(212) 253-2038

234 E 4th St (nr. Ave. B)
New York, NY 10009 40.7234 -73.9829

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Neighborhoods: Alphabet City, East Village, Downtown

Hours:

Mon-Thu, 5pm-midnight

Fri, 5pm-1am

Sat, 11am-1am

Sun, 11am-11:30pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 10.17.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash

Restaurant Special Features:

People Watching, Late Night Dining, Brunch, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Italian

Notable Chef:

Simone Bonelli

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Perbacco

Featured Review

Josh Ozersky

Contributor

In Short – In a neighborhood where cheap, chic Italian joints are a dime a dozen, this cozy, low-lit osteria looks the part-- but exceeds expectations. Simone Bonelli, late of the Michelin two star Osteria Francescana in Modena, earned his own two stars from the New York Times with his avante-garde cooking, which includes a parmesan mousse "creme brulee" with a thin balsamic crust, and melon and proscuitto agnolotti. The sculpted appearance and over-the-top creativity turns on diners even when they don't like the taste, which is apparently pretty rare--the place is booked weeks or even…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
The short list is highly selective with excellent values that you can sample at the bar. Nero d'Avola is an earthy, full-bodied red, while Barbara d'Asti is more refined, with notes of cherry and spice.
Know Before You Go:
The menu changes rapidly, so don't go expecting any partcular dish you may have heard of. A chef's tasting is the best choice on any given night.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The restaurant was very cozy which made for a great first date.”
  2. “The low lights and friendly staff made for a cozy experience.”
  3. “This cozy, hip Italian cafe is a step above the others in the 'hood.”
  4. “We sat outside and people watched and just really enjoyed the ambiance and laidback staff.”
  5. “Oh, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a romantic evening out!”
  6. “Perbacco serves bold, creative food in quaint surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.”
  7. “Italian tapas and a good selection of wines in a warm comfortable environment.”
  8. “Great food, lovely wine, and beautiful atmosphere.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “Leave room for fantastic dessert.”
  2. “The food and wine were great we shared a few of the tapas, 2 bottles of wine and had plenty of room for dessert (which was great as well).”
  3. “The special desserts have always been incredible, and I'm a dessert fein.”
  4. “Just had a hazelnut chocolate & strawberries special that was one of the best desserts I've ever had.”
  5. “Add on over 20 wines by the glass (only Italian wines) and a delicious dessert menu to end the meal.”
  6. “The pasta good (but can be a little unspectacular), the second plates good too, and the desserts are GREAT.”
  7. “They gave us a 9:30 reservation despite their no res policy because we were a biggish party, and when we showed up they said that our table - pointing to a big group having dessert - was almost done and asked us to wait at the small tables outside.”
  8. “Fantastic Italian food, wonderful waitstaff and bartenders who all speak Italian, and beautifully arranged and delicious desserts.”
drinks
85.0% positive
  1. “Not only is the food authentic, but the staff here are practically off-the-boat, they are young and hip and know what they are doing when it comes to food and wine.”
  2. “They pretty shamelessly push the most expensive foods and wines on the menu, (including a prix fixe dinner for groups), and they can be rude.”
  3. “Ambiance was good, wine list was fine, but I was really impressed with the food.”
  4. “Wait for your table at the bar nibbling on delicious focaccia croutons and sampling wines.”
  5. “The food is great, don't go spending your money on so-so food and bad wine in some park avenue restaurant.”
  6. “all in all, I would say a very good dining experience-our hostess was lovely, our server quite enthusiastic and descriptive; and again the wine list is fabulous.”
  7. “They have absolutely the best wines in manhattan!”
  8. “Add on over 20 wines by the glass (only Italian wines) and a delicious dessert menu to end the meal.”
  9. “agree with earlier reviews - the wine that they suggest is always overpriced, and they are very pushy about it.”
  10. “If you do, be prepared for the obnoxious people who come here to put their drinks down on your table, lean on your empty chairs and carelessly bump you with their homely, over-sized purses.”
  11. “The appetizers are all AMAZING, (I'd recommend just going with a group and eating lots of them with wine from the great wine list.”
  12. “The reviews have hit the highlights; the wine list is amazing, food was superb and the staff was extremely courteous and attentive.”
  13. “Great food, lovely wine, and beautiful atmosphere.”
  14. “This is a great place to go if you're really picky when it comes to italian wines.”
  15. “The staff is super attentive and friendly and has great wine recomendations.”
  16. “Best italian tapas and wine”
  17. “The waitstaff is friendly and are masters at choosing the right bottle of wine.”
  18. “Yes, the waitstaff is certainly adept at picking the perfect wine for your food.”
  19. “Italian tapas and a good selection of wines in a warm comfortable environment.”
  20. “The food and wine were great we shared a few of the tapas, 2 bottles of wine and had plenty of room for dessert (which was great as well).”
food quality
99.14999961853027% positive
  1. “Despite the timing, the service and food were excellent.”
  2. “The staff was extremely friendly & thorough in explaining the dishes.”
  3. “You should really try the meat stuffed olives and the eggplant appetizer is amazing!”
  4. “had a special ravioli once with a butter sage sauce that was incredible.”
  5. “Ambiance was good, wine list was fine, but I was really impressed with the food.”
  6. “Add on over 20 wines by the glass (only Italian wines) and a delicious dessert menu to end the meal.”
  7. “Incredibly tasty and flavorful, perfectly sized-portions, nothing too oil heavy like in so many Italian restaurants--no, just perfect.”
  8. “The food was great, as usual.”
  9. “The food and wine were great we shared a few of the tapas, 2 bottles of wine and had plenty of room for dessert (which was great as well).”
  10. “But the food was great, the service wonderful.”
  11. “Their lamb skewers and arancini were quite good.”
  12. “The food was really good, especially for the price.”
  13. “The food is amazing.”
  14. “Either way though, I've been four or five times now, and I'll keep going back -- it is the best Italian food at reasonable prices that I've had in the city.”
  15. “In a nutshell, this is the best Italian food I have ever eaten and ranks among the best food of any genre”
  16. “orrdered the seafood risotto with a lobster bisque- quite delicious, and more than a little kick which was not anticipated-a great portion and value with little pieces of lobster and peppers-yummy and well worth the price-”
  17. “Possibly the best chicken I ever had”
  18. “Their ingredients are so fresh and their recipes so pure that it's impossible to find an unimpressive dish here.”
  19. “The Risotto Milanese (saffron risotto fritters) is also delicious.”
  20. “The food was delicious and service was impeccable.”
  21. “Love all the small dishes for sharing.”
  22. “Wait for your table at the bar nibbling on delicious focaccia croutons and sampling wines.”
  23. “GREAT food, spotty service”
  24. “The food is good but not extraordinary.”
  25. “The fried olives and rice balls are great!”
  26. “Fantastic Italian food, wonderful waitstaff and bartenders who all speak Italian, and beautifully arranged and delicious desserts.”
  27. “Had the buttersquash risotto pancake as a main course that was absolutely delicious.”
  28. “The reviews have hit the highlights; the wine list is amazing, food was superb and the staff was extremely courteous and attentive.”
  29. “The pasta good (but can be a little unspectacular), the second plates good too, and the desserts are GREAT.”
  30. “The riceballs were gooey with cheese and rice and the bruschetta sample was amazing!”
  31. “If you feel like having an entree as well, they have wonderful homemade pastas, risotto, and a few meat/fish entrees.”
  32. “Not only is the food authentic, but the staff here are practically off-the-boat, they are young and hip and know what they are doing when it comes to food and wine.”
  33. “The meatball appetizer was by far the best prep of meatballs and red sauce outside of family cooked I have ever had-very authentic, home-made flavors and prep-”
  34. “The food is consistently wonderful!”
  35. “beautiful food”
  36. “Yes, the waitstaff is certainly adept at picking the perfect wine for your food.”
  37. “Perbacco serves bold, creative food in quaint surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.”
  38. “Great food, lovely wine, and beautiful atmosphere.”
  39. “The food is great, don't go spending your money on so-so food and bad wine in some park avenue restaurant.”
menu variety
75.0% positive
  1. “Add on over 20 wines by the glass (only Italian wines) and a delicious dessert menu to end the meal.”
  2. “Unique menu”
  3. “Italian tapas and a good selection of wines in a warm comfortable environment.”
  4. “They pretty shamelessly push the most expensive foods and wines on the menu, (including a prix fixe dinner for groups), and they can be rude.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “This is a great place to go if you're really picky when it comes to italian wines.”
service
75.31000137329102% positive
  1. “Not only is the food authentic, but the staff here are practically off-the-boat, they are young and hip and know what they are doing when it comes to food and wine.”
  2. “But the "sommelier" was incredibly rude and pushy.”
  3. “The waitstaff is friendly and are masters at choosing the right bottle of wine.”
  4. “have been here a few times and service has always been friendly, courteous, and extremely competent.”
  5. “Fantastic Italian food, wonderful waitstaff and bartenders who all speak Italian, and beautifully arranged and delicious desserts.”
  6. “GREAT food, spotty service”
  7. “all in all, I would say a very good dining experience-our hostess was lovely, our server quite enthusiastic and descriptive; and again the wine list is fabulous.”
  8. “Lastly, the wait-staff are friendly and genuine.”
  9. “But the food was great, the service wonderful.”
  10. “recommend this place to people who are european or at least european at heart.”
  11. “The servers are very attentive and prompt!”
  12. “The staff was extremely friendly & thorough in explaining the dishes.”
  13. “If you do, be prepared for the obnoxious people who come here to put their drinks down on your table, lean on your empty chairs and carelessly bump you with their homely, over-sized purses.”
  14. “Despite the timing, the service and food were excellent.”
  15. “terrible hostess”
  16. “The two male servers that are usually there are rude, unfriendly and unattentive.”
  17. “The food was delicious and service was impeccable.”
  18. “Unfortunately, we hadn't read the CitySearch reviews, or we would have known to expect the horrible attitude of the manager and, it seems, others who work here.”
  19. “The staff is super attentive and friendly and has great wine recomendations.”
  20. “The perfect place for rude, awful people”
  21. “was shocked, and he managed to ruin our friendly evening a little bit.”
  22. “They pretty shamelessly push the most expensive foods and wines on the menu, (including a prix fixe dinner for groups), and they can be rude.”
  23. “loved the authenticity of this place-- the entire staff was Italian.”
  24. “The reviews have hit the highlights; the wine list is amazing, food was superb and the staff was extremely courteous and attentive.”
  25. “The low lights and friendly staff made for a cozy experience.”
  26. “My water glass was kept full, and both the busboys and the waiters were friendly, attentive and helpful without being obtrusive.”
  27. “We sat outside and people watched and just really enjoyed the ambiance and laidback staff.”
value
76.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Either way though, I've been four or five times now, and I'll keep going back -- it is the best Italian food at reasonable prices that I've had in the city.”
  2. “The food was really good, especially for the price.”
  3. “They pretty shamelessly push the most expensive foods and wines on the menu, (including a prix fixe dinner for groups), and they can be rude.”
  4. “orrdered the seafood risotto with a lobster bisque- quite delicious, and more than a little kick which was not anticipated-a great portion and value with little pieces of lobster and peppers-yummy and well worth the price-”
  5. “agree with earlier reviews - the wine that they suggest is always overpriced, and they are very pushy about it.”
  6. “This place is a gem worth visting again and again.”
  7. “Incredibly tasty and flavorful, perfectly sized-portions, nothing too oil heavy like in so many Italian restaurants--no, just perfect.”
  8. “The food is great, don't go spending your money on so-so food and bad wine in some park avenue restaurant.”
  9. “Authentic, unusual Italian fare in a casual setting at reasonable prices.”
  10. “For a great price.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “Went there with a big group and sat at one long table.”
1 Star Rating: Poor

11/15/11

Has gone downhill

by skycree at Citysearch

This place is a victim of it's own "fabulousness." Food is mediocre, wine arrived with crud in it, and the milk served with the coffee had spoiled. Plus, they're constantly exhorting you to hurry so they can flip your table.

Steer clear.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/29/10

Fabulous inventive Italian...

by Likos at Citysearch

Perbacco has become a staple in our lives...for my partner and I. Truly inventive, beautifully executed and deliciously tasty.

Francesco, front of house, always makes us feel welcome and goes out of his way to find us a great table. Which, on warm evenings, is also outside on the sidewalk. Giuseppe, Chiara and Marco and other waiting staff always pamper us and have terrific knowledge of the menu and wine list. In fact, we trust their judgment so much, we often let them pick dishes or even bottles of wine for us!

Simone, the head chef, is awesome. Creative and an original. If there is one area the restaurant could focus on is their desserts, which do not quite reach the lofty height of the mains & appetizers. The wine list is excellent.

The restaurant is a true gem in a wonderful part of Alphabet City....4th Street between A & B. With so many low-cost (but excellent!) options in this neighborhood, its terrific to go a little more upscale now & then.

And there is not much better than coming here for dinner on a warm, balmy evening, sitting on a sidewalk table, eating a wonderfully leisurely meal for hours, sipping on fabulous wine... watching the eclectic folk of Alphabet City walk by...

Highly recommended...G & M

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/21/10

INCREDIBLE Italian Food

by teepee at Citysearch

Was in NYC last weekend visiting my couz and had an amazing dining experience here at Perbacco. The food was delicious and service was impeccable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - and bravo to the chefs creativity with the entrees! Will definitely return when I am back in NYC.

  • Pros: food, service, presentation....to name a few
  • Cons: other guest who are late for their reservation
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/20/10

Don't go Here

by trader319 at Citysearch

I wish I read these reviews before we went. The first thing we were told as we sat down was that we had to vacate the table because they had another reservation at 9:30, even though we made our reservation weeks in advance and were never told of such a thing. When I tried to speak to the manager, he was completely rude and said this is how it is, and although we had already sat down and ordered, he wouldn't serve us our food if we didn't comply. What a way to ruin an experience by putting a clock on dinner as if they were doing us a favor by allowing us to give them our money. I never write reviews to restaraunts, but this place deserves to be avoided.

  • Pros: Food
  • Cons: Terrible Manager, poor service
1 Star Rating: Poor

11/16/09

The word "rude" comes up frequently here.

by midtownapt99 at Citysearch

We made a reservation a month ago and were looking forward to dinner here. Unfortunately, we hadn't read the CitySearch reviews, or we would have known to expect the horrible attitude of the manager and, it seems, others who work here. For the first time in my 50+ years of dining out in New York City, I just plain walked out of a restaurant without even placing an order. Neither I nor my three dinner companions could remember being treated with such contempt, disdain, and arrogance by a restaurant manager -- or by anyone in a "service" business.

  • Pros: No idea - we couldn't get past the rude manager.
  • Cons: The rude manager.

The Details on Perbacco

Place Categories:

  • great italian food
  • great spotty service
  • friendly staff
  • great lovely wine
  • friendly waitstaff
  • great place
  • incredible special desserts
  • rude awful people
  • helpful waiters
  • unfriendly male servers
  • always overpriced wine
  • really liked restaurant
  • great dining experience
  • reasonable prices
  • helpful busboys
  • like nothing
  • very attentive servers
  • pushy sommelier
  • romantic evening
  • good pasta
  • delicious dessert menu
  • great fried olives
  • recommended and highly
  • big group
  • big plus