Assenzio

03/17/08

Amazing!

by hmorris6 at Citysearch

One word: Polenta. The most amazing I have ever had, including when I went to Italy. Their use of wild boar instead of beef is incredible (and healthier might I add). I come back to this place almost every time I am in New York.

• Pros: Polenta
• Cons: Too far away from home

09/18/07

Great Find!

by fornickels at Citysearch

GREAT restaurant. We wandered in with no reservation. The place was full but we waited, the owner gave us shots of grappa on the house for waiting. The food was all around delicious. Pastas were well cooked and seasoned, the fish was excellent. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and personable. Bartender was very forthcoming with suggestions and information about the liquors (grappa) and wines. Will definitely go back!

• Pros: great food, great drinks
• Cons: may have to wait for a table

09/08/07

Best Porchetto in town

by kat65 at Citysearch

Finally we have found a fine Italian restaurant that doesn't drain our resources. The cozy but unpretentious atmosphere of Assenzio made for a relaxing dinner. Under new management, the restaurant is hosted by Massimo who is gracious and friendly but not invasive. From the diverse wine selection we selected a glass of Dolcetto D'Alba that was excellent. The appetizer menu looked good based on what we saw on other patrons' plates. Instead, we had the salad special with arucola, grilled portabella mushrooms and ricotta salata. It was delectable. The highlight of the dinner for us was the porchetto with mirto (roasted young pork with myrtle) and the fresh seabass special. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and capped it off with a Mirto, a Sardinian liquor, definitely worth a try.

• Pros: Great food with great service
• Cons: Nothing

03/28/07

Excellent food and and a great atmosphere

by sienna9 at Citysearch

I went back to Assenzio after a long absence and wondered why I had stayed away for so long. the food, especially anything with truffle, was fantastic and the service is really friendly. It may be the most laid-back restaurant in the East Village, which is saying something. The wine list could use a little updating, but otherwise, I've no complaints.

03/17/07

Terrible and rude service

by citylove94 at Citysearch

I will never return to this restaurant again. The staff was rude from the beginning and purposely did not even tell me the specials. I didn't even realize until the same waiter explained the specials in detail to the next table. The stuffed chicken was the driest I have ever tasted. The snapper was so fishy that it was unpalatable. The rigatoni with eggplant was oily with COLD mozzarella on top. Our water was NEVER refilled. My friends and I were seated at a table near the bar and felt uncomfortable throughout dinner as the staff stood less than 4 feet away and looked at us the entire time, as if they never had minorities in their restaurant. There are many great Italian restaurants in the East Village with better wine lists, service, and food...I have never had a worst experience.

• Cons: Terrible food and service

03/12/07

Charming Sardinian restaurant!

by vinovino at Citysearch

This is the most adorable little spot. Cozy, rustic decor. Service is always incredibly sweet and friendly, with a reliably delicious menu. They start you off with a fantastic bread basket, which includes tomato foccaccia and light as air house-made crackers, served along side sun-dried tomato packed olive oil... amazing! The salads are fresh and perfectly dressed, pastas are wonderful, braised wild boar with cannonau sauce is heaven. The wine list has some nice regional selections, but for such an unassuming neighborhood joint, I wish they had more wines under $35. This isn't the best Italian restaurant in the neighborhood, but it's a special one.

11/14/06

Great food at good prices

by gwendolynmd at Citysearch

I love the wine, salads, pastas and atmosphere here. I've been here a few times and gerenally love it, though once a on a busy night we had some strange service. I was willing to let it slide as a fluke, but others in my party were dissapointed.

08/30/06

Good food, poor service

by les_ismore at Citysearch

I have now brought friends to dine at Assenzio on three occasions, and don't think I will return. The food is good, but now outstanding. The service is erratic at best, quite rude at worst. I was very excited when this place opened, as I love Sardinian food and wine, but Assenzio is a let down and not worth the money.

• Pros: good desserts, great wine list
• Cons: bad service, average food

04/23/06

Authentic Sardinian

by gingypsy at Citysearch

Whilst looking for a nice, cozy, traditional Italian restaurant for my Sicilian-born friend, we stumbled upon Assenzio and were surprisingly delighted. The food was delicious, and the cocktail list impressive. Who would think to make an Absinthe Margarita? We went on a Monday night so the crowd was sparse and quiet. Service was excellent. Will definitely make this a must-go place for all our friends' birthays, including my own!

• Pros: Awesome cocktail list, Amazing food
• Cons: Busy weekend nights

04/20/06

Great date spot, delicious food

by bostonny83 at Citysearch

I love this place. We stumbled on it on our way to Perbacco (which is comparable in many ways). It was a nice night and the windows were open- the wine was good, the food was delicious. I had the involtini (rolled veal) which was mouthwatering... everything from the vegetables to the potatoes tasted perfect. Our server was slightly inattentive but very friendly...Overall, highly recommended for a date or a relaxing night out.

• Pros: food, ambience