Accademia di Vino

03/03/11

Poor Service, Mediocre Food

by lhg1381 at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I dined at this neighborhood spot at 930ish on a Friday night. When we first arrived, we were directed to a very small table in front of the restaurant, in between the exit door and the bar. We requested to be moved and were taken to another table, near a table of 15 to 20 18-21 year old looking girls (for a birthday). It was noisy and the waitress was overwhelmed. After we got our drinks, we migrated to the bar, where we decided to eat. Within 5-10 minutes, tables in a much better area opened up (we had said we would wait for something better when we first walked in, but rather than have us wait, we were seated at two terrible tables). It was near impossible to get the bartenders attention - despite the fact that the bar was only half full. Perhaps the bartender ignored us because we already had drinks? We ordered parmesaen fritters, which were so-so. The oysters were poorly shucked, had sand in them, and pieces of shell. The oysters weren't served with horseradish, and we had to ask the manager to get us some as the bartender was so inattentive. After the oysters, we didn't bother ordering anything else and went home to finish dinner thinking we would do better at home. Disappointed with the food and service, we will not be back.

02/22/10

I question the reviews

by linu809 at Citysearch

I don't know if this website just shows positive reviews or what, but go to menu pages dot com and read real reviews. (I have no affiliation with that site, fyi.) I completely concur with the reviews that 1) long for the old Docks that used to be in this space, and 2) that the food at Academia di Vino is terrible. Bland, unimaginative food, which relies solely on tomato paste (and only paste, it appears) as the key ingredient of its sauces. And for those prices??? Why does this place fill up? It must be first timers, either that or people who swear Kraft Mac & Cheese is real good Italian food. Before you go here, really read the reviews on other sites. This is one place where I wholeheartedly agree with the negative reviews.

• Pros: service, wine, cocktails
• Cons: terrible food, high-priced food

02/02/10

Great addition to the UWS!

by NYBetty at Citysearch

My friend lives across the street and she told me to meet her at this great place that recently opened. We had an amazing time. Great food and good service. It was a little crowed so it's probably better to go earlier. You can snack a little or a lot - the prices are reasonable. Nothing is over $25! I am anxious to check them out for lunch and brunch too.

• Pros: Great food great price
• Cons: Peak times are busy but I guess that's good for them!

01/25/10

Cozy, best wine bar on UWS

by Jrive at Citysearch

This is in the old Docks space. They did a wonderful job creating a cozy and ambient space out of it. I've noticed the few times I've been there the crowed is quite different and you are more likely to see a string of beautiful women on both sides of the bar and more families in the back. They've created 2-3 different environments with the same friendly energy. The two stand outs are the wine list which carries the breath of Italian wine and the small plates on the menu. What I really like here is that they seem to be combining the menu of the UES Accademia with some dishes from Cesca. All in all I'd say this is quickly becoming the best Wine bar on the Upper West Side.

• Pros: Wine List, small plates, service.
• Cons: No TV to watch Sports while waiting for tardy girlfriend.

01/25/10

great new neighborhood wine bar

by autumn womack at Citysearch

I went to Accademia di Vino on a Sunday night with a group of friends and have definitely found a new neighborhood wine bar. We were seated promptly at the bar, which proved to be as comfortable as any table, thanks to the super comfy bar stools (for once I didn't feel like I was either falling off or like I had to adjust my seat 20 times). Although there were four of us, we were able to talk comfortably since the music was at a great volume, something that I have noticed many wine bars tend to overlook. The staff was very knowledgeable about the Italian only wine list and I ordered a glass that perfectly complimented my tuna tartar. We ordered a few desserts (the tiramisu was our favorite although the ricotta cheese cake is equally interesting) and all in all had a great night. Accademia di Vino is a great new addition to the Upper West Side.