Bottino

Bottino Restaurant Review:

Established just slightly ahead of the West Chelsea boom that brought a new wave of artsy tenants to the once-industrial neighborhood, Bottino has retained the casual, cutting-edge feel it had when it opened. The converted hardware store still has the original wooden floors, shelving and skylight, a wood-paneled bar in front and a stark 1960s dining room in back, from which you can access the plant-filled garden through a sliding garage door. The menu doesn't push any envelopes, but we enjoy the penne with smoked prosciutto, grilled Norwegian salmon with salsa verde, and the roast rack of lamb with potatoes roasted in garlic, rosemary and sage. Bottino offers an impressive list of (mostly) Italian boutique wines, with nearly twenty selections by the glass for $6-$20.