Zero Otto Nove

Zero Otto Nove Restaurant Review:

Zero Otto Nove is a Flatiron District spin-off of the popular Bronx/Arthur Avenue original that emphasizes southern Italian cuisine in general, and affordable dishes from Salerno in particular. The inviting high-ceilinged space is bedecked with the usual rustic Italian trappings --- think faux crumbling walls and arches --- and the menu is long and diverse. Start with one of the dozen or so thick-crust pizzas (the butternut squash purée and pancetta topped pie is especially toothsome). In addition, the grilled octopus starter is done right: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. The primi and secondi sections are loaded with temptations, including garlic-sautéed cuttlefish and linguine, tender beer-braised short ribs, and flaky baked branzino. The dessert line-up offers the usual suspects (minus, refreshingly, tiramisu) and the wine list is made up of mostly southern Italian labels, many of which are very affordable.