Our breakfast place of choice in New York was Italian panini bar 'ino. Located in the West Village, 'ino occupies a tiny, charming space on Bedford St.
The menu consists solely of panini, tramezzini, bruschette and an excellent selection of Italian wines. Some may shrug and say: "So what, a toasted sandwich." But 'ino is more than that. The flavours are bold, fresh and if you close your eyes, you're transported to Italy.
Another important factor is 'ino's bread -- it's very special. Baked fresh daily in legendary neighbouring restaurant Blue Ribbon's 140-year-old brick oven, the bread is carefully crafted from scratch using only the best ingredients.
One of the many stars on 'ino's menu is the truffled egg toast. It consists of an egg grilled on ciabatta with fontina cheese and truffle oil. The serving plate is scattered with blanched asparagus.
All in all, 'ino is a charming little cafe with a simple menu and friendly service: our favourite way to start the day in New York.
'ino cafe/wine bar
21 Bedford Street
between 6th Ave & Downing
New York, NY 1002
Gosh, what a decadent breakfast!
I agree, excellent bread is quite special. It almost makes me depressed to even try making bread when I can't make it as good as these artisans do.
Posted by: Manggy | 18 September 2008 at 01:28 PM
Thanks for this review. I'm going to New York in a month and am really excited to hear about some tried and tested places. Hope to see some more. Cheers!
Posted by: Alana | 19 September 2008 at 05:45 AM
oh im jealous! thats one of the thing i love about living in the big apple, all these wonderful finds not to far from where you live :-) thanks for the review i'm dying to visit this place next year once i'll be in NYC
Posted by: dhanggit | 19 September 2008 at 05:29 PM
I just went through your archives - I'm awestruck by your food photography!!! I will definitely be reading your blog VERY often!! :0)
Posted by: VeggieGirl | 21 September 2008 at 11:08 PM
I've always been wanting to try this place. Now I'm definitely moving it up on the list!
Posted by: Marc @ NoRecipes | 22 September 2008 at 12:52 PM
I'm jealous, too. If I want decent bread in Malaysia, I'll have to bake it. It's been way too long since I last visited NYC and you make me want to ditch the boys, sell the car and buy myself a ticket.
You have a great blog - the photos are... *speechless*
Posted by: Dee | 23 September 2008 at 02:33 AM
I've seen this place! Thanks for the review, will try it out the next time I'm in the city.
Posted by: Esteban | 30 September 2008 at 03:18 AM
Wow, that sounds and looks so totally delicious. I rarely make my way to New York, but this certainly inspires me to make a culinary trip there some time.
Posted by: Mr. Kumpir Vancouver | 16 December 2009 at 07:07 PM