Vespa: In a neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants, this under-the-radar wine bar stands out thanks to one of the most valuable assets in New York: a large outdoor space. Complete with heating lamps for cold Manhattan nights, the garden alone is worth the trek uptown. A tapas-style tasting menu offers a bit of everything for $18, while dinner offers new twists on usual suspects like Pork Osso Bucco ($19.50), Black Linguine ($17.50), and Raviolacci with sweet potato, ricotta sage butter, and raisins ($16). While cocktails are offered, the real draw is the wine, with more than 50 bottles from around the world, ranging from $26 to $125. Great for a date, dinner with a friend, or even Mom and Dad, this cozy space serves up a decent Italian meal that’s made even better--like so many things in life--by vino. |
