09/14/09

Not all that it's cut out to be

by magnolia82

I go out to a lot of restaurants, and happened to be very excited about going to one with a lot of hipe, and proclaimed trendy-ness. I was unhappily disappointed.

We ordered a pasta with mushrooms dish and also the risotto. Both were poorly seasoned, with an awkward balance of flavors. The pasta was actually too al dente, despite the fact that I enjoy cooked this way. The place was packed, and the service lacking. The hostes erased my name from the reservation list. I would highly not recommend this place.

• Cons: over priced, small portions, too cramped and crowded

06/16/09

Best italian in a long time

by cammarudy

We're native NYers always seeking good italian food. we found it here. The octopus and quail were the highlights of our meal. Our pastas were incredible, we were wishing they was more. The wines are a bit over priced, but the rest was reasonable. we sat near the chef bar, which is typically annoying and hot in other places, but this was uniquely authentic and refreshing. If you have to wait for a table, the bar across the street is a good time. Just don't eat anything there because you'll want to save whatever room you have for the delicious food here. highly recommended. we couldn't stop talking about our meal.

• Pros: Delicious, authentic food
• Cons: over-priced wine, may be a wait

12/31/08

Best Italian restaurant in New York!

by Whestee

I love this restaurant. Last time I dined here (this past Saturday with three friends) we started our dinner with a few pasta dishes recommended to us by the General Manager. They were all delicious, but extreme raves to the Chef's version of what I would call "Italian Macaroni and Cheese". No ,this dish really isn't a typical "mac & cheese" dish, but an extremely satisfying plate of Dell''Anima's homemade pasta with chestnuts and lucious creamy Italian cheeses. We decided at this point we wanted some wine. We had a conversation with the sommelier who gave us some outstanding recommendations to pair with Dell'Anima's regional (and seasonal) dishes. The wine here is extraordinary and very carefully chosen. Not to make this review a novel, when all is said, this charming little gem of a restaurant presents to it's guests creative and beautifully presented meals. There is no "rush-out-the-door here". We felt like family from the moment we entered this cozy West Village 'fixture", and the feeling remained throughout the evening as we tasted as many of the Chef's delicious and creative dishes as we could (portions ARE NOT small). A perfect meal for the four of us to enjoy and linger over in this very special place, lit with candlelight, satisfied people and great vibes all around. It's no small wonder why Dell'Anima is always packed, 7 nights a week.

• Pros: Seasonal and Local Fresh Food prepared very creatively - Happy staff, Happy guests!!
• Cons: So popular that it's hard to get a reservation, book one month ahead for a weekend to be on the safe side.

12/18/08

No table available - Reservation was cancelled ??? - Go eat at our Sister Restaurant !

by piattoricco

In other words, I have had dinner here a few times, which was not so bad - except the prices.

Therefore, the other night, walk in to the place with a reservation ( which was cencelled ? ), got a very unprofessional vibe from the hostess and the owner ( not sure who that young guy was ) who recommend to talk a walk to the sister restaurant ( L'Artusi ) where we waited 40 minutes at the door with 3 hostesses that did not even offer to us seat at the bar, claiming: " Sorry we are completely "fully" booked ) "

At that point, ( 9:00 pm ) the Bar was crowded but seats were opened, as well as tables, managers were walking around like Zombies flirting with girls at the bar, and we decided to leave for good and never come back.

I have personally never been treated like this and we are always dining out.

I would not recommend it to anyone.

07/09/08

Terrific rustic Italian, attentive service, Village gem

by DanimalAttacksNYC

Tried for reservations on short notice - 5:00 or 10:30. Not a worry. Hostess suggested we walk in, we waited for less than 10 minutes. Skip the signature cocktails at the bar (two big misses). Campanale did a fantastic job with the wine list - names you'd expect like Barolo plus smaller things you'd miss without the guy from Babbo picking the grape juice. Be ready for copius amounts of salt. Have to start with the bruschette - chickpea and avocado options are simple, fresh, and delicious. The polenta reminded me of cheese grits from Kitchenette (different subject but still a big compliment). The ribeye was thick, tender, clearly aged properly and cooked exactly as ordered, with the grill providing a lot of the flavor cues. On that subject, while the interior is expectedly noisy, avoid sitting near the grill. Initially placed in front of the smoke stack, we were promptly reseated outside on the corner of Jane and 4th - perfect sidewalk spot. Server was warm, honest, and eager to please. Simple menu, cuisine reminds me of a family restaurant in Sienna, solid execution. I'll be back.

• Pros: Great menu, original wine list, solid service
• Cons: Small space, limited bar selection

03/17/08

New York Mag declares dell'anima one of the BEST NEW restaurants for 2008 (BEST OF NEW YORK)

by FoodGirll

NYMag names four restaurants as their critic's favorite new restaurants for 2008. My personal favorite, dell'anima has been named as one of these four! The food is truly superb. I eat here with friends quite often, minimum once a week, and we are always trying new things - I cannot even recommend a dish because everything is fabulous.. . .each dish is delicious and uniquely created. This is Italian soul food at it's best. Elegant, yet uncomplicated, chef Gabe is a genius in creating classic Italian food with some unexpected surprises. The dishes are very filling as well. One thing you can not help but notice is the warmth of the young, friendly staff. To say they go out of their way to accomodate you is truly an understatement. They seemed to have as much fun serving and recommending dishes to us, as we have eating them. And, for the most unbelievable wine pairings you've ever had, ask for Joe - the ridiculously young and talented owner/sommelier. (He's 23!). The wine selection is magnificent.

It certainly is a big accomplishment to deserve the praise of NYMAG's BEST OF 2008. Dell'anima certainly lives up to the reputation, and I am one lucky lady to welcome this new, (but already becoming legendary) restaurant into my hood.

03/08/08

Delicious food!

by w2cheung

I am greatly impressed by this restaurant. We had a party of 7 last night and ordered different dishes to share. Every single dish was SO delicious. The restaurant although small, has a friendly and intimate ambience. They have a pretty attractive crowd there. Bring a map with you if you don't usually hang out in this area though, it can be a little tough to find.

• Pros: the food and the ambience
• Cons: a tricky location if you haven't done your homework trying to find it on the map

02/17/08

Excellent in every way!!

by stefiwefie

I went here on a date with my husband and we couldn't have had a better time. The ambiance is cozy, inviting and warm (sconces on the walls, charming wood tables, great bar). The energy of all the staff is laid-back and friendly. We chatted with everyone from the hostess, to the bartender, to the waitress, to the busboys. Everyone was just great. We talked to the people at the tables around us to about what they were eating and what they liked. The staff really set a nice tone and everyone there seemed to really enjoy the place.

We were seated promptly at our reservation time and were served excellent glasses of wine from beautiful wine glasses. The food was delicious--we had the octopus appetizer; two pasta entrees; and two desserts-- tiramasu "zuppa" and the hazelnut cake. Everything was mouth-watering--the flavors were interesting takes on classics. The portion sizes were small yet satisfying.

It is so refreshing to have a wonderful dining experience from beginning to end. This place is perfect for dates or small groups. Plus, it's in the west village, which is a charming neighborhood to begin with. We'll be going back, and recommending it to our friends. Good Job, Dell'Anima staff!!! See you soon!

• Pros: Staff, food, ambience
• Cons: Nothing comes to mind.

01/21/08

AMAZING!

by dawnb727

i cannot wait to go back- the food, wine and service is fantastic-i went with my husband and we had leftovers and could not wait to eat them for breakfast!

01/20/08

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by aeta

I love this place!!!! I waited until all the buzz calmed down and have been there 2 times in past 2 days!!!!!!! I love this place. I work in the industry as well, and I think that Joey has done an amazing job with the wine list and the whole place looks amazing. You could go there for romantic dinner and also just a fun night out with friends. Chef's counter is such a ride... It's amazing to see them all working so hard and putting their soul into every dish... You can taste it in every bite you take. I haven't had every dish off the menu yet... but I LOVE food, and it was perfect! Thank you so much for the line staff and for the Chef for cooking such a wonderful meal.

I'll be back soon!!!!!!!!!!!! All the best and success to you!!!!!

• Pros: food, wine, ambiance
• Cons: nothing