Bellavitae
(212) 473-5121
24 Minetta Ln
New York,
NY
10012
40.7303
-74.0009
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Greenwich Village
What People Are Saying About Bellavitae
The Editor
Erin Behan
Citysearch
The Scene
Wide planks cover the floor, specialty olive oil and vinegar line the walls, and two communal bars bookend the homey, down-to-earth dining room. Servers with a passion for food deftly guide the mostly 30-and-over crowd through the wine and food menus.
The Food
The flexible menu allows for light bites or a multicourse feast. Start with mild Nocellara olives, then move to crunchy fried meatballs that pop in the mouth, or figs wrapped in smokey pancetta, bursting with honeyed sweetness. The fragrant trofie (thin twists of pasta) with green beans and fresh pesto makes its way to many tables, and the frittata, laced with pecorino cheese, is unbelievably light and airy. Thinly sliced steak, topped with a salsa verde tasting heavily of fresh parsley, is a carnivore's delight. Desserts mimic the seasons: In summer, the peach granita transports diners to the orchard, but the panna cotta works in any weather.
User Reviews
Dirman
June 25, 2009
We've always found Bellavitae to be a reliable choice when in the mood for simple, authentic Italian dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Fried Meatballs and crostoni with gorgonzola and honey are favorites. Figs are a must have when they are in season. Lots of small plates make up a wonderful meal and they have a pretty amazing wine list (again with small artisinal providers from Italy). We've always been guided to some new choices in wine whenever we go. Looks like service is specifically designed to be casual and it seems that whoever is closest when the food is ready is the one to deliver it. Has been on our list of go to places for a while and recent visits have certainly not disappointed.
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twarnerrx
May 19, 2009
My wife and I ate at Bella Vitae on the recommendations of our hotel concierge. The evening started out great. It is a small, intimate restaurant on a quiet street, we were greeted by staff and led to our table. After enjoying a glass of wine, we could not help but notice a group of 7 men two tables over that were enjoying themselves. Mind you, my wife and I are not opposed to noise, and enjoy restaurants that are "bustling". This table was downright obnoxious. Yelling at each other, telling each other to f*** off, using f*** every other work and yelling it like they were at a ballpark. It got so bad, the room we were in completely cleared out. It wasnt hard to overhear their conversation about the casinos, the limo outside, etc. No joke, it reminded me of watching the Sopranos. The staff did absolutely nothing EXCEPT wait on them hand and foot, bringing them grappa, anisette, more wine. We were absolutely offended at the language and the manner in which they conducted themselves. The staff said nothing to us. No apologies, no "let me buy you a drink", nothing. A different waiter brough us our dinner (so ours could help take care of the Sopranos) and still another came over to clear and ask about dessert. Noone asked how the dinnner was, checked on us, etc. FINALLY after our check was being brought to us, we were asked how things were. I replied, well the FOOD was good, and nothing, just walked away. $200 for two people down the tubes, and I feel like I wasted the opportunity to eat at other restaurants that could have been so much more enjoyable.
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JWorth2202
March 20, 2009
We used to be regulars at this restaurant, Bellavitae, and up until last night we would have continued to be. My partner was already there, and when I arrived she had already ordered our food. It was really hot in the back of the restaurant by their second bar, so we tried to move up to the front bar. We were told in an incredibly rude way by the power-hungry hostess that we were not allowed to eat at the main bar even though there was no one else in the restaurant. We tried asking someone else that might have the authority to allow us to eat our food, (a seemingly innocent request..this is after all a RESTAURANT) but was again told that we were not allowed to eat food at the bar. Thinking liquor would help make this situation a little more bearable, I tried to order a simple bourbon, and was told that they were out of it. The octopus that we had as an appetizer was edible at best. It was plain and lackluster. The eggplant was nice but nothing worth going in for. I've seen this place decline both in food and in attitude over the last few years. I am very insulted by the way that we were treated....In these times, Bellavitae cannot afford to lose even more business than they already are. I felt bad not leaving a decent tip for the poor waitress who kept apologizing for the inconvenience.
read full reviewThe Details on Bellavitae
What to Drink:
For an inexpensive light red wine with intense flavor, try Brancaia's Tre ($36), a blend of sangiovese, merlot and cabernet.
The Extras:
The olive oils and other Italian ingredients lining the walls are for sale--turn the menu over for prices. Of note is the 100-year-old balsamic ($500).
Where to Sit:
Stop by even if you haven't reserved a table--there's usually plenty of room at the bar.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Hidden Find, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
