NEW YORK - The moment spring arrives, I feel the urge to dine outdoors. Restaurants in Italy have long held gardens to be the ultimate dining room. In New York City, there are also some Italian restaurants that feature beautiful gardens able to accommodate quite a few diners.
Barolo
Probably one of the most spacious outdoors seating areas in the city, Barolo has its own little bar and some tables shaded by a charming portico. The food at Barolo is not really the star. Diners flock there for its incredible wine list, full of collectible Italian wines priced very moderately. At Barolo, a beautiful and fashionable crowd normally takes a lunch break from shopping in Soho.
Barolo
398 West Broadway (between Broome & Spring Streets)
212-226-1102
Barbetta
About 100 years old, Barbetta is decorated with Baroque and Rococo furniture straight from Piedmont, Italy. The food draws inspiration from Piedmont as well, and the service is quite polished. The wine list is extensive, but quite pricey as well. However, the garden with a charming fountain and tall trees is the real attraction in the warm months, especially if you are dining before or after attending a theater performance.
Barbetta
321 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
212-246-9171
I Trulli
Many diners flock to this restaurant specializing in Apulian cuisine both in the warm and cold months. In fact, in addition to a lovely enclosed garden, I Trulli features a large fireplace as well. Pastas are handmade on premise and they are rather spectacular. The service is friendly, and about 500 labels make up an all-Italian wine list. Lunch is generally quieter than dinner and far less expensive.
I Trulli
122 East 27th Street (between Lexington and Park Avenues)
212-481-7372
I Coppi
The garden at I Coppi is open all-year around, but is particularly enchanting in the spring. The menu showcases classic Tuscan dishes accompanied by a wine list with a score of the best wines from the Italian region. Unfortunately, prices are slightly out of line given the casual ambiance and service. Even so, if you like to splurge on a good wild boar tenderloin and a bottle of Brunello, I Coppi is definitely the restaurant.
I Coppi
432 East Ninth Street (between Avenue A & 1st Avenue)
212-254-2263
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