Gottino

Critics' Pick

52 Greenwich Ave., New York, NY 10014
nr. Perry St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-633-2590 Send to Phone

Price Range:
$$
Key to Prices and ratings
Upscale

Almost Perfect

Exceptional

Generally Excellent

Very Good

Good

Cheap Eats

Best in Category

Excellent

Delicious

Very Good

Noteworthy
Very Expensive

Expensive

Moderate

Cheap
Reader Rating:
6.9 out of 10
|
16 Reviews | Write a Review
Cuisine: Italian

Photo by Brian Kennedy

Map Rate & Review

Hours

Mon-Fri, 8am-2am; Sat-Sun, 11am-2am

Nearby Subway Stops

1 at Christopher St.-Sheridan Sq.

Prices

$4-$12

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Bar Scene
Hot Spot
Late-Night Dining
Notable Chef
Reservations Not Required

Alcohol

Beer and Wine Only

Reservations

Not Accepted

Profile

The Underground Gourmet can’t blame Jody Williams for refusing to call Gottino a wine bar. After all, New York is practically awash in wine bars these days. So instead, the Morandi chef has christened her pet project, the elegant slip of a West Village space she opened with partner Michael Bull, a “gastroteca—my made-up word for an Italian gastropub,” she says. And when, precisely, is a wine bar not a wine bar, according to Williams? When great food, great wine, and thoughtful service add up to something much more than a cookie-cutter marketing plan.

At first glance, the casual observer might not be able to tell the difference. Gottino embodies rusticity, with all the Old World Wine Bar signifiers in place: the long marble bar and the standing ledge behind it, the Ferrari-red Berkel meat slicer, the piles of seasonal fruit (quince, pomegranates, blood oranges) that are a telltale Williams touch. Wine bottles, cookie jars, and anchovy tins line the walls; baskets of complimentary nuts are arranged along the bar for customers to crack open at will. But beyond the romantic “ ’teca” atmosphere is a terrific “gastro” restaurant, one that adapts the familiar small-plate wine-bar format to its own Slow Food–inspired, seasonally dictated, often idiosyncratic ends. If there’s a wine-bar playbook, and there must be by now, Gottino isn’t going by it. — Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite

Note

Gottino buys its gelati from Philadelphia’s acclaimed Capogiro; the fior di latte flavor comes with a sidecar of succulent candied chestnuts.

Ideal Meal

Bigné with Prosecco to start, followed by ciambottini, any crostini, blood-orange salad, canederli or cotechino-stuffed apples, and a bit of cheese. Or just make your way through a crock of chicken-liver pâté and call it a day.

Food:	(NA)

Service:	6

Décor:	10

Value:	8

Walked in on a whim, with no idea what the place was about. First of all, the place is gorgeous. The marble bar is significant, and decor is so well thought through; I was seriously impressed. You feel like you've left New York for a moment.... but then... ah yes... the wait staff. Now, if I was dressed in a bow tie and full-front apron, I'd probably act a little important too, but these guys are too much. Me and my 26 year old friends, all of whom work in the industry and with wine, were treated like NYU trash. We kinda laughed it off, but it hurt. Price points were reasonable for a place that clearly has a lot of overhead. Wine selections were excellent, but you can't read the menu: it's black printed on gray. I guess I just wish the tone was a little more approachable, instead of feeling like you were going to break something.

Came in expecting worse, very pleasantly surprised

canfraggle from 90291 | Posted on 5/6/09

Overall Rating: 8 (Recommended)


Food:	9
Service:	9

Décor:	9

Value:	6

I read the reviews on the site and didn't have very high expectations for this place, but actually it turned out great. Very friendly waitstaff dealing with a cramped space. Service was snappy. I went with a few friends, tried all the crostini and had the duck. A boozy night, very satisfying.

Read All 16 Reviews >>

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