Philadelphia - December 30, 2009

When the Moon Hits Your Eye

Zavino Wine Bar and Pizzeria Opens

In an ideal world, we’d never have to work. And we’d be able to live on pizza and wine without gaining a pound.

In the meantime, we have Zavino Wine Bar and Pizzeria. Opening Saturday, the rustic spot is a cozy consolation for cubicles and a paunch.

The tiny gem occupies a sliver of corner space but packs in a wood-burning oven, antipasti bar, cheese and charcuterie station, and a communal table in the rear. Libations include classic cocktails and an affordable wine list with offerings like Castelvero Cortese Gavi, Canaletto Pinot Noir, and Cielo Deor Prosecco Raboso Rose.

The Neapolitan/Sicilian-inspired menu changes seasonally with pie varieties like Polpettini (tomato sauce, provolone, veal meatballs), Kennett (bechamel, mozzarella, roasted onions, oysters, crimini and shitake mushrooms), or Sopressata (mozzarella, sopressata, olives, pickled red onion, pecorino).

Which make for delicious reality bites.

Zavino Wine Bar and Pizzeria, 112 South 13th Street (215-732-2400 or zavino.com).

Photo: Wang Zhao / AFP / Getty Images