Apizz

217 Eldridge St

So I thought I'd start by telling you about a restaurant with my favorite salad in NYC. It's the kind of salad you go back for. I've been to Apizz (that's "ah-beets", rather confusing in my opinion but so much fun to say) three times now and each time I ordered the spinach salad. On my third trip I considered trying something new, but I couldn't help myself. It's that good. This is not just a small appetizer salad. We're talking lettuce to fill a dinner plate (and at only $13!). It's that really fresh organic tasting spinach leaf, topped with warm white beans, tasty pistachios and an amazing lemony dressing. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back for round 4.

On my first trip, my friend tried the arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and parmesan crisps. Also apparently awesome. On trip number two, my friend had the warm octopus salad. I'd recommend it if you want a salad, but you're not in the mood for lettuce - I totally know the feeling.

So I guess Apizz means pizza? Because they serve two different Apizz - a Margherita and a Bianca. We shared the Bianca one time and I'll tell you it was perfect grazer food. Thin, crispy crust with some cheese, but not too cheesy. They also have an extensive wine list with bottles from all over Italy and a small bar where you can order food.

The restaurant itself is spectacularly gorgeous. As soon as you walk in you can see the brick oven, from which rustic smells linger. The dim lights combined with the glowing brick oven, make it perfect for a romantic date. But the scene is trendy enough to make for a great girl's night out too...Especially if you and your girlfriends are into "waiter-watching".

All three times I've had the same hunk of a waiter. He's this tall guy with dark-rimmed glasses. Don't tell my boyfriend, but honestly, he's about a quarter of the reason I keep going back.

- The Grazer