Earlier this summer, I was invited to bring a group of friends to Bar Felice 83, an Italian wine bar on the upper east side to  sample light bites and a variety of wines from the family’s estate in Lucca.

We began with their crisp Vermentino ($12) with a light citrusy finish, followed by the refreshing Felic Rosato ($13) and ending with their lush well-balanced Sebastiano ($16). My favorite was the latter, especially with their bar offerings.

We started with a platter of 18 month-aged San Daniele prosciutto served with Crescenza cheese ($14). A perfect nibble with wine.

Don’t miss the arancini ($10) lightly breaded filled saffron rice balls; the polpettine ($10) tiny veal meatballs with a hint of lemon;  the fristo misto ($14), lightly batter fried calamari strips with some veggies; or the three brisket and short rib sliders and truffle-oil ($14) and parmesan dusted fries ($7).

Also good are the crostone pomodoro e burrata and crostone ricotta ($11 each) toasted Tuscan bread with crushed tomato and creamy Italian burrata sprinkled with micro basil or with ricotta, spiced honey, figs and toasted almonds. The only disappointment was the ordinary grilled octopus ($17) served with potato, black olives and topped with mixed greens.

A great place to gather with friends for a glass of wine and nibbles.

 


– bonnie

Bar Felice 83
1593 1st Ave
New York, NY 10028
(212) 249-4080
Felice 83 on Urbanspoon