Bono Trattoria

Returning to Harlem after fifteen years, mostly abroad, my wife and I weren't sure what we would find when someone recommended Bono Trattoria on Broadway at 151st Street. It just didn't seem the kind of neighborhood where you would find a good Italian restaurant. How wrong we were! Every other ethnic eatery in New York claims to have the most authentic food, but this one was a standout, from the roast beet and goat cheese salad to the perfectly charred thin-crust pizza with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil. And did we mention the happy-hour prosecco for $7, and beers for $5? Chief among this place’s charms is the huge wood-fired oven right in the middle of the restaurant; another is the welcoming family vibe, heightened by the fact that the owner was right there in the dining area, helping to serve guests, and that her husband is the bartender. Speaking of service: when Adam, our server, found out that we were celebrating an anniversary, he quietly arranged for a surprise on the house. Another thing that stood out: everyone on the wait staff was not only courteous but also seemingly happy to be working there, even though the place was packed (on a Monday night!). Actually, that shouldn’t have surprised us, given that the food was better than anything we’ve had in Manhattan for the same or similar price. Good restaurants sell good food, otherwise they wouldn’t survive – not in this market. But Bono Trattoria is superior, and again, the ambience and atmosphere make it a standout. Come see for yourself.