The buzz: A swanky New York-meets-traditional Italian restaurant and bar by the il Lido Group opens in an inconspicuous office building in the CBD.
The vibe: Think old school New York restaurants with a dedicated cherry wood bar for pre-dinner drinks crossed with a modern Italian aesthetic. From the jewel-like wall sconces and red leather chairs to the copper bar lamps and ornate tilework, everything’s got a luxe artisan touch. It looks swanky but the dishes, and more importantly price points, are still accessible.
The food: It’s about elevating homey Italian classics with starters like a heartwarming bollito misto soup with bone marrow crostini ($23) and the luxuriously hearty beef agnolotti pasta ($28) heaped with freshly-shaved truffle. The deceptively simple Romaine lettuce topped with bottarga and garlic crumbs ($23) is crunchy, super savory and addictive, while the beef tagliata ($38) is cooked to medium rare perfection and comes with creamy potato puree. Portions aren’t dainty either, so you’ll leave full.
The drinks: One of the great things about the space is the dedicated bar area that has a New York pre-dinner drinks vibe with high stools and booths. Cocktails are named after Ferrari models like the Scuderia ($12), a take on a Bloody Mary, and the perfect digestif cocktail, Enzo ($19) made with date-infused rum and chocolate bitters. The bar shines with stiff, stirred drinks like La Ferrari ($15), essentially a Negroni, as well as Testarossa ($17) with apple wood-smoked whiskey. Oh, and did we mention they’re cheap?
Why you’ll be back: It’s all parts swanky and luxe, without the super hefty price tag. While it’s not a place to simply drop by, it’s a great option for after-work drinks—with a 500-strong wine list and cocktails that rarely exceed $20. Plus, the food is hearty and familiar but still intricately presented.
