Locanda Vini e Olii
"This mom-and-pop trattoria was a pharmacy for 130 years. The woodwork has been lovingly restored, and many old features have been left intact, like small wooden apothecary drawers, rolling wood ladders and old counters used for a small bar and to display desserts," writes Eric Asimov for the New York Times.
"The excellent house wines are sold 'consumption'-style. The bottle is left on the table, you help yourself, and whatever's left is theatrically measured with a homemade stick. It's the most fun you can have in a drugstore without a prescription," says New York magazine.
"With the selection of olives alone---marinated, cured, umbrine, belle di cerignola---one is confronted with the passion that effuses from the kitchen," says Gayot. Dan McAlvanah for Citysearch's writes, "Pastas are a revelation, particularly a chestnut lasagna cast with sweet sausage and set against a rich background of herbs." And Time Out New York adds, "A full dessert cart brings a decision-defying array; the ricotta cheesecake made with rosewater offers anot-too-sweet finish." What's your take on this place?
Reviews (20)
BH76 wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:07 PM
Excellent. Cramped and not comfortable but worth it. No ice -- or A/C -- so be warned in the summer. Everything is perfect -- except the desserts which always were dry and just not delicious (I haven't tried the cheescake -- not for me)
wasder wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:08 PM
Love this place. Such an unlikely locale for such a wonderful, lively restaurant. Great food and great vibe.
Schultz wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:20 PM
Not for everyone, this place is truly a destination spot for very upscale diners that like to travel under the radar. They are not dependent on a neighborhood crowd.
Atlantic Frantic wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:22 PM
One of my favorites. Still don't really get the green dip they start you off with, but otherwise I can't recommend it enough.
Brownstones Half Off wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:30 PM
Too sophisticated for me. Been there twice and both times I wasn't dying to get back. I think you need to have some kind of Tuscan background or something (plain old fluency in Italian?) to understand the menu. Only been to Florence (didn't get out to the countryside) and that was after my last meal at this venue. I will say, though, that I recall having some slammin' potato wedges.
But don't let my comment turn you off. I'm a simple guy. Maybe I'll give it another go.
***Bid half off peak comps***
BH76 wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:46 PM
Hey brownstones half off -- order the steak -- to die for and very simple!
Miss Chiff wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:51 PM
Love this restaurant.
BHO: I can understand your concern but I find that if you ask for help, the staff are extremely helpful.
As for seating, I try to get the table in the window to the left of the front door. Right by the old cash register. It avoids the crowded feeling of the other tables.
Lothar of the Clinton Hill People wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:52 PM
The first two times I found that green lettuce-sauce for the bread completely bland and confounding. The third time I added a bunch of salt to it and thought maybe I understood what they were going for. It's a weird first impression.
Be prepared to order a lot of courses and spend a lot of money if you go there, that's really the best way to enjoy what they have to offer.
jawbreaker wrote a review on January 12, 2009 1:41 PM
This place stands in many ways. I've been there maybe ten times. The menu is different from other Italian places, and the food has always been fresh and beautifully prepared. I like the decor, ambience, and the service. I even like the green stuff; I think of it as pesto and a good appetite-whetter. It is not cheap, and if you are inclined to feel that the intentionally small portions are a rip-off, it's not for you.
jhwhit wrote a review on January 12, 2009 1:59 PM
Havent been here for awhile, but it's one of my absolute favorite places to eat. Great variable menu, comfy atmosphere, authentic couple running the place, great for a date or special celebration.
jw
1842 wrote a review on January 12, 2009 2:39 PM
One of my favorite places to eat, and one of the best northern Italian restaurants in NYC. The owners are great too. Not cheap, but great food - worth it.
superstooper wrote a review on January 12, 2009 3:54 PM
I used to think that the food was just good and that the owner was very aloof. The last time that I ate here though the owner was charming and the meal was virtually perfect, astoundingly so. The wine list is fantastic as well.
b_green5 wrote a review on January 12, 2009 9:53 PM
It is a bit expensive and complicated. And I was never so pleased to not have to go all the way into Manhattan for a special event meal.
Oh, and just hand them back the green stuff with a smile when they try to put it down. :>) Everything else is divine!
They have one of the best wine programs in the area and the genial hosts can have an hour debate about the pairing benefits of their bottles and will talk you _down_ into a more reasonably priced selection. If you insist, they will bring out the really expensive stuff that ain't on the list and they hesitate to actually part with.
They are lovely. If for no other reason, they are ours.
b_green5 wrote a review on January 12, 2009 10:27 PM
Oh, and if you don't know wine and want to talk about it less? The yum house wine is priced by the inch! No excuses for bad vino here.
jan van flac wrote a review on January 12, 2009 10:59 PM
love this place...it's pretty unique.
best option is to get the tasting menu.
siIluvBK wrote a review on January 13, 2009 10:08 AM
This is a wonderful place! The food is great, the bread with olive oil and selection of olives, flour-less chocolate cake, rose wine; Spectacular! Small, cozy, quaint little place with lots of interesting detail in the decor. The owners, particularly the husband is very welcoming and will often makes rounds at different tables will sit and talk with you. You don't get this treatment often.
bklynrosie wrote a review on January 13, 2009 11:39 AM
I love this place. I have been a regular customer for years and Catherine and Francois are some of the most lovely, authentic people I have ever met. They both are highly skilled at what they do and it comes through in both the food and service. Great, true to its roots Northern Italian in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I have celebrated many a milestone here and look forward to many more. Highly recommended.
FatLenny wrote a review on January 13, 2009 12:52 PM
Love this place. Has been excellent every time.
StJacques wrote a review on January 20, 2009 5:51 PM
Apparently we forget life's painful experiences faster than the good ones, because we've been coming here for years - about every 8 months or so we remember how charming the room is, how mouth-watering the food sounds, and so we come back. And every time we leave unhappy because the management is distinctly unfriendly, and the food meager and mediocre at best - certainly nothing resembling decent value in terms of price/quality. Above this comment you will read many from happy customers - that's what makes horse races, after all - but following our last visit we are determined to remember and to resist any future impulse to go back. It was one thing 8 years ago when the Brooklyn picking were truly slim, but unless you live within easy walking distance I can't imagine why you would spend money here.
janelle wrote a review on April 30, 2009 2:19 PM
had a wonderful dinner here. sadly i have not had the opportunity to get back since moving out of the neighborhood. such a great meal and a beautiful, unique space.
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