Paravicini's Italian Bistro

The wine list at Paravicini's reads like a greatest hits album you've heard a hundred times — recognizable names, safe picks, and nothing that's going to surprise you. It's a 60-100 bottle list that leans into its Italian identity without going very deep on it. You know exactly what you're getting before you even sit down.

The list splits its attention between Italy and California, which makes sense for the cuisine but limits the ceiling. Antinori shows up as the Italian anchor, which is a legitimate producer and a smart call — but you want more of that energy and less Meiomi. The California side leans heavily on commercial crowd-pleasers rather than anything with a sense of place or ambition. There are no real surprises here — no grower Champagnes sneaking in, no skin-contact Friulano, nothing from southern Italy's increasingly exciting producers.

Eight to fourteen options by the glass is a workable spread for a neighborhood Italian spot. Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio will inevitably anchor the white side — it's fine, it's safe, and a lot of people will order it. We'd push for more rotation and at least one Italian red by the glass that isn't Chianti, but what's here covers the table.