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Clockwise from top left: Baby Jesus, housemade vanilla soda and the Fratello pizza (all photos by M. McClellan)

Zavino, one of the newest dining spots along the 13th Street corridor (known in marketing parlance as the Midtown Village), opened several weeks ago to warm praise. This wine bar serves a tidy menu of small plates, salumi (it might sound like sacrilege, but make sure to try the Baby Jesus–a fatty, meltingly good salami), handmade pastas and perfectly blistered pizzas (they’re topped with restrain and creativity).

The only thing they’re not selling right now, due to a glitch with their liquor license, is wine (or beer). Certainly a problem for a restaurant that named itself (at least, in part) after the grape. Thankfully, they’re not asking their customers to stay dry. Instead, they’re skirting the issue by offering complementary glasses of red, white or brew to go along with your food order.

I ate there last night with friends, and I’m happy to report that both the red and the white were highly drinkable (certainly a step up from the house plonk you get some places). Additionally, those of you looking for a booze-less option will be pleased by their housemade sodas. While they’re not free, they are sold by the quart (and served in a customized milk bottle) and runs just $4. Last night, you could choose lemon, orange or vanilla (the vanilla is intensely fragrant, refreshing and not-too-sweet).

Know also that they only take reservations for groups of five or more, so if you’re a smaller party, be prepared to wait. Worry not though, the food (and free booze) is worth it.

Zavino
112 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
215.732.2400
www.zavino.com