Cute, cozy, classy; Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria in NoHo is perfect for all occasions. Whether you are seated in the louder upstairs for a larger party, or seated at the bar or two-person countertop for a date, you won’t be let down by your Il Buco experience. Everything at Il Buco from the ambiance to the food is perfect, and after going to dinner there this week, I’m in awe I let myself go almost 3 years in New York City without having been here!…
I have to start with the crispy artichokes. These artichokes were absolutely the best dish of the night and I would like a side of them with every meal I eat going forward. The artichokes are perfectly crisp and absolutely delicious, and they rival Maialino for the best artichokes I’ve ever had! These artichokes, however, are fried in the same fryer as other foods and subject to cross contamination. Unfortunately, there are no gluten free pastas or breads served at Il Buco. Upon hearing this news I was slightly disappointed, but once I saw the delicious list of starters, entrees, and sides, I couldn’t have cared less! To start, I highly recommend the seared octopus, prosciutto and burrata, and roasted white asparagus and for mains, I recommend the salt baked branzino (whole roasted bass with thyme and charred lemon) and the young chicken, with forest mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and ramps. I rarely order chicken at restaurants, but this dish was tender, flavorful, and a definite must-have. Lastly, the carrots and kale side orders are the perfect supplement for your meal. Polenta is also available as a side order and although polenta is typically gluten free (corn based), this crispy polenta with parmesan is NOT nobread approved!
Delicious food, fun ambiance, and plenty more entrees for me to try on my next visit; I can’t wait to go back. Il Buco Alimentari serves breakfast, too! Most items contain gluten, but the frittata and baked eggs are screaming my name. Watch out Gemma, Il Buco might fight you for my neighborhood go-to Italian restaurant.