09/24/09

New York WITHOUT Attitude?!

by shoog

MIXY checked me out. I didn't get that barking command to empty my own basket--unlike one major grocer whose name I will mention because they're so NOTORIOUSLY RUDE, Food Emporium, avoid the 3rd Ave (they are the worst)--but rather MIXY chirpily emptied my items scanning quickly, and carefully handled fruit and delicate items, placing them gently aside to load on top of the hard items. I couldn't believe it. I realized I have become so accustomed to rudeness and have low expectations generally, that I would find her handling of groceries amazingly thoughtful. I must sound ridiculous, but it's so refreshing to go to a grocery store and NOBODY HAS NO ATTITUDE PROBLEM. That's saying a lot for NYC. The management is excellent. Hats off to them!

• Pros: Best Service in a grocery
• Cons: NONE

03/03/09

Great Gourmet Goodies

by hungrycouple

We live a block away so this store is a constant temptation. It's expensive and crowded and the staff is poorly trained but there's a lot to choose from. On the down side, we can't seem to find a bread we like there, the hot prepared food can be so-so and the deli counter moves at the speed of grass growth. But the cold prepared food choices are better and with interesting seasonal choices. The fresh produce selections are top notch with great variety and quality. Looking for a specialty herb or unusual vegetable? You'll find it here. The cheese counter looks well stocked and dangerously delicious. Lots of prepared salads in individual containers make for quick selections for a great lunch or easy cold dinner. The white bean salad, wheatberry salad and cabbage salads are especially tasty. The line to pay is long but there are many registers and they move fast. Your trip to that register though, will take you past the dessert department with its many individually packed choices. As you wrestle with your willpower, you'll smell freshly baking pastries and look over a dizzying array of sweet choices but the flourless chocolate Gianduja is worthy of a 4 star restaurant and the mixed berry cake is another delectable favorite.

11/10/08

Impeccable quality

by Colette22

Walking into Agata and Valentina is like walking into a busy market in Tuscany. Immediatly you smell the bread from the bakery, the fresh fruit displays, any kind of cheese you could possibly imagaine, they eben make there own balsamic vinagar and olive oil. The meats and fish are fantasic. These is sooooo many products in such a small place, The only downside is all this great food there is no wine ot pair it with,

A&V doesnt sell wine. Not even cooking wine.

• Cons: congested, no wine

08/21/07

Quality is great but the staff are not knowledgeable

by pk0992

I don't frequent at Agata & Valentina and now I remember why. I think their produce, imports, pasta's are fabulous but don't bother to ask a staff member that works there for any help. I was there this past weekend and I asked for calamari and lasagna and the person behind the counter didn't know what that was! I'm surprised that a store such as Agata & Valentina would hire people who don't know what they are selling. It got worse when I asked for a side of mariana sauce and the person next to her had to tell it what it was! The person next in line had the same problem.

Very disappointing for their lack of knowledge for a speciality store on the UES! Their restaurant across the street is a totally different story. I can't believe it's the same owner!!! In reference to the store though, I think I'll make an extra trip to Murray Hill or another gourmet store for good service.

• Pros: Gourmet and fresh selections
• Cons: The staff don't know their products and how to help their customers

03/22/07

Quintessential NYC Specialty Food Store

by sarangutan

Agata & Valentina is my favorite food store in the city! The produce is the first thing you see when you walk in and it's almost irresistable - beautiful, colorful displays of really unique seasonal finds, plus a great organic selection. I have always been really impressed with their meat and fish - it's really fresh and it makes me look good when I cook for family & friends. Their specialty items and imports like olive oils, honeys, and preserves are beautifully packaged and always a discovery - I am serious when I say that I've actually done Christmans shopping at Agata for family members out of town. The only down side to the place is that it's designed like a Sicilian marketplace with LOTS of stuff packed in, so it can get congested at the busy times, but luckily the line for the registers moves pretty quickly.

• Pros: Amazing products, reasonable prices for high quality, feels like a real Italian market
• Cons: Occasionally congested

01/25/06

Super little market!

by cmvmls

Been a loyal customer of A&V for three years. PROS: Variety, with lots of special surprises tucked here and there - you just have to explore; Freshness of all products; Delicious home-made soups; Wonderful fresh pastas; Good bakery; Great meat dept; EXCELLENT seafood department; Staff mostly helpful and knowledgeable. CONS: It's true, some staff is rude, in particular the stock guys and check-out girls - but that can generally be overcome with a smile; Checkout line can be long, but it moves quickly - just pass the time admiring the specialites. OVERALL: Price for quality is fair. MUCH better than Eli's, which is outrageous! Buy your basics (milk, juice, eggs, etc) at a regular market. Go to A&V for special products, vegetables, meat, and seafood. (Of course, Whole Foods is grocery store paradise. But who has the time to make the trek?)

• Pros: Freshness, Variety, Convenience
• Cons: Some rude staff

09/26/05

Is the best

by frankcoffey

no words ....only try this store & you will agree with me!!!

11/17/04

New York Gourmet

by jonmiah

I've visited Agata & Valentina on several occasions, each time something new was waiting. I highly recommend them for the best choice of gourmet breads, cheeses, desserts, as well as an excellent choice of wines. Agata & Valentina has a unique selection is most certainly the quintessential East Side neighborhood market.

• Pros: variety, location

10/24/04

declious and expensive

by brainsfmri

While not standing out from other gourmet food stores in the area, Agata and Valentina is worth the splurge now and again. Their produce is consistently fresh and there is a beautiful assortment of cheeses. The meat is some of the freshest around but the lines can be long and the customer service lackluster. If you can look past these things, you are sure to enjoy a quality sunday meal.

Nicole Brennan

• Pros: fresh meat, great cheese selectio
• Cons: , bad customer service

05/16/04

Owner reviews?

by hanky4u

First, the lines. LONG and for what? Rich people must either enjoy waiting, paying too much or eating bad food if this store is so popular.

Oh, and the staff is NOT friendly at least the one I asked where something was and she said, "Over there." and went back to talking to her coworker.

• Pros: good cheese
• Cons: , small variety