Annata Wine Bar

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  I loved the Annatta wine bar it was cozy inside&great selections of wines very relaxing atmosphere!!Can.t wait to go again!!

  Posted on 04.08.17 Kim K.

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  I wish Yelp had a half star option, because this place is definitely  a 4.5.  Had to round it up, because it's almost perfect.
  
  The tapas were all good, but the oyster appetizer was a little too Italian influenced.  They had an essentially Oysters Rockefeller they threw some sausage into, which wasn't the best idea.  It was good, but a little weird.  Creative, but it didn't ultimately work.  
  
  The service needs a little work.  They seem to have runners who take your initial order, then a dedicated server who takes your order again.  The runner took our order for two glasses of Tomasello's Blueberry Champagne (delicious) and a cheese platter, and served the platter to us without telling us either the price ($12) nor the cheeses included.  Luckily the cheeses were all delicious (especially the smokehouse cheddar) and the price was reasonable.  After we'd eaten half the cheese, our server came around to ask us how it was and asked pointedly if the runner had told us what cheeses were on the board.  We told her, "No", and she then named the cheeses for us.
  
  Our server was quick to recognize our wine choices - all we had to say was "We'd like the Stag's Leap..." and she said, "You want two glasses of the Artemis?"  We did.  We'd had the leather bound wine list open and it was on the cabs page.  It was $22 a glass and worth it.  We should have bought the entire bottle for $80, but we were going to see a show at the nearby theater (Urinetown - it was great!  The theater was rinky dink, but the performance was as good as any live theater performances I've seen in Philadelphia), so we didn't have time to linger.  That sounds like an overpriced wine, but a different, lesser year's vintage of the same wine is $50 a bottle at  local liquor retailer Joe Canals, so the markup is impressively lower than average.  And it's a dry and soft and wonderful wine that made the yummy blueberry champagne taste like a wine cooler.  I would definitely pay $80 for a bottle of it in a lovely, comfortable restaurant like Annata Wine Bar.  Not every weekend.  Maybe once a year.  
  
  They had an excellent wine list, overall.  Lots of very good choices from the best wine regions, with many different prices.  
  
  Their shrimp ceviche was disappointing.  It was filled with very fresh ingredients and served with super crisp, delicious vegetable chips (carrot and spinach - the chips were better than the ceviche), but it desperately needed a splash of vinegar or at least lemon.
  
  The best was a special tapas plate of sweet pulled pork served on a sweet pancake.  It was the second cheapest thing we'd ordered, maybe $13, and it was delicious and amazingly filling.  
  
  While we ate, a jazz trio played in the corner.  They looked like retired music teachers and they were really good.  
  
  You could sit all night in their overstuffed dining chairs, slowly drinking a bottle of wine.  Next time I go there (and I will definitely go there again), dinner will last two hours instead of one.

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  Posted on 07.02.13 Johnny I.

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  I was happy and excited to make the trek to Hammonton to try a restaurant that I had heard such great things about. I was not disappointed.
  
  One of the best parts about the meal here was the interesting collection of dishes. One of the specials I had, squid ink pasta (yes the pasta was made with actual squid ink, making it black) was delicious.
  
  Of course this being a wine bar, the meal would be incomplete without a delicious Italian wine.
  
  I was happy to try this little gem in the middle of the state and will make the trip again.

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  Posted on 06.14.13 David O.

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  I've been here twice, the first time with 5 other people, and the second with 2 other people.  Both times I'd say it was ok.
  
  The last time I went, I went with 2 people who I consider "wine snobs."  Snob 1 felt the wine selection was great and very pleased with the selection, which included wines from all over and also some locals.  I was expecting she'd be more critical about the selection, but surprisingly she ordered her wine and was very happy.  Snob 2 was harder to please, but I believe it was because she wanted a Zinfandel they ran out of and then put the poor waitress through the wringer with 3 different tastings and ended up drinking something she normally doesn't like.  I ordered a pomegranate martini and it was A+ (I actually ordered 2- was made perfect and not weak at all).
  
  So we ordered - I ordered the pear salad, cheesesteak eggroll, and the Nona's risotto with a side of braciole.  The other gals ordered a cheese plate, a veal dish, eggplant tower, and a fish (I believe it was Chilean sea bass, not sure though.) -- WAY too much food BTW for 3 girls.  Anyway, the pear salad was delicious, the eggroll was pretty good, the Nona's risotta was covered in marinara and the braciole was dry even with the marinara.  I was disappointed because I was very excited to get braciole and sad when it was dry. I tasted the veal, that was good, and my other girlfriend's fish was sitting in a bowl of broth, which she wasn't thrilled about, but I think she thought it was ok.  Overall, if I were to go back, I would go for cocktails/wine and maybe a salad or app.

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  Posted on 04.24.13 Jamie J.

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  I cannot get enough of this place! Gorgeous interior with a hugely massive wine list ranging from local wineries to international choices.
  
  Their menu is amazing and ever-changing with the seasons. The chef is nice and is happy to talk to customers if he's around.
  
  The bar and some apps are the perfect choices to catching up with a friend and hanging out, and the chairs in the dining room, accompanied by a huge window, make for a lovely evening at dinner.
  
  No beer is offered on tap, bottle only, which may be unwelcoming to the bigger beer drinkers--but a bit of persuasion for a great wine can fix that.
  
  Check it out!

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  Posted on 05.31.12 Shannon C.

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  Boyfriend and I were pleasantly surprised by Annata. After an incredible meal at El Mariachi Loco down the street (see my review!), we decided to check out Hammonton's wine bar. I expected us to be out in about 20 minutes, but we ended up really enjoying our time here.
  
  Typically, there's a lot of pretention going on in Hammonton. You walk in a place, you get judged 15 times by the time you reach your table. I expected to get that vibe at Annata, but it just wasn't there. We headed to the bar and took in the gorgeous surroundings and dim mood lighting. It is quite lovely inside: built-in wine racks line the walls, filled with some of the 163 different types of wine they offer. There is table seating, bar seating, and a couple of 2-tops nestled into nooks of the bar. These seats were my favorite- they actually look like you're sitting in a wine cellar. It was packed on our visit, at around 8:30. Not an empty table, and almost no empty seats at the bar.
  
  We were promptly greeted and given menus. I can't remember the bartender's name, but she was very knowledgeable and offered suggestions. She kept an eye on our glasses throughout the night, offered a food menu, and was just generally pleasant througout the experience. Another bartender, I think she said her name was Lisa, checked on us a couple of times as well. She was just as pleasant.
  
  The wine list was humongous. Boyfriend made a beeline for the reds, and I stayed where I am better acquainted (champagne.) They also have a cocktail list, and many of them sounded very good.
  
  I was a little disappointed that my first glass of champagne was basically flat. It had bubbles upon pouring, but none when I took a sip. I drank it anyway, because it's still champagne and it's still delicious and unless something is just abhorrently unacceptable, I hate sending things back. The issue was remedied by the second glass. Boyfriend very much enjoyed his wine, though I have no idea which one he chose.
  
  One thing about Annata really stood out to me, and sealed the deal that we will definitely be coming back. Boyfriend's younger brother stopped by with his girlfriend for about 20 minutes. Neither of them are 21. They both sat at the bar. The bartender could tell they were not going to order any alcohol, so she offered them water or soda. Because they weren't staying long, they declined. The bartender was more than gracious and generous in letting them sit for a few minutes despite the fact that she knew she wouldn't be making a tip off of them. I felt it was a very classy move on her part. Had there actually been other patrons looking to sit there and place an order, I'm sure the result would have been different, which is fine. But the way the situation was handled was very impressive and made me feel very good about coming back here again.
  
  From what I experienced, this is an excellent business in Hammonton. They have jazz music on Thursdays, and an acoustic duo on Fridays. We will definitely return and try some of their tapas!

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  Posted on 04.15.12 Charlee D.

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  Wine menu and atmosphere are awesome...I have eaten here twice and both times I've been disappointed!  We paid $23 for lobster Mac and cheese, it was boxed Mac and cheese with a small portion of Lobster on top, menu looks delicious but does not deliver :-(. Highly disappointed!!!

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  Posted on 02.25.12 M Stephen B.

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  I kind of liked this place. On the high end of what Hammonton has to offer. It has an interesting menu and a darn good wine list.
  Lunch on Tuesday did not require reservations. In fact as I walked up to the door I wondered if it was open.
  The wine list is extensive  and features some high end wines by the glass. I settled for a mid range Barbera that was quite nice. Pick observation... the wine list was in a binder and the pages were torn by the rings.... not 1st caliber...
  
  Food was good. We started off with the salami plate... lots of three very good meats accompanied by a good tapinade and hearty sesame bread.
  
  As an entree I had the chicken in a caper mushroom sauce. Delightful. My companion enjoyed the eggplant tower. Thin slices of eggplant cheese and sauce.
  
  All in all this is a great resource for the town and I'll be happy to sample more of their wares.

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  Posted on 02.22.12 Dennis U.

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  I wish there was an ability to give a half star rating..
  
  Overall this Wine Bar had some good wines, but mostly a selection of "eh" wines.  The food comes in bigger and smaller Tapas portions... I would say their Tapas have an Italian influence in them... You probably won't find something like squid and chorizo meatballs here.  The service was mostly a hit, but there were a few misses.  The Food had great aspirations... and could have made them reality if they had taken a little more time and if the chef had a little more delicacy in his flavors (loads of fresh garlic on sauteed spinach is not considered BALANCED)
  
  The decor:
  Annata Wine Bar is about the most sophisticated thing you will find in Hammonton... I was surprised to find this place while cycling from Cherry Hill (approx. 30 miles).  Being sweaty, smelly and very underdressed, I walked into the restaurant hoping for a table outside.  
  
  To my surprise, I noticed a great jazz band in the corner of the restaurant and the place was actually quite busy on a Thursday night.  I stood for awhile taking in the cozy, tasteful decor (dark hardwood floors, huge cushioned seats).. i never did see the "warehouse-like back room though..)  
  
  SERVICE
  Decor and atmosphere aside, I became a bit less enamored with the place when the server was somewhat rude when I asked to be seated,
  "She (pointing at the real hostess) will seat you." and walked off.
  
  I figured this might happen because of the way I was dressed (in cycling shorts and T-shirt complete with riding gloves)... but i really hoped it wouldn't (MINUS A STAR here - SNOBBERY is never a good thing)
  
  The Hostess, who heard the conversation looked up and continued to reorganize the seating for possibly a larger party that was on their way, but within 5 mins came to me and seated me outside as I requested (she looked relieved)
  
  Our server, was a happy, sweet girl. She explained the portion sizes
  
  FOOD and WINE
  As I looked through the menu, I noticed a good representation of a variety of wines, however, I was a bit disappointed to see some of the wines that make the Olive Garden variety but gave them the excuse that there are many people out there who love those wines.  I, personally, was looking for a pinot noir from Willamette County, Oregon (known for their wine in general.. but their pinots are GREAT), but I didnt find any.. I opted for a Malbec instead.
  
  The entrees varied in size from larger and smaller Tapas. The tapas here are definitely Italian influenced (ie. risotto instead of tortilla) and not a huge representation of the Spanish influence.  I got the roast beef (End pieces.. i like mine medium well to well.. but this tasted more like a piece that was burned onto the grill... i didn't seem previously roasted at all)  The dish came out with sauteed spinach with loads of fresh garlic (too much and too pungent if you ask me.. and I LOVE garlic)  and mashed potatoes (made fresh... and yummy)
  
  My dining/cycling parter had the risotto (tomato sauce based). I can say that it was pretty good, but could have been better with maybe some basil oil/pesto added.. it just needed something.
  
  We skipped out on dessert because we were stuffed...but I will go back again and check out this restaurant in hopes that I caught them on an unusually off day.
  
  I see so much potential in this place...

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  Posted on 08.11.10 debbie a.

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  Updated versions of classis Italian specialties done really well.  Unbelievably good - especially for this area.  The town REALLY needs more places like this.
  
  AMBIANCE:  Unlike anything around.  Coming from the NY area, I admit I've become a bit jaded and its very hard to find nice places to eat in South Jersey unless I go to AC or Cherry Hill/Marlton.  But Annata looks great and has impeccable service.  It looks like a warehouse with exposed beams, cute booths with tables-for-2 tucked off to the side and the most comfortable chairs you could ever want to have in a restaurant.  Perfect for a nice long dinner.  Our server was bubbly and attentive.  An added plus:  Live music.  Listening to Sinatra definitely added ambiance to the evening.
  
  FOOD:  We ordered the salumi and formaggio platters.  It all came out on a long wooden tray and was HUGE.  There was an interesting mix of high-quality meats and cheeses with more than enough for 4 ppl to share.  The Annata salad was very fresh and had beautifully poached pears.  We also had the chilean sea bass, gnocchi duo, duck special and beef braciole.  Everything was superb but the gnocci really stood out.  Luscious and pillowy.  I'm not Italian but one of my dinner companions said it rivaled her grandmother's recipe.  
  
  DRINKS:  Amazing wine list.  We started with a round of French Kiss martinis...and then had another round. :) They were delicious!  We then shared a nice bottle of Sangiovese.  Again, you will be hard pressed to find a place with this selection anywhere around here.
  
  OVERALL:  I loved it.  I was super impressed.  This would have been a 5-star review if the entree portions weren't so small.  But it is tapas-style dining so I shouldn't really compare them to entree sizes.  This part of the South Jersey DESPERATELY needs more places like this.  There are so many businesses around here but no place decent to eat out.  To top it off, this area has so much fresh produce and seafood but no place great to dine.  Annata's solves that problem.  I went for business that evening but I will definitely be back with family and friends the next time we're on our way to AC.

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  Posted on 07.17.10 Tess G.

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  (Disclaimer- our visit was in spring 2009)
  
  My husband and I arrived at Annata on a Friday evening without a reservation. We were slightly surprised to see the place was packed, and took a seat at the bar to wait for a table. We were really impressed with the ambiance. It was cozy, chic, sophisticated and reminded me much of a wine bar in the city.
  
  The wine list is definitely impressive, and included wines from a few local wineries as well. I don't remember exactly which ones we tried, but the bartender was very helpful and took the time to make recommendations based on what we told him we liked.
  
  We waited for about a half hour at the bar for our table to be ready. We were a bit disappointed though, when we were led out of the comfortable front room, and into a separate back room. The back room had high ceilings, sparse decor, and fewer tables- almost a warehouse feel. It definitely didn't have the cozy ambiance that the front part of the restaurant had.
  
  Our server was attentive and friendly. No problems there.
  
  The food was very hit or miss though. It was tapas style, and we ordered 4 plates between us: the gnocchi duo, the daily soup (which was a seafood bisque), pancetta wrapped pork tenderloin, and lobster mac and cheese.
  
  Gnocchi duo- while it was a tapas plate, it was still smaller than we expected (just a couple bites each). The gnocchi seemed mushy and overcooked, but sauces were tasty.
  
  Seafood bisque- delicious, creamy, flavorful, and filling. Very good.
  
  Pork tenderloin- good flavor, but the pork looked dangerously undercooked. Wasn't sure what to think about that. The potatoes that came with it were delicious though.
  
  Lobster mac and cheese- the lobster was overcooked and chewy, and amounted to a just few chunks on top, no more. The mac and cheese itself was delicious though.

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  Posted on 06.06.10 Amy S.

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