posted by Archana on Italian, Lower East Side, Vegging Out

3 comments

After visiting Bacaro back in April and again this weekend, I can now say with certainty that this is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. That’s a pretty big deal considering the number of Italian restaurants in the city. But this gem, tucked away on a bare bones street near Chinatown, offers a well-edited, gourmet menu that won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s rustic-tavern interior is gorgeous and spacious – palatial, actually, for NYC.

What’s in it for you: Stuffed zucchini blossoms, asparagus with baked egg, gnocchi in brown butter with mushrooms, lasagna with mozzarella and radicchio

What’s in it for them: Spicy fried meatballs, razor clams with white wine and lemon, whole wheat pasta with duck sauce, marinated sliced steak over greens

Though I didn’t love the stuffed artichoke’s chewy texture, I loved the tender bits (when I got them) and the bread crumb topping.

My favorite dish, though, is the perfect-portioned sized gnocchi. The brown butter sauce and potato practically melt in your mouth. Truly the best gnocchi I’ve ever had!

I’ve also gotten the risotto with white asparagus and it’s delicious because of its oh-so-creamy texture. Not as mind-blowing as the gnocchi, but still amazing.

And what’s a meal without dessert? The options aren’t plentiful – tiramisu, gelato, sorbet and flourless chocolate cake – but our group of 10 shared two slices of the chocolate cake. I know; I, too, am shocked that I shared dessert

My only gripe? Our huge group couldn’t get the big table downstairs in the amazing, cavernous space. But the staff there is so friendly, they accommodated us by offering a large, long table on the main level by the window.

But I can’t blame them for having trouble squeezing us in; Bacaro takes reservations for groups of eight or larger only if everyone in the party participates in the $50 per person tasting menu. It’s a three-course meal, which isn’t actually that bad of a price considering the quality of the restaurant, but none of us got appetizers and we shared just two desserts, so it wouldn’t have been worth it for us. (Our bill was cheaper and we had a few bottles of wine.) If you don’t care for the tasting menu but want a big table, just know that it’s first come-first served.

Bon appétit!

Bacaro
136 Divison St. (at Ludlow)
212.941.5060
F to East Broadway

Tags: Group Dinners