Review: VELLA WINE BAR & KITCHEN on the UES for Top Tapas and Delightful Dining

Wonderful tapas, delicious entrees, an excellent wine list, cocktails, and more. That's just what you'll discover when you visit Vella Wine Bar & Kitchen on the Upper West Side. Getting there has never been easier. The restaurant is located on 2nd Avenue at 77th Street, just a few blocks from the Q and 6 line subway stations.

We stopped by early on a Tuesday night for dinner. The stylish interior has plenty of comfortable seating options, a welcoming bar, and an open kitchen. With the pleasant weather, al fresco dining is available. The service is very helpful and attentive.

Executive Chef Nuno Sousa has channeled his extensive background and culinary creativity to develop a selection of delicious Mediterranean inspired dishes that are impeccably prepared and served. Ingredients are carefully sourced with an emphasis on local and organic.

The tapas menu is separated into Earth, Sea, Cheese, Land, and Garden allowing guests to mix and match some of their small plates. The Ricotta & Figs has rich, creamy cheese topped with kalmata fig spread, almonds and black summer truffles, and honey served with crostini. The Asparagus and Prosciutto is a generous serving of fresh jumbo asparagus wrapped with savory slices of the prosciutto serano with truffle oil and housemade pesto. Other items like Tuna Tartare, Glazed Eggplant, Beets and their Cheese Plate round out the selections. These plates and more are great starters or table shares.

Vella has some of the best paella you'll find in the city. We enjoyed the Paella Del Mar with a generous portion of tender shrimp, clams and mussels atop saffron Rice. Tempting entrees also include Polvo, the Portugese charred octopus; Duck on the Farm, crisp braised duck leg; Salmon Mediterranean, wild salmon; and El Beef, the 10-ounce strip steak.

Treat yourself and ask your server about the dessert specials and take time to relax over an aperitif, coffee, or tea.

Be sure to peruse the beverage menu. Their extensive list of fine wines with a rotating selection includes Sauvignon Blanc Sileni, Chianti Classico Riserva Piattini, Prosecco La Luca DOC, and Pinor Noir Le Charmel Pays. For those that prefer, there is a nice choice of beers and cocktails.

Invite a friend and visit Vella to wind down after work for their Happy Hour or plan a weekend brunch. They are always updating their menu to reflect seasonal choices and exciting new offerings. You can also order a prix fixe "Dinner Party Menu" or host a special event at the venue.

Vella Wine Bar and Kitchen is located at 1480 2nd Avenue (and 77th street), New York, NY, 10075. Visit their web site at http://vellawinebar.com/ and call them at 212.335.0456.

Editor's Note: Check out our "Chef Spotlight" for Nuno Sousa, Executive Chef of Vella. /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-Nuno-Sousa-of-VELLA-WINE-BAR-Kitchen-on-the-Upper-East-Side-of-NYC-20180405

Photo credit: Achilles Imperial.

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