The little blue bug leads you to great food every time

Going to school in the Bronx has given me the opportunity to experience a rich part of New York City’s food scene that is too often left out of the discussion, I am talking about Arthur Avenue’s Little Italy.  World renowned for the Arthur Avenue Market (look for a future post about the famous Mike’s Deli located within the market), New Yorkers tend to forget all the great culinary delights this area has to offer.

That is why I am making it my personal mission to spread the news about all of the amazing places that are only a short train ride away from the island.  My hope is that everyone can find something to their tastes through my reviews, which is why my first review is about the one place that has come to be one of my personal favorites.

Zero Otto Nove, or 089, came on the local dining scene little more than a year ago, and has taken Arthur Avenue by storm, quickly becoming both a local and regional favorite.  This Italian eatery owned and operated by the creator of Roberto’s (another renowned Arthur Avenue mainstay), blends a charming atmosphere that makes one forget they are in the middle of the “boogie-down Bronx” with some of the freshest and finest meals to create a truly unique dining experience.  089 features weekly specials in addition to a lengthy regular menu, sure to provide something for everyone’s appetite.

For my money, the best bet is one of the many classically done, thin crust fire-cooked pizzas that the restaurant is known for.  These are certainly not the pizzas you recall from your college days, but rather a culinary experience that makes you, and your taste buds take notice.  Overall, the menu is traditional, yet refreshing, reasonably priced (most dishes range from $12 to $25, but one dish can easily feed two people), and appeals to the customer who demands the freshest foods by listing the very Arthur Ave markets and stores that the ingredients were brought in from that day.  It is the small things such as this that create a truly unique dining experience at Zero Otto Nove, one which everyone should enjoy.  One word of advice, they do not take reservations, and tend to be rather busy due to their growing notoriety, so arrive early, pull up at the bar, and enjoy one of their more than generous glasses of wine to prepare for a truly exceptional meal.

Zero Otto Nove

2357 Arthur Avenue

Bronx, NY

Roberto089.com

718-220-1027

Hours: Tue-Thurs 12-2:30 PM, 4:30-10 PM

Fri-Sat 12-2:30 PM, 4:30-11 PM

Sunday 1-9 PM