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I'll be honest - I returned 2 additional times before committing to this review, just in case my initial experience was terribly skewed. It was not. From the outside, this place can only be identified as a restaurant if you can see customers at the dark lit bar though the bay window. The lack of obvious signage intrigued me. This really is a place that needs only word of mouth advertising. Inside, the decor is perfect. It is dark and dark and candelabras dot the gloom, making it feel inviting and intimate. The stairs down into the main dining room afford a wide berth (pleasant surprise in space conscious Manhattan). The downstairs dining room is what struck me the first time I dined here. Tables are lined against brick-wrapped pillars I assume are load bearing columns, but tucked at odd angles in such a way that the sound is never overwhelming, and even on a busy night, I've never felt crowded into a too tight space. It evokes a wine cellar... or wine dungeon - real sunken Venice imagery. The bar, striking for its white marble top departing from the pervasive shadow is great for sitting and drinking while waiting for guests to arrive. Service was perfect - perfect in that it exceeded my expectations for both neighborhood and menu price point. I'll admit to being a very conscious diner due to the fact that I've worked in the restaurant industry for almost a decade. The servers, especially one whose name I wish I could both remember and post here, deserve their due. I was able to talk shop with them on a level I expect from my sous chef. Personalities shined here, and I have to hope that someone doing the hiring is aware of their own good judgment. Keep it up. The true accolade, however, is earned on the plate. The menu is concise and delivers exactly what is advertises. Small plates Venetian / Italian Cuisine. The portions are a half step larger than I expect from Tapas in some cases, and in others right in line with that lauded Spanish Style. Everything I have eaten here has satisfied, surprised, and pleased. The portions ARE perfect for sharing and I recommend ordering a variety. End with one plate of something sweet and two spoons. This is a date restaurant if ever there was. It is so good, I hem and haw about keeping it just to myself. Go to Bacaro. And if you are fortunate to be served by my favourite waitress, please debate the qualities of panna cotta both sundry and esoteric. All of it is very worth it.

alas, if only the food matched the space!

this was my girlfriend's and my first time to bacaro. we both agreed that everything we ordered was excellent, and of good value. the atmosphere was nice and cozy downstairs (a candle-lit rustic castle vibe), with great music, and good service. our server, Matt, was very knowledgeable and made some great recommendations (trust the waitstaff). we never felt rushed. all in all we were very impressed and will make this a regular stop. try the asparagus risotto.

this place is so intimate and beautiful. it's like being tucked away in a venetian alleyway. the chandaliers, the aged bricks, the rustic table setting. . . it's all so lovely! i do have to admit that the food wasn't the absolute best i've ever had, but it was solidly good food at an affordable price. service was great. i'll definitely be back here. fantastic for a large party, you can book one of the gorgeous private tables in the basement.

We tried the gnocchi because of the raves and it was worth it! all the food was great and prepared well. Great wine selection - the bill was very inexpensive considering the beautiful decor and chill atmosphere. Great vibe and staff is helpful.

The dipping olive oil is one of the best I've ever had. Just pure olive oil. All dishes are reasonably priced. My entree was gnocchi in a marsala-type wine sauce and was exquisite! We sat downstairs, and it was beautiful. Looked like a castle/dungeon. I highly recommend!

Excellent service and great wine. The downstairs cellar is very unique and I have not seen anything like it since. Service and waitstaff were polite. Gotta check it out!