Birravino, nestled in the charming town of Red Bank, NJ, offers a vibrant menu that skillfully bridges traditional Italian recipes with a modern twist. Known for its unique culinary experience, Birravino ensures each dish shines with fresh local produce and high-quality imported ingredients that transport diners straight to Italy. Whether you’re a fan of rich antipasti or wood-fired pizza, Birravino promises a memorable dining adventure.
Antipasti: A Flavorful Beginning
The antipasti at Birravino sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience. Start your meal with the Polpette, Big Vic’s famous meatballs, perfectly paired with tomato sauce and pecorino Romano. The Arancini are another classic offering, featuring crispy rice balls enveloped in a rich tomato confit and gooey mozzarella center. For seafood lovers, the Calamari is a must-try, offering crispy fried bites served with marinara and spicy aioli that dance on your palate.
Pasta Perfection: Crafted In-House
Birravino’s pastas are a testament to Italian culinary art, all crafted in-house daily in their Pasta Lab. Each dish sparkles with authenticity and flavor that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine. The Rigatoni Burrata, bathed in an Italian tomato sauce and crowned with creamy burrata and fresh basil, is simply marvelous. For a touch of heat, the Spicy Rigatoni offers a tantalizing hint of Calabrese pepper and Parmigiano that playfully tingles the taste buds.
Adventurous eaters may opt for the Mafaldine Bolognese, a decadent affair with layers of beef, veal, pork, and northern Italian ingredients, all mingling in a savory symphony.
Artisan Pizzas: Wood-Fired Goodness
The pizzas at Birravino are not just meals; they’re an experience. With family recipes cooked at 900 degrees, every slice offers a perfect crust beneath innovative toppings. The classic Margherita Pizza pays tribute to simplicity with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, the Patate E Cipolla combines the heartiness of mashed potatoes with red onion, rosemary, and bacon.
Main Courses: Secondi Selections
For those looking to indulge in a hearty second course, Birravino provides a delightful selection. The Melanzane Alla Parmigiana serves up eggplant and mozzarella in a rich tomato and rigatoni fusion, topped with a spicy vodka sauce for a flavorful punch. The poultry options shine through the Pollo Alla Parmigiana, where breaded chicken embraces fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella, laid over rigatoni.
If seafood is more your style, the Branzino, a fresh Mediterranean sea bass fillet expertly roasted, alongside local zucchini, lemon, white wine, and capers, is perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
Salads: Fresh and Zesty
Refreshing salads at Birravino offer a healthy and tasty side or starter. Try the Caesar Salad with baby romaine, anchovy, focaccia croutons, and Grana Padano. Alternatively, the Burrata Salate combines the lusciousness of imported burrata with crispy portobello mushroom and roasted peppers on a bed of arugula, finished with aromatic pistachio pesto.
Sweets and Spirits: An Endearing Finish
No Italian meal is complete without a delightful dessert, and Birravino’s Tiramisu never fails to delight, with traditional layers of ladyfingers, espresso, and mascarpone cream. The seasonal gelato flavors from Il Laboratorio del Gelato offer a refreshingly sweet conclusion to a perfect meal.
Complementing the dessert, Birravino offers a spirits menu featuring a selection of carefully chosen wines, cocktails, and beers to enjoy alongside or after your meal.
| Dish | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Polpette | Big Vic’s meatballs with tomato sauce and pecorino Romano | $18 |
| Arancini | Rice balls with tomato confit and mozzarella | $18 |
| Rigatoni Burrata | Italian tomato sauce, burrata, fresh basil | $24 – $31 |
| Margherita Pizza | Cherry tomato, mozzarella, basil | $23 |
| Branzino | Filet of Mediterranean Sea bass, roasted local zucchini, lemon, white wine, capers | $32 |
For special events, they offer customizable menus to create unforgettable celebrations with hearty Italian vibes.
Conclusion
Birravino’s menu is a love letter to Italy’s bold flavors and cooking traditions transplanted into the heart of New Jersey. With expertly crafted antipasti, artisanal pasta, and pizzas to die for, dining here feels like a warm Italian embrace. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Red Bank, Birravino offers a rustic yet sophisticated dining experience that leaves you longing for more. So come ready with an appetite and enjoy the symphony of flavors this inviting restaurant provides!