Il Buco

47 Bond St., NoHo, NY

8.2

map & more

Neighborhood
NoHo

Cuisine
Italian
Mediterranean

Nearby
Bowery Ballroom
Webster Hall

212-533-1932

Official Website

By Andrew Steinthal
December 14, 2009

Sitting in Il Buco on a recent Tuesday night, one wouldn’t think our country was currently experiencing severe economic turmoil. The place is packed to the gills with people eating and drinking without a care in the world. Even some of the hottest restaurants have empty tables on “off” nights, but the fact that Il Buco is routinely slammed is a testament to the quality of the food and the unique character of the space. You won’t find another place in town quite like it. The restaurant’s rustic country vibe is as authentic as it gets. Originally opened as an antique store in the mid-90′s, the owners quickly realized their meal ticket wasn’t in the form of selling antique ceramic pots, it was the kitchen.

Il Buco has been a hot-spot for a while now, attracting an older, celeb heavy crowd. Our girl Christina Hendricks (Joan on Mad Men) and her Infatuation approved ass got married here recently. The menu has become famous for its seasonal Mediterranean small plates and daily selection of homemade pastas, local poultry and fish entrees. We’d suggest focusing on the small plates and the pastas. Better yet, get a big group together and take advantage of Il Buco’s chef’s table or private dining room in the downstairs cellar.

Food Rundown:

Crocchette di Cavolfiori
These cauliflower & gorgonzola croquettes had even the cheese haters at the table (me) going back for more.

Cavolonero
A “caesar” salad of raw tuscan black kale in anchovy vinaigrette with croutons and parmesan. Sounds OK on paper, tastes delicious.

Carpaccio di Manzo
Beef carpaccio with fried chickpeas, black cumin, podda classico (an Italian cheese made made using a blend of cow’s and sheep’s milk). This was the highlight of the appetizer menu and the table’s favorite.

Insalata di Polipo
A dish Il Buco is very well known for, this tender octopus dish is straight up amazing. Served with fingerling potatoes in a Greek yogurt with cilantro, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Maltagliati con Funghi e Pancetta
The pastas at Il Buco are excellent, my one complaint being that at a $20-22 price point, we could use a little more. This sheet pasta might have been my favorite. Thin sheets of pasta with trumpet royal mushrooms, leeks, pancetta, mint and parmesan. Goodness.

Gnocchi con Radicchio e Castagne
Some ridiculous potato gnocchi served with radicchio, chestnuts, gorgonzola and aged balsamic. This was one of the best things we ate all night. And that says a lot.

Pasta ai Ceppo con Broccoli e Guanciale
Pasta twists with broccoli, guanciale, rosemary and pecorino romano. Another good choice.

Bistecca ai Ferri
A Niman Ranch ribeye served with pan fried potatoes, caperberries and a perfect sweet & spicy marmalade that made this dish seriously delicious.

Pesce alla Griglia
Who knew Triggerfish was so good? I didn’t. This was my first experience with this flaky white fish. Served with braised leeks, chickpeas, cumin, yogurt and cilantro, I’m now a believer in Il Buco’s fish entrée options.

Pollo
It wasn’t the Vermont chicken leg that made this a great dish, it was everything else involved. Not that the chicken was bad, it was just overshadowed by the polenta with roasted cippollini onions, baby carrots and spinach.