Zero Otto Nove is a great Italian restaurant located in NYC's other Little Italy neighborhoood in the Bronx along Arthur Avenue. If you're ever looking for a nice spot to eat and then walk about taking in all there is to see, then Zero Otto Nove is it! My hubby, son and I stopped in recently on a Saturday for lunch as we were craving brick oven pizza. First thing that caught our attention and a rather good way to slow customer traffic and grab someone's attention: the small blue car (reminds me of a 60's style Fiat) parked in front of the restaurant (genius marketing!). Immediately, we wanted to know more about this car and in doing so recognized the restaurant (enter in Zero Otto Nove) parked behind it. Some publicity stunts can be annoying and I certainly don't like feeling gamed in any way, but this is one I would love to encounter again and again. So glad that this blue Fiat led us to Zero Otto Nove! First off, the food and ambiance at Zero Otto Nove is great! I love the 4 cheese brick oven pizza with sausage and bucatelli with carbonara sauce. One minor complaint was that the pasta sauce was under-seasoned and I had to add salt (and I'm not a big salt person). Other than that, service was impeccable; you were greeted kindly before and after leaving, everyone in the restaurant acknowledges your presence and makes you feel welcome. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and unique; it feels like you're in an Italian villa, not the Bronx. The prices are moderate, but still reasonable. The restaurant, including bathrooms, are clean. I think that this could be a great dinner option for couples...definitely has a...
Read moreTitle: Zero Regrets at Zero Otto Nove: A Bronx Feast to Remember!
Review:
As soon as I stepped into Zero Otto Nove in the Bronx, just before they opened at 4:30 pm, I knew it would be a memorable evening. The atmosphere was electric, with rock and roll music setting a vibrant yet conversational tone and the decor resembling an Italian taverna with artfully aged walls. The restaurant filled quickly, but its spacious layout, including a cozy mezzanine and several intimate dining areas, never felt too crowded.
The Margherita pie was a highlight, featuring a perfectly balanced crust, not too thin nor too chewy, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, beautifully melted mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil. The pasta fagioli soup, which I had without ham, offered a rich and hearty broth filled with al dente pasta, well-cooked beans, and crunchy vegetables. The baked potato was another delight; it was fluffy inside with crisp skin and seasoned just right.
The soft drink from the bar was the perfect accompaniment to my meal, complementing the robust flavors on my plate. The staff managed the busy atmosphere with ease, ensuring every dish arrived hot and well-presented. The portions were generous, making for excellent value, and left me completely satisfied.
In conclusion, dining at Zero Otto Nove is an experience that is not just about eating but also about enjoying every moment. The attentive service and exceptional Italian cuisine make this Bronx gem a must-visit. Whether you sit at the bar or find a spot in the mezzanine, you're in for a fantastic meal with...
Read moreHad an early dinner here with family. The hostess will tell you up front it's a 45 minute wait, lol. That's okay. Reservations would be nice. The bar is packed (not enough bar to handle the waiting), so we opted for a Cafe a few storefronts down. Spread the wealth and all that...
The meal was actually worth waiting for.
Their salads are great, and entree was actually worthy. I had the Sliced Parm Arugula salad with lemon sauce, which was refreshing. Everyone else had nothing but good things to say about their salads. The tuna salad was good too, sampled some of it.
Main course was done well. The kitchen staff was well trained. The veal was good, as was the lamb with arugula. Their specials are actually special.
The Fiat out front was a nice touch, but it lost it's grill somewhere along the way. Would be way cooler if it actually ran.
The mural is what brought us here. I actually insisted on changing seats with my Fiances cousin so she could take it all in. Its no master piece, but its a nice touch, and that goes a long way when setting the mood. If you're bringing someone there for the first time, make sure they have a good view, so they can imagine eating at an old restaurant, outdoors in the winding alleys of Italia, or back in the 1930's lower east side.
Ah, and before I forget, Birthdays are an event here. The musical que begins a very special 3 minute focus on the VIP. Very nice touch, so this is a great place to bring Birthday boys and girls.
Dining here once a year wouldn't be...
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