There’s a lot of buzz floating around here, from the library-like front bar, through the open, L-shaped dining room in back (equipped with stylish Eames and Bertoia chairs), and out onto the drop-dead-gorgeous wraparound patio, and it’s mostly about New York’s hyperactive art scene. How much did that Warhol go for at auction the other day? If you don’t already know, you’ll overhear it here first. Bottino could only be in Chelsea, and don’t worry if you’re a computer geek or a trained violinist. You’ll love this place for the Italian food—lightly done fritto misto with shrimp, squid and vegetables; a frisée salad with spiky anchovy vinaigrette and mellow Tuscan Pecorino; an earthy dish of orecchiette with broccoli rabe and bits of cinghiale sausage—the sophisticated setting, and the clubby service, which somehow makes you feel as comfortable as any West 20s art dealer. Ask your server what’s good that day, relax with a nice bottle of Rosso di Montalcino, and try to eavesdrop on the conversation at the table next to you. You might not end up with a multimillion dollar Richard Prince, but you’ll certainly enjoy your meal with a side of dish straight from the art world.

Fritto misto
Frisée salad
Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and boar sausage
Thin-slice rosemary loin of pork
Roasted rack of lamb
view full menu here

Anywhere along the wall (and corner booths) are prized at Bottino. But right now, the garden is where everybody wants to be. Don’t overlook the long bar and lounge downstairs, which used to be a speakeasy.

Bottino occupies the space of an old hardware store, now stripped down to an uncluttered minimalism.

lunch: Tues.–Sat. 12 noon–3 PM
dinner: Mon.–Sat. 6 PM–11 PM; Sun. 5:30–10 PM

$17 (rigatoni or penne) to $30 (rack of lamb)