For some reason, I feel like it’s hard to find good Italian in a city with tons of great restaurants (forget Little Italy…I’ve had more disappointing meals there than not). There have been some exceptions, like Da Andrea in the West Village, which feels like you’re eating in a little Italian kitchen with delicious food to match.
Recently, my friend Archana recommended Bacaru in the LES, and anyone who’s recommending good Italian, I have to check it out.
It’s easy to miss the unmarked restaurant in the most unassuming location between rows of Chinese stores. I instantly loved the almost Gothic black decor, dimly lit with candlelights.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me, so you’ll have to bare with these taken with my 1.31 mega pixel camera phone…but for better pictures, check out Archana’s post!
These were the crostini of the day, zucchini wraps filled with ricotta cheese and deep fried. They were crunchy, and the cheese was piping hot, but I love everything cheese so I didn’t mind.
The gnocchi was phenomenal, and small enough that you don’t feel sick afterwards. Buttery and soft, with even portions mushroom sauce as it did cheese.
Risotto was healthy tasting, with mushrooms and asparagas. Loved this too. I have to say, though, because I’m not a huge seafood person, and their very edited menu contained a lot of it (and no chicken…gasp!), I felt a little limited. The choices I did have though were yummy, so it’s not a major complaint.
Couple other interesting things: Maybe it was that night but the whole place seemed to have very fashion-conscious diners. I describe them as a models-meets-hipster crowd. I was definitely the most uncool person there…OK that doesn’t speak for much, but you get what I mean. But it was funny that everyone who walked through the door fit that similar mold.
They were also playing a mix of 80s hair metal band Skid Row along with Sheryl Crow and The Clash. Just thought it kept the ambiance interesting. That is all.
Restaurant Info:
Bacaru
136 Division St
Btwn Orchard & Ludlow St
212-941-5060
New York, NY 10002
LES
x
Shy
Ok all these posts are making me miss home so much. D.C. doesn’t have enough ‘authentic’ Italian restaurants, and I’ve never even tried too many of the places in NYC, even though I’ve heard they are far better. Will take this recommendation, especially since it’s coming from both you and Archana 🙂
wow this looks so divine.
sorry the pictures are so dark 🙁
Hey the zuccini sticks for $9. Is that ALL you get or did you eat some off your plate? For some reason I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s all you got in nyc.
I’m sure she ate some…..wait did you?
Nope, it was only 4 pieces!! Place wasn’t that cheap
i had AWESOME italian food last night. place called l’artusi. MUST try. every dish was light and flavorful. and the panna cotta is to die for.
I was supposed to be there 🙁
At least you have italian restuarants to choose from! We only have two nice italian restuarants where I live and both are owned by the same person.