Boom

In the heart of heavily visited Soho, Boom has an attractively quirky staff that is friendly and easy on the up-sell. The charming dining room blends urban rustic and romance with candlelight and textured walls. The bar is good place to stop and have a glass of wine and a light snack after a hard day of shopping. The Italian-based wine list features a few decent wines by the glass, plus a selection of champagne and prosecco (perfect for an intimate celebration). The more secluded, back area of the dining room is ideal for a romantic date. Everyone sparkles in this soft, warm lighting.

The menu features a nice selection of bruschetta-inspired appetizers, pizzas, pastas and heavier entrees. Everything has a homemade feel, which fits well with the overall ambience. The brucshetta and pasta dishes are better than the sometimes bland entrees – best to stick with the less complex offerings. The peppercorn sauces can be disappointing. The desserts evoke a country kitchen and are big enough to share.

Live jazz nights attract an international crowd. Overall, this outpost of bygone bohemian-hippie-chic days is a nice respite in the ever-ultra-slickifying of SoHo.

Watch for the “service included” at the bottom of the check.