When Noel Morreale first opened up Fiamma Steak House on Hertel Avenue, he pretty much nailed it. With his guidance, the restaurant has become a popular North Buffalo establishment and remains a dynamic culinary institution on the street. Now Noel is setting his sights on a restaurant in downtown Buffalo – the former Duo location will soon be home to Bambino Bar and Kitchen. Noel is looking to attract the business crowd during the day, while appealing to a ‘hip’ crowd at night. After all, when Duo was open it was one of the swankier restaurant settings in the city.
One glance at a few of the menu options is enough to tantalize any taste bud. To start, Noel is going to be featuring wood-fired pizzas. He describes the premise as, “Urban tavern meets updated Italian comfort food – bold flavors marry perfectly with a mix of hearty to healthy items (gluten free/whole wheat pizza and pasta). Small Plates, cured meats, imported cheese, salads, sandwiches, wood fired pizzas, and entrees priced from $12-$18.” I don’t know about you, but the Buffalo restaurant scene is definitely kicking into high gear when it comes to food, wine, beer, desserts and atmosphere. Bambino will feature an all-Italian wine list, signature cocktails (Sangrias and Aperol Spritzers available by the pitcher) with an emphasis on regional craft beers.
Noel is busy turning the 4500 sq.’ interior into what he states will be, “Urban, raw, edgy, rough and unpolished… with a welcoming vibe.” With detail elements that remain wide open and lofty, featuring “brick accents and textured red mahogany wood, with polished stainless steel finishes, exposed brick and glass”, downtown dwellers will soon have another premiere destination to frequent… and one that boasts three patios. The amenities continue with a private dining room, a lofted second floor, custom lighting, TV towers – no expense has been spared to update what was already an ultra-sophisticated setting.
Bambino Bar and Kitchen
297 Franklin Street
Buffalo NY
716.240.9851
Monday- Thursday
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner 4pm- 10pm
Late Night 10pm-12am
Bar open at least until 2 am
Friday
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner 4pm- 11pm
Late Night 11pm-2am
Bar open until 4am
Monday – Friday HAPPY HOUR
4pm- 6pm
Saturday
Dinner 4pm-11pm
Late Night 11pm-2am
Bar open until 4am
Sunday
Dinner 4pm- 10pm