Cervo's - New York

On the Lower East Side of New York, Cervo’s doesn’t look like the sort of place you’d go hunting for a Martini. It’s a seafood spot first, a neighborhood restaurant with Iberian leanings, all tiled walls, warm lighting, and a hum of easy conversation. Yet tucked into its drinks list is a martini that quietly redefines expectations of how good martinis can be at unexpected places.

The order here is the 50/50 Martini, built on equal parts gin and white vermouth. Unlike the icy, stemmed classics, Cervo’s serves it in a tumbler over ice, more casual and approachable, almost like an aperitif you might sip before a plate of oysters. The gin holds its ground with clean botanicals, while the vermouth softens the edges, bringing herbal lift and a touch of sweetness. Served this way, it’s less about power and more about refreshment.

The garnish completes the experience: a lemon twist for brightness and olives for a savory kick, letting you adjust each sip with a flick of citrus or a touch of brine. It’s a martini that feels relaxed, conversational, and perfectly matched to the restaurant’s energy.

When I ordered it, I’d already made my way through two plates of Louisiana white prawns, their shells slick with olive oil and sea salt. By the time the martini finally landed, cold in its tumbler, it felt less like a prelude and more like a continuation of the meal. The brine of the olives echoed the sweetness of the prawns, the citrus cut through the richness, and suddenly the drink and the food were speaking the same language.

At Cervo’s, the martini isn’t a stiff ritual. It’s a drink that invites you to linger, to pair with food, to treat as part of the meal. Served in a tumbler, diluted slightly by the ice, it’s a reminder that the martini can be flexible. Strong or soft, serious or casual, without ever losing its essence.

Website: Cervo's