Profile

For Tolani Wine Restaurant, the name says it all: this Upper West Side spot wants to distinguish itself by matching what it pours in your glass with what it puts on your plate. The wine menu is a solid mix of varietals, vintners, and a good balance between old and new world wines. But it’s the meals that’ll get the foodies salivating. Sure there’s the standard oysters, sliced meats, and cheeses, but the menu featuring world comfort food is what’ll get people talking: red snapper ceviche with cantaloupe, avocado, and poblano peppers; goat curry; lamb ragout. The food is served in a homey atmosphere, with exposed bricks and rafters dominating the upstairs. Sadly, the prices aren’t domesticated. The crowd tends to be well-heeled and professional, but locals are starting to take notice. A decent happy hour featuring tapas should keep them coming back. — Ben Lebeaux