Ultra Glam Italian in Bayonne
Want to start the New Year with a bit of glam? Saunter no further than Americano, the swank new Italian restaurant in Bayonne.
Opened a little over a month ago on Broadway, Americano is over the top in the best way, like an old-fashioned movie. The space is large, airy and swish. Walk in to immediately find the pastry and barista counter (which opens at 8am). Adjacent to it is the gorgeous backlit bar with swirly stools and an elegant counter. The walls throughout are covered in oversized iconic photos of rugged old-time Hollywood leading men next to 90’s supermodels and Italian film sirens. The huge dining area is awash in aqua-colored scalloped shell seating and warm leather banquettes. The floor-to-ceiling windows pour the sun in during the day, making this the perfect spot for a leisurely (possibly liquidly?) lunch. We did this recently minus the cocktails (dry January) and it was just perfect, listening to Frank Sinatra croon through the speakers while kind, expert waiters attended to our every need before we knew we had one. Yes, Americano leans to that upscale vibe (prices are not cheap fyi) but is also very warm and neighbourly. Just so perfectly Italian-American.
The food is very lovely and classic, with antipasti, pastas, meat and seafood dishes and their signature Americano burger. There is a stellar cocktail and wine list and desserts are Italian classics like tiramisu plus a long list of Amaris (Italian bitters).
Dinner is the big show here. It includes live jazz some nights and the restaurant looks resplendent with the golden lighting. We are instant fans – a visit here is a lovely way to relax and temporarily escape from the cold in the months ahead.
975 Broadway @americanobayonne