ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Williamsburg
Best Date Night Italian in Williamsburg
Master Critic Review
Have & Meyer
7.9
This candlelit natural wine bar offers 100+ Italian wines by the glass alongside slow-food-inspired plates. The intimate, unpretentious setting features live jazz some evenings, while pasta and charcuterie provide ideal pairing companions for orange wine exploration.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi, Grilled Octopus, Charcuterie Board
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: 90+ natural Italian wines by the glass with slow-food philosophy
Who should go: Natural wine curious and intimate date seekers
When to visit: Weeknight evenings for live jazz
What to order: Gnocchi, any wine your server recommends
Insider tip: They'll open any bottle just for your glass; don't hesitate to ask
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Havemeyer St and surrounding streets; standard Williamsburg parking challenges evenings and weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - the candlelit wine bar vibe encourages looking polished without being formal
Noise level: Intimate and conversational on weekdays; can feel cramped and lively on busy Saturday nights with birthday parties
Weekend wait: 15-30 min even with reservation on Saturdays; space is small (4 tables, 15 barstools) and gets packed
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens at 5pm; Tuesday-Thursday evenings are quieter with easy seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including burrata, seasonal salads, artichoke toast, and pasta dishes
Vegan options: Limited - some vegetable-forward plates available; ask server for current options
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta and bread available for charcuterie; items marked on menu; staff knowledgeable but not a dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal - OpenTable guests specifically call it romantic and intimate with soft candlelight and live jazz some evenings. The wine-by-the-glass format encourages exploration and conversation. Go Tuesday-Thursday for quieter ambiance; weekends can feel cramped with birthday parties.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes - The Infatuation notes you can get a seat any night. Weekends are trickier; the tiny space (4 tables, 15 barstools) fills fast. Bar seating is your best walk-in option on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended - this is a wine-focused establishment with candlelit ambiance, live jazz, and late evening hours (5pm-11pm). The intimate space and adult atmosphere make it better suited for date night than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Orange wine exploration with 90+ natural Italian wines by the glass; servers who'll open bottles just for your glass; unpretentious wine education for curious beginners; intimate dates with live jazz
Consider Alternatives If: You want a proper dinner destination (food is supporting cast to wine); you need a quiet Saturday night (gets packed with birthday parties); you prefer choosing from a traditional wine list (they use a mood-based recommendation approach)