ine bars are like skinny jeans, just when you think they've gone out of style, Vogue goes ahead and features them, associating the trend with the coolest of the cool. But fear not, the wine bar hasn't been left to the hipsters of the downtown scene; the Upper East Side has their own answer: Vino.

Brought to you by the guys behind the place next door, Mediterraneo, Massimo Stocchi and Vito Mezzatesta have created a trifecta with wine director Massimiliano Caldini. All hailing from Florence, this is not the latest imposter trying to capitalize on a trend, but a place that reeks authentic Italian through and through.

And, just because it's an uptown wine bar doesn't mean it excludes the frugal. Though fancier bottles, like the Sassalloro Supertuscan, are served, Vino offers a sparkling lambrusco for just $4. And it keeps getting better: these are only two of the sixty exclusively Italian varieties provided, many of which are available by the glass.

It's the summer, and you're craving Italian, but you don't want heavy osso buco or pasta. Instead, opt for Vino's assortment of cheese and meat plates, swordfish carpaccio, or the indulgent marinated anchovies with butter. Stewed octopus in white wine and tomatoes, served with crusty bread, and the restaurants own version of eggplant parmigiana are a bit more substantial; while focaccia sandwiches satisfy at lunch.

Vino provides the ultimate in Italian comfort food- one can picture an Italian grandmother feeding her little nipote the dessert of bread, red wine, and sugar. The food is also quite well priced, with plates to share, (how romantic), from $3-9.