Il Buco was created in April of '94 by New York based independent filmmaker, Donna Lennard, supported by the professional advise of her old time friend Alberto Avalle. Both lovers of traditional crafts and furniture, they created a NY based "trading post" dedicated to the search for and exchange of crafts and culture between the old and new worlds.

Located at 47 Bond Street, a cobblestone street 2 blocks north of Houston in Manhattan's NOHO district, il Buco retains its hold on the past. Once the home of dignitaries and artists, and the host to such writers as Edgar Allan Poe, il Buco began as a primitive country antique store, catering to the tastes of the artists still living in the old lofts of this manufacturing district.

The emphasis was on traditional American craftsmanship, from early American Indian handicrafts, to the intricate quilt making of the Pennsylvania Dutch, and the simple, elegant design of early primitive furniture enhanced by decorative "Americana."

Locals meandering down Bond Street strolled inside to peruse the antique selection, and often ended up joining Donna for their midday European "pranzo." Within 6 months a wine and beer license was secured and il Buco began serving light fare from Spain and Italy to accompany it's fine wine and beer selection - a list dedicated to small boutique producers of Italy, Spain and America.

As the clientele grew and expanded, so too did the food and wine selection. Eventually what began as an antique store-turned-enoteca, metamorphosed into a full blown Mediterranean restaurant in an antique setting. Although Donna's European travels yielded an expansion into Spanish and Italian furnishings, over time the demands of the restaurant became prohibitive to the antique sales, as losing a table for the dinner hour, with no shopping time to replace it, would put that night's diners out of a seat!

Today, the antique setting provides a cozy, romantic atmosphere in which our customers feel "at home." The wine list has expanded substantially to cover a wide range of international wines including il Buco's own private European selections, that are now stored in the impressive cellar which,legend has it, was once the inspiration for Poe's short story, "The Cask of Amontillado." The cellar is now a popular spot for private parties and select tastings.

The cuisine continues in its dedication to Italy as well as the Iberian Peninsula, with special attention placed on selected imports of Italian products, including the finest Umbrian olive oil produced exclusively for il Buco under the supervision of Alberto Avalle. All products are selected based upon a commitment to traditional artisan craftsmanship and are available for purchase by our customers. Recently, Alberto opened La Cantina Ristorante in Spello in his native Umbria.