6 July 2018 – Gabrielle Christensen
With locations in Little Italy, Midtown, and the Upper East Side, it is not hard to find Italian food in New York. However, it can be difficult to pick a single restaurant. You have to consider the price, food quality, location, and most importantly: the wine selection. Because, really, what is fantastic Italian cuisine without an excellent bottle of wine? HungerPass is pleased to share New York’s Top Italian Restaurants with the Best Wine Selections.
Allora Ristorante
145 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017
Photo: Courtesy of Allora Ristorante
Located in Midtown, Allora Ristorante is considered to be one of the top tier Italian restaurants of NYC. Not only does it have an extensive menu, but fabulous views overlooking the city. They also have a separate bar and lounge with rooftop access. Whether your sitting inside or out, the wine selections here are to die for.
The Wine Winner: Planeta Merlot
An Italian red with a blackcurrant, plum, and espresso aroma. Very flavorful with tastes of cherry, blackberry, and mint with a finish of smooth tannins.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon
This affordable Northern California cab is full of juicy flavor with hints of dark fruit and licorice. It has classical cab tannins with medium acidity.
Tufino Pizzeria
36-08 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
Photo: Courtesy of Tufino Pizzeria
This Astoria based Italian restaurant serves unique specialty pizzas as well as traditional Italian dishes. Inside, the atmosphere is low lit and cozy, complete with wooden décor to give you a rustic cabin feel while enjoying your meal. It also has an amazing wine menu with everything from Tierra Fausta to Tiburzi Colle Scanc Ellato.
The Wine Winner: Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This cab has a vanilla fragrance and is full of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry flavors. With hints of oak and a little bit of a spicy note, it has a long finish with polished tannins.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Tufino’s Homemade Sangria
Although this isn’t a classic bottle of red, the homemade sangria at Tufino’s is packed with delicious fruity tastes and the right choice if your looking for something on the sweeter side.
Antoninos
997 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030
Photo: Courtesy of Antoninos
Antoninos is a charming little Italian restaurant with a very homey, cozy ambience. With the best chicken francese in town and a great location in Long Island, this restaurant is definitely a winner. Along with traditional seating they also offer take out services for those in a rush. However, if you chose to stay in – their wine list is worth it.
The Wine Winner: Ciuseppe Cortese Barabaresco Rabaja’
If you’re looking to splurge, this bottle is the way to go. It has a floral intensity with a spicy cherry and berry essence. High acidity and powerful tannins.
The Best Bang for Your Buck: Falesco Montiano Merlot
Scoring a 90 on Wine Enthusiast, this Central Italian wine is full bodied with hints of cherry, blueberry, and just a bit of cocoa. It is dense with a bracing acidity at the finish.
