Spuntino Wine Bar opened in Clifton in the spring to the pleasure of locals and wine lovers. The well-appointed space is divided into a lounge area with table and bar seating and a comfortable dining room with an open kitchen concept. For small groups, there are even private rooms.
Spuntino offers an affordable and creative wine list, including 42 Italian wines by the glass and a reserve wine list of stellar, sought-after bottles. “We feature more than 100 Italian wines at Spuntino. Our wide selection gives our visitors countless options, and we have a highly-trained team to help our guests select the right glass of wine for their tastes, or the perfect pairing of wine and tapas for any occasion”, says Dan Sliwinski, Manager, Spuntino.
The extensive menu offers tapas, small plates meant to be shared by dinner guests. The portions are larger than typical tapas and the options feature some old school favorites and creative, modern fare.
Antipasti ($5) range from an assortment of olives to pan-seared goat cheese wrapped in Mortadella to mussels in white wine sauce. There are nine bruschetta variations (one for $3, three for $8 and five for $14) mounded with perfect toppings like Ricotta cheese and roasted grapes, goat cheese and caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese, apple and walnuts. One option is better than the next.
Can’t-miss fried choices ($6) are the Arancini – fried risotto balls filled with peas and Mozzarella and the Carciofo – fried artichoke hearts served with tangy lemon aioli. The Arancini are ultra-crunchy on the outside with gooey, creamy risotto on the inside – a truly delectable treat.
Meatballs ($6) are king at Spuntino and come three to an order. There is a classic version served with either a rich tomato sauce or a spicy marinara sauce, our favorite. There are pork, chicken, vegetable or lamb variations to satisfy the cravings of all meatball enthusiasts.
Spuntino showcases five pastas ($8) and our party’s favorite was the Perciatelli Con Pesto – thick spaghetti with rich, herbaceous pesto sauce.
Pizzas are thin-crusted and hand-stretched and range from a simple basil and Mozzarella Margherita ($9) to a decadent and meaty Salumi ($11) topped with Prosciutto, crumbled sausage, Capocollo and Cacciatorini. The Salumi pizza is a must-try and truly one of the best pizzas around these parts.
I am confident the desserts are great, but my guests and I replaced that course with additional pizza. I know that was a good call on our part.
Food served tapas-style offers diners an opportunity to sample many different dishes they might not otherwise try. Whether sharing a romantic meal or dining with a group, Spuntino is the place to be for delicious and affordable food and wine in northern New Jersey.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
94 Kingsland Road
Clifton, NJ, 07014
(973) 661-2435
HOURS
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. -10 p.m.
Monday –Thursday: 11 a.m. – Midnight.
Veronique Deblois, Food & Wine Chickie: Veronique is a food and wine writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blog, Food & Wine Chickie Insider, Veronique shares recipes, wine and restaurant reviews and insight into the travel industry of which she’s a 15-year veteran. Follow Veronique on Twitter or like her Facebook page.
