'inoteca

If you like Italian wines, then this is the place that has it. They have an encyclopedic list of wines. Wait times are sometimes a problem. Once in, the wines are on the pricey side, but they are good. However the Italian style tapas plates are not only good but not too expensive.

A good stylish vibe, with low prices to match, are the one-two punch of this solid corner Italian restaurant. Playing to twenty- and thirty-somethings, most of whom are probably crawling around the neighborhood's plethora of bars afterwards, the dining room is as sceney and urbane as you'd expect it to be. And when the weather heats up the entire glass front folds open for a semi-alfresco experience. Fueled by a vast wine list, the menu trends towards generously portioned "small" plates that run from prosciutto and cheese and spicy chicken sandwiches to meatballs in tomato-citrus sauce.

italian wine selection and location are the two best qualities of inoteca. get a glass of red recommended by the friendly wine wizard behind the bar, nibble on a meat and cheese plate and watch the world go by. the porchetta panini is excellent.

This is one of those places that draws you in when you walk by. They play an excellent choice of music that is fitting for the vibe of the decore, food and wine. The prices are high and portions are small so don't go here hungry. Just stop in for a meat platter and glass of wine.

One of my favorite places on the LES. If you go on the weekend, be prepared to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour for a table.. but it's well worth the wait. Be sure to try dessert - the Affogato (espresso and vanilla icecream) and the Nutella Panino (Nutella Panini) are AMAZING and perfect together.

I've been going here for 5+ years! Great wine selection and simple small plates that will fill you up. Ask about the special room if you have a big group

The menu items are all in Italian and challenging for the uninitiated but often worth a try. The service is a mess but to be fair, the place is usually quite busy.

Some of the best Italian small plates in the City. Larger and more accessible than 'ino, but also not quite as romantic.