Locanda Verde

Doesn't Recommend

Russell Jackson

Joined 2 years ago

THIS PLACE SUCKS!!!. A Hamptons houseguest gave us a $250 gift certificate to use here last August. We've tried to use it 5 times since then and haven't been able to get a reservation at a reasonable time. And when you explain that you have a gift certificate, they get downright rude. I've told them I'll book 2 months ahead in order to get a reasonable reservation, but they won't accommodate or give me the money. Our houseguest is mortified. And I'm confused: if I can get a reservation at Per Se and they treat me graciously, who the he'll do these people think they are? Rude, rude, rude, and for no cause.

Recommends

prlgirl

Joined 7 years ago

Another hit for DeNiro. Locanda Verde is worth all the buzz. Went here after work on a Thursday and was able to snag 2 bar seats. Everyone seems bothered by the hosts, but I've yet to encounter a hot spot in NY that doesn't come equipped with the on high protectors of 2 top tables. The bartenders made great recommendations on wine and eats. The lamb meatball sliders are worth the visit alone. Although I think they used to serve 3 and since their Food and Wine write up they are now mysteriously down to 2 per order, but still completely worth it. As the night wore on the crowd got bigger and the scene livelier. The best part is all the seating options- restaurant, bar, cafe and outdoor seating through the hotel. Great food, great crowd- great time!

Doesn't Recommend

tryeverythingonce

Joined 4 years ago

Reservationist was a Downright (fill in the blank). Her name is Astrid and I have NEVER been treated like that trying to make a reservation before. She was so rude, I was actually silent for a moment before hanging up the phone. I've heard good things about this restaurant, but there are just too many other good restaurants in this city. Who has time for that kind of attitude? I'll take my clients and spend my money elsewhere.

Doesn't Recommend

Dani D

Joined 4 years ago

Snotty reservationists & everyone else we encountered. You can't imagine how hard it is to get someone to actually take your reservation at this restaurant. It's not that they don't have any tables available--believe me they do (and that's a telling tale unto itself). I called three times on different days and no one could take my reservation. I didn't even get as far as to tell them what day and time I was looking for. Their responses was, "Oh so and so isn't here and they take those reservations," "You'll have to call back," We'll take your name and number and someone will get back to you," (they didn't btw...surprise, surprise). Since no one seemed interested in taking our reservation, and my boyfriend had is heart set on trying the place (we loved A Voce when Andrew was there and dropped hundreds of dollars for delicious meals at the place), we just showed up at Locanda Verde one night for dinner and after more snotty hub bub at the door, we were finally seated. The food isn't bad but with so many good restaurants in NYC, why bother with this place. In fact, that's my recommendation: DON'T BOTHER.

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chefandthecity

Joined 8 years ago

Not Meant to Share!. So me and my 3 guests got an early start on tonights meal. We had a 5:30 reservations, and was actually sat with only half of our party physically in the restaurant. Something that does not usually happen in NYC. After deciding of drinks, our server briefed us on the menu and specifically said that the food was meant for sharing. Taking that into consideration we ordered the following:

- Chicken liver crostini

- Fried Artichokes

- Rabbit Terrine

- Ruby Shrimp and Calamari

- Spaghetti Vongole

- Pasta with Lamb and Chickpeas

- Halibut Saltimboca (special)

- Scallops with Cauliflower

- Gelatti

- Brown Butter/Pistachio Cake

- Chocolate cake with Spiced Caramel and Cardamom Gelatti

Thinking that these dishes were MEANT to be shared we figured that would be plenty of food. After the first 4 courses came out, and having a bite, MAYBE 2 of each, we all knew that we would be needing more food. After finishing our main courses we asked to add on another entree of lamb chops, because we were all not completely satisfied.

Bottom line, food was delicious and refined. But if you do go, order like you would at any other restaurant. I would also suggest ordering a pasta to split with the rest of the guests, acting as a mid-course between apps and entrees.

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Josh Ozersky

Joined 5 years ago

Casual but classy inside De Niro's Greenwich Hotel.. Set in a gorgeous space inside Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel, Locanda Verde is lively and open, with mirrors and bottles everywhere--almost like an Italian version of Balthazar. There’s a lot of action at the long, L-shaped bar and in the main dining room, where the tables are filled with diners that come from far and wide, mostly out of loyalty to former A Voce chef Andrew Carmellini, whose work has earned him a reputation as one of the best chefs in New York. At Locanda Verde he's working the comfort food angle, and if this kind of robust cooking--spaghetti with lamb belly Amatricia sauce, crusty porchetta, giant ravioli with shrimp meatballs, fire-roasted garlic chicken for two--sounds good, that’s because it is.

Doesn't Recommend

epratt

Joined 8 years ago

Cold and Unfriendly. The space is nice, especially considering that it's new construction; and someone involved in the build-out clearly had taste and an eye for detail. That's pretty much all the positives I can come up with for this place. The menu is not very interesting and the choices are limited. The food is actually pretty good, if standard, although not worth what they're charging.

The bigger problem is that they don't appear to like their customers. An earlier reviewer said the clientele is mostly local . . . are you kidding? I've never seen anyone from the neighborhood in there. If I were a new restaurant, I would throw my doors open and do everything I could to welcome regulars and establish an evening bar scene. Instead, it feels like they are exclusively for guests of the hotel and only begrudgingly serve non-hotel customers. They may be trying for a members-only feeling or something. They may be thinking if you want a lively bar scene you can go to TriBeCa Grill. But why turn people away? It comes across as cold and uninviting and just not a friendly place.

I've eaten there twice and, I'll repeat, the food is not bad. But the overall experience left me cold and unhappy to have spent the money.

Recommends

tribecagal11

Joined 5 years ago

Old school elegance with wonderful ambience. Loved it so much went twice in a week. Delicious food and great service. Love the curved bar and interesting crowd, mostly locals.

Recommends

peterstamelman

Joined 5 years ago

Authetic & Exceptional Italian Cuisine and Gracious Service From the Moment One Enters. Ago is quite simply the best new Italian restaurant in NYC. The food is authentic and delicious, the presentation is elegant, the service is impeccable and the interior and decor are, without being overstated about it, rustically charming. Ignore Frank Bruni - every restaurant, even 3-starred Michelin champions - have their off-nights. Or maybe Mr. Bruni had an off-night: his review was far too harsh. Whether one eats at the welcoming bar or at one of the spacious tables, the comfort level is high and the service is attentive without being overbearing. I lived and worked in Italy for five years and can attest to chef Agostino's skill and light touch in all of his dishes, especially those from his native Tuscany. In addition, the wine list is superb and reasonable. This restaurant is a winner.

Recommends

carmela72

Joined 5 years ago

Great food in a great space. Don?t believe the negative hype, My experience at Ago was amazing. The entire staff, mostly Italian, is extremely patient and kind. We were waiting a while for one guest to arrive before ordering and they never made us feel pressured, or rushed, they were extremely welcoming and patient, thought the restaurant was extremely busy. The wait staff was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and charming.

We ordered many different things off the menu, and everything was wonderful, fresh and perfectly prepared. The Burrata melts in your mouth, the smoked sword fish is fresh and delicate, cured with juniper berried and topped with tart orange slices that give it the perfect burst of acidity, the octopus salad is the best I have had outside of Italy, tender, delicate, drizzled with exceptional extra virgin olive oil. The pastas were fresh and melted in your mouth, (we had the ravioli special, amazing) and the mushroom risotto was the perfect balance of woodsy porcini and buttery goodness. I would also recommend the Ago martini, made with fresh peach juice, it was absolutely luscious!

The food at Ago is simple, rustic and genuine, there is no pretense here, but when it is done right that is the essence of fine Italian cooking! We will definitely go back, once is not enough!