Ambiance

As an Upper East Side girl, I know my hand full of this neighborhood’s gems. There are the fancier places, like The Mark and the trendy places like Emmy Squared and The Penrose and then there are the wine bars. Yes, there are a few but the one that consistently stands out is Uva. It’s rustic dimly lit Italian vibe is somehow both welcoming and sexy. That sounds weird. It’s not. You see, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Uva is both a great date spot and a great place to pick up your future date, spot. At all other times, it’s a great spot for wine filled lunch dates, family dinners—huh, it’s like the mullet of restaurants (that sounds gross, stick with me), IT’S ALWAYS GOOD. They found that magic to success.

Food

While boasting an excellent wine selection, this “wine bar” (and I quote with reason) serves up a killer Italian menu (that was it). With a great balance of small bites to nosh on while ordering bottles of wine to the full on Italian meal of your dreams—three words: Truffle. Ricotta. Gnocchi—It’s no wonder Uva is a restaurant that welcomes and produces regulars.

Side note, after I introduced one of my girl friends to Uva, she was back the very next week. She doesn’t even live in this borough and had no other plans that brought her to the UES. THAT’S A WIN! Thanks Uva for making me look good.

Favorite Dishes

RICOTTA BRUSCHETTE with sheep cheese, black truffle honey

GNOCCHI DI RICOTTA a home made ricotta gnocchi in a creamy black truffle and chive sauce

MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANA made of layers of eggplant baked with tomato sauce basil and parmigiano-reggiano

What To Wear

It depends on why you’re visiting Uva. If you’re looking for that regular brunch or dinner, jeans and a sweater feel right. If you’re going out on the prowl on a Saturday night, dress up! It doesn’t have to be crazy trendy but you can absolutely have fun and put a little effort in. If it’s me I’d likely wear a leather legging with a cute top or find a middle ground and pair those leggings with sweater and booties. Guys, I don’t mean “wear a blazer” when I say dress up here. I’m thinking more of a fitted sweater with a dark jean and some shoes that aren’t sneakers—channel your inner Italian.

Baby Friendly

Babies do visit. I’ve seen some during brunch when I brought my own. That said, the space is on the tighter side so it’s not the best squeeze for stroller-aged babies. That said, I have surely brought Sutton in his stroller a few times now and made the squeeze. It’s doable for the food but not super effortless.