Locanda Vini e Olii

Catherine de Zagon

Heading over the bridge to Brooklyn isn’t what it used to be—I actually look forward to it now. Whether I want to spend the day window-shopping, strolling through a beautiful park, or most important, indulging in one of the mouth-watering array of restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisines, Brooklyn has it all. My obsession of the moment is housed in a beautifully restored century-old pharmacy in Clinton Hill. Locanda Vini & Olii, owned by artist Michael Schall, sommelier Rocco Spagnardi, and executive chef Michele Baldacci, adds weight to the notion that Brooklyn is experiencing a culinary revolution. As the name implies, olive oil enhances many of the menu items from the roasted potatoes to the succulent duck breast—adding flavor and anchoring the plates. The restaurant doesn’t just cater to foodies but to wine enthusiasts as well. Spagnardi curates a wine list that highlights some of Italy’s most fantastic, but lesser known varietals.

Locanda Vini & Olii is located at 129 Gates Avenue at Cambridge Place.