Fiorella owners Boris Nemchenok and Brandon Gillis just keep on pushing—opening Wednesday May 18th is BAR NONNINA, a hidden-away rooftop bar inside Fiorella’s new Inner Sunset location. The standing room-only bar (with room for 14) has its own cocktail list and bar snacks, including the Slushy di Modena (a Lambrusco slushy) made with Italian gin, Piedmontese amaro, Sicilian blood orange liqueur, lemon, lambrusco, and shaved ice from a Japanese ice machine; Colapesce: kombu-infused vodka, dry vermouth, hickory-smoked olive brine; and Sophia Loren: tequila, grapefruit, elderflower, lime, Prosecco (there are six in all from Fiorella Group bar director Dylan Henry). You can order a cocktail flight ($25) that includes three mini cocktails (or enjoy three cocktails and three small plate pairings for $75).
Fancy snacks from Fiorella Sunset chef Scott Schneider include cheesy potato croquettes, an Italian steak tartare, and a salad of frutti di mare (mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, colatura vinaigrette). I’m also happy to see a version of the Venetian sgroppino on there, a wonderful after-dinner or late-night drink, here called the Scorppino, with lemon sorbet, Prosecco, and chamomile-infused grappa. You can always book dinner for before or after your visit.
The space (designed by STUDIO by Lark) includes a green marble cocktail bar and communal, bar-height wood tables, plus a fireplace, pastoral mural wallpaper, and a vintage Italian chandelier, all hiding behind a pocket door. Reservations recommended. Open Wed-Sun 5pm-10pm. 1240 9th Ave. at Lincoln.
