives; fresh artichokes; sweet eggplant caponatina; and that excellent prosciutto, which arrives, as it should, at room temperature. Indulge in as much gelato as possible--the olive oil version is brilliant; the chocolate is without peer. But skip the pizzas: Despite being topped with house-cured, buttery prosciutto, pungent Taleggio, tender meatballs and the like, they're simply not very good. The thin crust, first griddled and then broiled to warm the toppings, is acceptable straight out of the kitchen, but becomes tough and unpleasant as it cools.
User Reviews
aldo2002
June 03, 2009
Otto is best used as a place to meet on a Monday or Tuesday (weekends are just heaving) for a bottle of red and some of the marvelous cheeses with great little dip dabs - i.e. honey with truffle infusion, cranberry/cherry what-not etc. For dinner they do big groups and small, the dishes I think never really titillate other than a white clam pizza that is noteworthy and some general antipasto merriment that totally solid if not super memorable. The pasta I've had was very unremarkable. Its a pretty cool layout and the decor is decent, if you're doing a big private party and want unlimited wine with this and that food courses its not a terrible option, but I actually remember having a better deal and food experience at affiliate restaurant - Becco on restaurant row. Then again, that was for my 23rd birthday I believe - which was longer ago than I care to share.... try it out, its unlikely you'll hate it - the wine/cheese drink hang on a quieter night is a dope little steeze.
read full reviewNYCGlutenFreeGirl
January 23, 2009
This is my favorite restaurant in NYC - the prices are reasonable, the food is delicious, the waiters and waitresses are always helpful with choosing items. You must get the cheese plates and the veggies as appetizers. Huge wine list! This place is great for people with food allergies as well - the servers are very knowledgable, and they will make any of their pastas dishes gluten free! I have had two large group dinners here (25 people once, 10 another time) and both were done very well. My only cons would be that sometimes there is a long wait for tables and I wish they had a little bit more variety on the menu - but for the price you pay, this place is top notch.
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nycjm
January 12, 2009
The cheese plate appetizer is delicious, and so is the gelato- try the olive oil flavor. However, I did not like the pizza. The crust was burnt, and there was nothing special about the toppings. I would go back for wine, cheese, and gelato but not pizza. When we went it was not very crowded. The service is not great, the waiter was very rude and they brought us the check before we were even done eating, which I hate. Overall, I was pretty disappointed.
read full reviewThe Details on Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria
Know Before You Go:
Those lucky enough to snag a stool at the bar should stay put and dine amid the bar's people-watching bustle.
What to Drink:
Quartinos range from $8 to $27, and bartenders will pour samples. The bottle list is a bargain, with numerous good Italian bottles priced less than $30. The selection of Barolos is especially good.
The Extras:
The short list of cheese pairings are excellent, particularly Coach Farm cheese partnered with superb tomato jam.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Celeb Hangout, People Watching, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Mario Batali
