Help me choose btwn 2 NYC Restaurants ro
 

I am trying to choose between Il Buco in the East Village (ilbucco.com) and Il cantinori (Il cantinori.com) in Greenwich Village.

Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? It is for my boyfriend's birthday dinner so I am looking for somewhere romantic THANKS!

Il Buco, on Bond Street, is incredible and would be my clear choice. The other is fine, I've been twice, but Il Buco is extraordinary.

My girlfriend actually took me to Il Buco for my birthday, two years ago. I've been back 3 or 4 times since.

Enjoy!

Thanks Gekko! Did you happen to sit in the cellar? I have been told two different things -- one that it's romantic and another that it's creepy. Am wondering if I should bother

The wine cellar is for large groups -- I've sat down there with a party of 12. I would not suggest it for a b-day dinner for 2 (nor do I think it would be an option anyway).

Il Buco is more romantic. Il Cantinori is more "buzzy" with possible celeb sightings. Depends on which you want. ;)

Do you prefer the food at one over the other? I read a few places that the portions are small at Il Bucco??

No, the portions are not small at Il Buco (only on "c" ... means "the hole").

And you're equally likely to see a celeb at Il Buco ... I saw Mario Cantone there last time.

Thank you Gekko :) Il Buco it is. And I did not know what the translation was - thanks for that too!

If they still let you, my suggestion is have dessert in their wine cellar.

Il Buco used to be one of my favorite NYC restaurants. It's still good, but not even close to how good it was circa 1996 and 1997 before it became well known. Back then, it still doubled as an antique store.

BTW, about the portions - they are meant to be shared. The best way to enjoy the restaurant is to order a few dishes and share them.

One of the signature dishes back in the old days, was a whole roasted fish. It was always a highlight.

Thanks Ryan!