Playing a part in borgo Ognissanti’s recent renaissance, Uva Nera is a cozy wine bar, a perfect spot for unwinding over an aperitivo or taking a mid-afternoon pausa with a glass and a good book.
Ambience is everything at Uva Nera, and the aesthetic has been carefully curated by owner Costanza Castelnuovo Tedesco. The daughter of an antique dealer, Costanza took inspiration from her father’s trade. The furnishings bring to mind the time-honored tradition of ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’—velvet armchairs and vintage couches add a touch of warmth downstairs, while old cinema seats and antique accessories give the main floor its funky feel.
The intimate vibe extends beyond the setting, encompassing Uva Nera’s entire philosophy. Costanza hand-selects all of the wines, cheeses and menu items. She works closely with each producer, making frequent trips to wineries and preferring small, often family-run operations over household names.
With cultivated expertise, Costanza happily offers wine recommendations tailored to customers’ tastes, and always knows the best bites to pair with each glass. She has a long list of English-friendly events in the pipeline, from wine translation workshops and guided tastings to book presentations and photo exhibitions.
Uva Nera
borgo Ognissanti 25/r
Monday–Saturday, 11.30am to 10pm; 8 euro aperitivo, begins 6pm
free WiFi
