Food is everything. It’s social. It’s comforting. It’s creative. It is something we do not just to survive but also to enjoy and share. For many, food has become a hobby. More specifically, society has labeled these hobbyists as “Foodies.” So, technically, I am a foodie. But, for the record, I consider myself more of a food enthusiast. It sounds more serious. And that’s because, to me, it is.
My interest in food started long before I began blogging, but I didn’t know what I was until I started channeling this passion into posts. Blogging has created an outlet for me to talk about what interests me the most. It gave me a reason to come home to my empty apartment and cook something rather than ordering takeout, like my roommates did. When I wasn’t cooking, I was dining out at restaurants with my camera in hand.
As a food blogger, I have built a reputation for myself. Taking food seriously means many friends come to me for recommendations. It gives me a great sense of pride helping someone discover a dish or try a new restaurant. When I first recommended a restaurant to my parents as a teenager, they returned happy and satisfied. That feeling of knowing they appreciated my recommendation was incredible. I now look forward to the moments when people trust me to help them have a great meal. I will admit that sometimes it doesn’t go as well as expected. My success rate is about 90%, quite good if I may say so.
Many often ask me what my favorite food or restaurant is. Although I always say “I don’t have a favorite, there are too many to choose from,” I have come to realize that while I still cannot name my favorite food, I can name my favorite restaurant. It meets the key criteria of a great restaurant:
Good food
Good service
A five-star atmosphere
Reasonable prices
With that in mind, and because my friend Angel trusts my food opinions, I want to share my favorite restaurant: Otto Enoteca Pizzeria in Greenwich Village. This place is my top choice for dining and recommending for any occasion.
Visiting NYC? Go to Otto.
Celebrating a special occasion? Go to Otto.
Looking for a good wine list? Go to Otto.
On a budget? Go to Otto.
Hungry? Go to Otto.
Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, created by Mario Batali, stands out from his other restaurants. Otto maintains a fine dining feel but with prices that are surprisingly reasonable. The quality is consistently excellent.
Here are some highlights from Otto that I enjoy.
The menu features only one page of food among a four-page menu, with the rest dedicated to wine. You won’t find commercial wines here but imported ones listed by origin. If you’re unfamiliar with the wines or pairings, the knowledgeable staff are ready to assist.
The cheese plates are notable. While I don’t order them often, when I crave cheese, Otto offers a great selection accompanied by truffle honey, apricots, and cherries. The truffle honey paired with cheese is truly a standout combination.
The antipasto is a must-try. It has become my go-to starter at Otto. As an Italian appetizer, antipastos offer a perfect tasting portion to share without filling up before the main course. Don’t miss the Eggplant Caponatina, Roasted Beets with Horseradish, and Peppers with Capers.
Fresh homemade pasta is available for $10. The angliotti, tiny cheese-filled pasta served with a browned butter sauce, is a special treat. It’s not something I order every time, but when I do, it’s delightful.
The Rigatoni Con Sausage and Escarole is my favorite dish. It’s rustic, with bits of sausage and escarole in a light sauce with cheese and a hint of spice, served over perfectly cooked rigatoni. If sharing with guests, I also recommend the Tacozzette con Stracotto, a wide, flat pasta with shredded pork in marinara sauce. It’s hearty and comforting, reminiscent of homemade meals.
Otto also offers pizza. Though NYC is known for pizza anywhere you go, if you want something unique, try their specials. One example is the anchovy and potato pizza, which makes for a nice change, though my heart will always belong to the pasta dishes.
Desserts at Otto are seasonal, so the options change. While there are usually several excellent choices, if there’s nothing new that catches my eye, I stick with my favorite, the Affogato. This dessert pairs vanilla gelato with a freshly pulled shot of espresso poured over it, a simple and satisfying end to the meal.
So, there you have it: my favorite restaurant in NYC. If you’re in the mood for Tuscan or Italian cuisine, or want to take someone special out, Otto is a wonderful choice.
If you hadn’t heard of Otto before, now it’s on your radar.
Check out Otto Enoteca Pizzeria on your preferred review site.
