Il Buco: Aperitivo and Dining
Il Buco has anchored a cobblestoned stretch of Bond Street in NoHo since 1994, when it began life as a rustic antique shop where owner Donna Lennard started serving midday lunches to browsing customers. Three decades on, it’s one of downtown’s most beloved rooms: candlelit, farmhouse-warm, and quietly romantic, with a kitchen that reads part Italian, part Iberian, part pure invention.
The seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking, an early champion of kale and the farm-to-table ethos, is matched by a cellar of 400-plus artisan wines that’s earned repeat Wine Spectator recognition. It’s a special-occasion staple: book ahead on Resy, come hungry for handmade pasta and grilled meats, and consider the storied downstairs wine cellar rumored to have inspired Poe’s ‘The Cask of Amontillado.’
What to Expect
Il Buco doesn’t run a happy hour or drink specials. It does offer a daily aperitivo from 3:30pm to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, that lets you settle in with a glass before dinner service proper. Pricing isn’t published and stays in line with the restaurant’s upscale approach, so this is more a graceful pre-dinner window than a discount hour. Note the aperitivo isn’t offered on Mondays, when the restaurant is dinner-only.
The Room
A rustic, romantic farmhouse-style room on cobblestoned Bond Street: exposed beams, candlelight, antique touches and a buzzy but intimate feel. A downstairs wine cellar, popularly tied to Poe’s ‘The Cask of Amontillado,’ doubles as private-dining space.
Who Il Buco Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Date night | The candlelit, farmhouse-warm room is one of downtown’s most reliably romantic settings for a special dinner. |
| Wine lovers | A 400-plus-bottle cellar of small artisan producers has earned repeat Wine Spectator Award of Excellence honors. |
| Special occasions | Handmade pastas, seasonal Italian-Mediterranean cooking and a storied 30-year history make it a go-to for milestones. |
| Pre-dinner aperitivo | The 3:30-5pm aperitivo window Tuesday through Sunday is an easy way to ease into the evening with a glass. |
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Il Buco FAQ
Does Il Buco have a happy hour?
No. Il Buco doesn’t run a traditional happy hour, but it offers a daily aperitivo from 3:30pm to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, with pricing that isn’t publicly listed.
What is Il Buco known for?
It’s a rustic Italian-Mediterranean NoHo institution open since 1994, known for seasonal handmade pasta, grilled meats and fish, and a 400-plus-bottle artisan wine cellar.
Do I need a reservation at Il Buco?
Reservations are strongly recommended and taken primarily through Resy; tables can be hard to come by, especially for dinner.
What’s the difference between Il Buco and Il Buco Alimentari?
Il Buco is the main restaurant at 47 Bond Street. Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is a separate sibling nearby at 53 Great Jones Street with its own menu and hours.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Il Buco before visiting for a specific deal.