Otto Enoteca Pizzeria
Address:
1 Fifth Avenue
City:
New York, NY
Zip:
10003
Phone:
(212) 995-9559
Hours:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9:00 am - 11:30 pm
Site:
Visit the restaurant site
Map:
Map
Cuisine:
Pizza
2nd Cuisine:
Italian
Area:
Greenwich Village
Entree Price:
$10-15
Review:
Not since the battle over the “Patsy’s” name has there been this much buzz over a pizzeria.
But when Mario Batali, of Esca fame, and his partner, Joseph Bastianich, are involved you know you’re in for something special - the upper crust of pizza.
Begin with some antipasti and some of the freshest red olives I’ve ever tasted, or a delicious combination of roasted artichokes, red onion and almonds with bits of orange rind mixed in ($4 each).
The pizza also delivers with its nearly paper-thin crust. Individual pies come with toppings like artichokes, cotto, mushrooms and chard, or a pie covered with baby clams still in the shell, garlic and chiles. Pour the clams, still in their juices, onto the pie and you’re in for something very special ($14). A traditional margherita pie with tomato, bufala mozzarella and basil goes for ten bucks.
Aside from pizza, Otto’s also offers meat and fish dishes at very reasonable prices; an $8 portion or the Grande at $21.
But the bulk of the menu is dedicated to Italian wines, more than 500 in all, ranging in price from under $20 to $475.
For dessert, homemade gelati or sorbet (prices depend on number of scoops), or choose from a selection of cheeses, including gorgonzola dolce with Amarene cherries ($4).
Otto’s draws an eclectic mix of high society, NYU students and families all gathered in one place, all (dare I say) eating with their fingers, and having a wonderful time. Who would have thought pizza could be done this well! Bravo!