Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 995-9559
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- 8th Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E, F, V at W 4th St; N, R at 8th St
- Hours:
- Daily 11:30am-12am
Editorial Review for Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria – by Allison Austin
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.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThose lucky enough to snag a stool at the bar should stay put and dine amid the bar's people-watching bustle.
What to DrinkQuartinos 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 ExtrasThe short list of cheese pairings are excellent, particularly Coach Farm cheese partnered with superb tomato jam.
User Reviews for Otto Enoteca and Pizzeria
07/22/2008 Posted by drewc711
I had a group birthday party here on saturday(about 16 people). I must admit that I wasn't too impressed and actually was pretty disappointed. The service was pushy rushing out orders every 2 mins. The busboys asked on a frequent basis to take away plates to speed up the service. The hostess after the bill was paid, immediately came to our table and stated that if we wanted to finish our wine(which wasn't much) that we either had to finish it up front or leave the restaurant. One could find this insulting after just paying the $1600 bill. ;P The food was decent-nothing impressive or amazing. I should probably note that this party was setup well in advance even with a set menu. To be honest, I wouldn't haven't minded the not so impressive food if the service was completely different. It was completely lacking in any type of "dining" experience. This is just my personal experience and opinion.
Pros: Wine and the Pizza
Cons: everything else
06/21/2008 Posted by jimbos1015
Had a wonderful evening at this hotspot. The train was delayed and the 30 minute wait promised for a table turned out to be 1 hour but that gave us time to enjoy a reasonably priced bottle of wine and the daily bruschetta. The bar area is crowded, busy, alive, and crowded! The waiters are stretched but ours was efficient and helpful. Wouldn't trade places with him! In the dining room the noise level continues and while you needed to raise your voice to be heard some took this as an opportunity to practice thier screaming abilities! While we found it hard to hear each other the two over-imbibed ex-frat boys at the next table made sure we heard every Syllable they uttered! Our waitress was fantastic, anticipated our needs and was friendly, jovial and joked with us. The food, well what can you say, it's Mario. Otto pizzas are all quirky but delicious and pasta with mint, peas and ricotta salata over the top! Desserts were irresitable and odd as it may sound Olive Oil Gelato is my new fave!! Don't go when you are tired and impatient or in need of a romantic table for two! However, it will be an experience that will pick you up and make you happy!
Pros: Upbeat, wine list, food, service
Cons: crowded, long wait, crowded, long wait
