A WINNING FORMULA

When Cross River’s Bacio Trattoria reopened its doors this spring after a five-month renovation, customers weren’t sure what to expect from the perennial neighborhood favorite. But the restaurant kept the cozy family feel while combining the best blend of casual and modern in its styling.

Antonio Coppola, one of Bacio’s owners, says, “We have a very loyal clientele, and we wanted to keep the place casual and approachable.” Customers are now greeted at the entrance by a ten-seat bar. “We always wanted a bigger bar because some people enjoy eating there, and others don’t mind waiting for a table if there’s a place to enjoy a cocktail,” he continues. Remaining the same is the popular seasonal patio and, most importantly to Coppola, his staff came back for the reopening. “The staff and our customers are like family.” Servers greet customers by name and have seen generations of families come in.

As a regular customer, I can attest to the fact that the food is as winning as always. Coppola says such favorites as pasta with seafood and his cannelloni are still on the menu, and in the fall and winter, Ossobuco and game meats appear. 

Bacio Trattoria
12 North Salem Rd. Cross River, NY
baciotrattoria.com
914-763-2233  
$$ Moderate