Scalinatella Restaurant

04/20/09

Worst New York experience yet

by Shambo at Citysearch

This restaurant was my worst New York dining experience ever. The service was somewhere between inattentive and indifferent, the food was mediocre at best, but worst of all the mediocre salad and entree I ordered off the "specials" were $26 and almost $60 respectively, more than two times nearly everything on the printed menu. It was both bad and a complete rip off.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Rip off

04/04/08

Rude! Rude!

by Twildeg at Citysearch

Expect to get a rude person when calling for reservation, actually two. Called the first time at 1:28 EST and was told to call back at 1:30, he doesn't have time for that right now? Then called back at 1:40 pm and was not greeted well either by a different person!!! I know they're from NEW YORK but damn!

02/18/08

I thought I was in the best-catered movie ever. Incredible.

by clbnatl at Citysearch

t was just after 9/11/01, but when my gf and i entered, everything could have been 9/11/59. the table at the rear of the restaurant was occupied by dark-haired men drinking water and waiting. The waiter arrived, and related about 20 specials (most of which, i think, they have every night), but he finished it up with "and if you want something else, let me know, we make it". we ordered, couldn't navigate through the wine list, and asked for something appropriate for each dish (reasonably priced). what came out was awesome. and at $50 a bottle, not too expensive. when the food arrived, it was exquisite, delicious, and i could not have been left wanting. but i am from Atlanta, so what do I know? the seafood stew was incredible, and my gf's shrimp outstanding. i've traveled to Italy extensively, and this is as good as it gets.

Then the floor show began. it started when another group of men entered the restaurant and met the Polo-wearing guys at the end table. "Micheal, You know Joey and da boys?" and then several gallons of chianti arrived. and then the waiters kissed the hand of the newly arrived guy at the end table, the only one who wore a suit. I went to the bathroom. i had to run a gauntlet of fur to go, and then, when i went back to the table, I got a look at the owners: Jersey Wives. Lots of gold. Lots of rings. Holy (&@! it looked like a movie. apparently they were the wives of the guys at the end table. when i got back, my gf agreed: the entire restaurant was apparently a movie starring Joe Pesci being filmed that night.

wow. i've been all over the planet. i've never seen anything that approached a movie scene as much as that.

anyway. the place is awesome. food is delicious. wine is awesome. i cannot place enough superlatives on this place. if you want traditional fine Italian food without worrying about the price, this is the place.

try to avoid the assassinations, but the food is worth the risk.

• Pros: Food, Wine, Service
• Cons: Price, Liklihood of being involved in a police investigation