Fans of the Aururo Italian restaurants in Soho and Williamsburg may also enjoy Emporio, the new venture from chef/restaurateur Riccardo Buitoni, originally from Piedmont, Italy. Soft-opening tonight in Nolita, the "rustic Roman" restaurant is named after the Italian word for "local grocery store." Buitoni's seasonal menu hews toward a slightly lower price point than Aurora, and features Italian and local cheese, artisanal and house cured charcuterie, a raw bar, fritti, wood-fired pizzas, home made pasta and other traditional Roman entrees.
And in keeping with the grocery theme, we're told that all the organic produce and imported Italian goods used as ingredients can also be purchased to go. When Emporio gets its liquor license, the wine list will focus on classic Italian and NY state wines, ranging from $35 all the way up to $500, complementing a selection of craft beers. Given the recent SLA frowning upon BYOB restaurants, it's unclear whether you'll be able to bring your own bottle in the meantime. UPDATE: And now it is clear; the SLA has explicitly told Emporio that BYO is a No-no.
The newly renovated interior has been deliberately worn-in to evoke a 1920’s Roman grocery store, and the 80 seat space includes a large eat-in bar area, a communal dining table, a wood-burning brick oven and a glass sun roof that the owners plan to open up when and if the eastern seaboard ever warms up.
Emporio // 231 Mott Street (between Prince and Spring) // (212) 966-1234 // Open at 5 p.m., with a late night dinner menu from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m., and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch to come soon.
