Il Bucco

47 Bond st.
New York, NY
212.533.1932


This rustic Italian Restaurant on Bond st. has been around forever. Formerly an antique furniture shop that morphed into full service through meals prepared for clients, it's owner Donna Lennard has maintained the funky feel with mixed wood tables and so many pots, pans and lamps hanging from the ceiling, one feels compelled with wandering eyes as if in a planetarium.
The lighting falls softly from many different sources, and the candle light is easy on the eyes if you are blazed. And you should be, because although Bond st. is under heavy development, there is still almost no foot traffic. It's interesting to light up across from Ian Schrager's Monolith, 40 Bond and think about Ricky Martin brushing his teeth or singing into the mirror somewhere up in there. There's also a modeling agency in the building to the east, where I have spotted girls posing in nothing but their underwear, I mean, if you like that kind of thing. Real bony and tall.
The food at Il Bucco never misses. With the menu constantly changing, diners are entertained with a variety of meats, fish and produce, (which is bought from listed organic sources) though the chef Ignacio Mattos seems to favour cheeses, cured meats and fish.
Il Bucco also uses reverse-osmosis to purify their tap water, doing away with the waste of bottled water.
The wine list is incredible and the server's knowledgeable and nice.
It's also not a bad place to see celebrities, again, if you like that kind of thing. The coolest one that frequents though is Chuck Close.


I give Il Bucco:
out of 's
Blazeability: