Barbuto 775 Washington St. (Jane & 12th Sts.)
West Village
212.924.9700
Barbuto:
Whether first impressions matter or not, they usually stick. In Barbuto’s case, the first impression is a favorable one. Garage-style doors allow generous amounts of light into the spacious eating area; during warmer temperatures, they open for outside dining. The Italian Mediterranean menu is constantly in flux: The braised lamb ribs ($23) one day may give way to risotto ($16) the next. It’s a risky move for Chef Jonathan Waxman, but like other restaurants with variable menus like Gramercy Tavern, it pays off. Beers are few, but with 75+ bottles of wine to choose from, you won’t be thinking about a Michelob.
