Cotto Wine Bar

It's funny that we've lived in Stamford for years and never knew there were restaurants on the side street where Cotto is located...so it might be easy to miss. But I found a certain charm with it being hidden there. My husband and I had the chance to first try Cotto a few weeks ago. It was a Friday night and we didn't have reservations, so we expected a wait. It was packed and somewhat difficult to figure out a place to stand while we waited...but we were seated within 10 minutes. The hosts (who appeared to be a couple) were so welcoming and friendly--I loved their Italian accents. They might not have known that I understood what they were saying in Italian...but they were speaking so warmly to each other and about the customers there. It made me feel like I was a guest in their home. The decor inside had a great vibe--with brick walls covered in old Italian photos, wine racks in the walls, and a nice bar area as well. High tops and low tops to change it up--but a bit small overall. The menu has QUITE the range, which was nice to choose from between hot & cold tapas, pizza, paninis, pasta & salads. We ordered the grilled calamari and artichoke cold tapa, which was decent--but our entrees were delicious. My husband's veal milanese was wonderful--I kept picking off his plate. And my salmon over an apple-gorgonzola risotto was also amazing. We had an overall great experience and would like to go back to try some more on the menu because there is sooo much to choose from.

A local favorVaried menu: warm and cold tapas, salads, charcuterie, pastas, entree, broad & varied wine list w many from regions of Italy, and of course artesian thin wood fired pizza. Refreshing to see real chicken Milanese over Arugula, polenta, roasted Brussels sprouts, Arancini and real Bufala mozzarella & Talegio on the permanent menu! Gluten free is on menu as well wich is great. Sleek interior: Italian marble bar, black & white photos of a by-gone movie era w Marcello Mastroianni & Brigitte Bardot pepper the walls. The curved wood-planked ceiling is a real focal interest as is the huge gas fired pizza oven which is prominently displayed.