don't forget about barbuzzo

[tfalbo]

i just went to Barbuzzo for the first time last night, and thought it was extraorindary.

My SO and I split 4 items (salumi plate, pig popcorn, pan seared gnocchi, and pork tenderloin with tonnato sauce), each of which was fantastic. The gnocchi might have been my favorite I've had out in the city (with apologies to the other contenders I'm overlooking, i.e. Vetri spinach gnocchi which I don't count since they're another orbit entirely). And we got out with two cocktails and a glass of wine for about $100 with tip. So, while we couldn't afford to be there twice a week, it definetly trends towards reasonable.

I haven't heard Barbuzzo mentioned as often lately, so thought I'd revive it with a quick post. I fall guilty of forgetting some of my favorite restaurants, so I look forward to CH reminders every now and again.

[mdg]

Thanks for all the Barbuzzo recommendations! We went last week on our 2-night visit to Philadelphia and were absolutely delighted.

We split 4 savory dishes which were all top notch. The meatballs were the best I've ever had, and we also really enjoyed the octopus, the sauteed Calabrian greens, and the butternut squash arancini. The wine by the glass selection was excellent. The only disappointment was the salted caramel budino; it was good but not at the outstanding level of the savories.

Michael

[cwdonald]

Michael thanks for the great review. I personally prefer the budino at Osteria to the one at Barbuzzo. I believe the food is very good there, however the whole experience is detracted to by the restaurant. Small cramped loud and hot. I wish they could take the food, the energy, the concept at put it in a different setting.

[bluehensfan]

I love the budino (technically called the chocolate mousse) next door at Zavino. You are right about small and cramped. We went to Kanella last weekend and felt the same way. I know it's like that at Fourth Street too.

[Bacchus101]

Yes, yes I agree both Barbuzzo and Kanella are quite cramped. Love the food at Barbuzzo thus we have been willing to accept being wedged in against the wall, that is if one is lucky, if not it is the traffic of customers and servers. I did not think anything could be much tighter than buzzo but at Kanella one can actually have the adjoining tables customer's elbows on, or almost on your table. Love to see more space at both but I suppose the managers do not want to change what seems to be working quite well.

[gina]

Finally got to try Barbuzzo and it was terrific. It was pretty packed on Tuesday around 6:30-7:00-ish, but we were able to grab two seats at the bar. We shared the pig popcorn, roasted beet salad with kale, calamari and octopus, and Cinghiale pizza with wild boar sausage. All dishes were well-prepared.

And the acoustics in there were interesting. Even with every seat taken up and lots of lively conversation going on throughout the space, my SO and I could still hear each other easily without shouting.

[sadiefox]

I have a question about Barbuzzo. We would like to have an early dinner there this Sunday at 5pm. Just 2 of us. There are no reservations available. Do we have a good chance of getting seated at the bar or counter if we walk in at 5?

[cwdonald]

First of all, call. Do not just rely on opentable. If you walk in at 5 you have a very good chance to be seated. And if not, Zavino next door is a good backup.

[sadiefox]

Thanks for the tips!

[bluehensfan]

I even like the pizza at Zavino better!

[urbanfabric]

I don't think anyone's forgotten about it, it's just not easy to get in for dinner! I recommend it often if someone's coming in a few weeks with fewer than 4 people. It's not a great place to suggest when someone says they need a place for 6 people, 3 days from now.

[crazyspice]

Barbuzzo is a favorite lunch spot for my daughter and me when we meet in town. It is good to bring this restaurant up as a reminder!