VIBE

It’s easy to find an excuse to stop by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s casual Italian resto and wine bar for the excellent thin-crust pizzas and seasoned antipasti. And it’s even easier to show up post-mealtimes and take a tasting flight of Italian wines from its lengthy (and surprisingly affordable) list of over 500 selections. (Not sure which to try? Bartenders are only too happy to pour samples for true taste-testers.) The lively enoteca, modeled after an Italian train station, is bathed in rich terracotta and packed with oenophiles and after-work imbibers, who love to saddle up to stools at the bar and watch the hustle of others attempting to nab a coveted table. Whatever you do, just don’t leave without trying the olive oil gelato.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Keep it smart casual with a classic sweater, capris, shiny flats, and a favorite accessory.

GO HERE WITH

A celebratory crowd; after-hours colleagues; significant other; a date; yourself

CROWD

An eclectic mix of wine aficionados, lovers of Italian cuisine, Batali loyalists, and neighborhood locals.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Compared to Batali’s other venues, this spot is super casual and laidback. We love the neighborhood friendliness about the place, from the generous and helpful barkeeps to the fun-loving and conversational crowds of business folk, families, and serious wine lovers. Many of the Italian bottles are true bargains, being priced at less than USD 30. No wonder this pizzeria is so hugely popular!

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Due to its attractiveness as one of the more casual of the stylish spots in town, OTTO’s front bar area quickly gets louder and more crowded than we would like.

GOOD TO KNOW

Mealtimes can be chaos, and are best avoided if you aren’t looking to make an occasion of it food-wise. What’s great about OTTO, though, apart from its fabulous wine selection, is its quality antipasti. You can make a full meal of those selections alone without having to worry about the traditional entrée to-do.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Las Vegas

CLOSEST COMPS

‘inoteca (New York); Gordon’s Wine Bar (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.