08/31/09

What more could you ask for? Five stars!

by bella716

Olana - just the name alone conjures memories of a wonderful experience. The food is spectacular and very inventive. The service is attentive, without being too intrusive. The decor is so warm and inviting that you never want to leave. It's perfect for a romantic dinner for two, or a large corporate dinner. We had a company event in their private dining room and the night could not have gone better (and I am extremely hard to please). Five stars - will be back, again and again!

• Pros: food, service, decor
• Cons: none

08/16/09

Rude Staff - Not about the customers

by willchelsea

At Olana, it's not about you, it's about the staff. When they feel like going home, they close the place and ask you to leave - rudely! Too bad because the ambiance is great, but the drinks are bad (limoncello martinin is a glass of lemon juice) and the wait staff and manager should be working at Burger King! Avoid...there are thousands of more welcoming places in Manhattan!

• Pros: Great ambiance
• Cons: Staff needs training (or to be fired)

08/15/09

A NYC restaurant/bar that thinks it's in Kansas

by eidathome

I passed Olana on my way to meet friends for a drink at another restaurant and thought it looked good so at 10pm on a Friday night I called them on my way and we changed course and went to Olana. Place was busy but can accommodate with a nice big bar area and tables in the front with big comfy velvet chairs and nice subtle lighting. As I'm sipping on my 1st drink just shy of 11pm, the bartender puts our check down on the table. We didn't ask for it, and he didn't ask if we wanted anything else or even warn us that it was last call--just said "the manager said to close and he's following orders." We asked for water and were told there's no more ice they've shut down and please pay. We were floored! The place was packed with people having a nice time in the large bar area and at the tables, and they were kicking everyone out! Bizarre and so rude! In this economy when we can all choose from hundreds of other restaurants and you would think a place wants to try to stand out and welcome business, this place is throwing you out on a weekend night! Will never go there again. Was incredibly rude. I heard another table have to negotiate with the bartender--"well we have to use the rest room, OK, we'll be quick." He just glared at them. Outrageous. And the drinks weren't very good. No vodka in the limoncello martini and my tonic was flat. Next!

• Pros: nice atmosphere, modestly priced drinks
• Cons: place throws you out at 11pm on a Friday night!

07/12/09

Wow

by nycnoir

My husband and I went here for our wedding anniversary, and it was absolute perfection from the moment we walked into the door till the moment we left. The decor is to die for. The service was attentive and prompt. The food and the drinks were fantastic. Best sangria I've ever tried! This is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in NYC. It's on the expensive side, but so completely worth every cent. You can't go wrong with this place.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: nothing

04/13/09

Great Restaurant

by kernowbysvyken

Tried this restaurant at the recommendation of the concierge in the Hilton Graden Hotel. Olana did not disappoint.

The décor is good and the service is first class, attentive without being pushy. The food was excellent. The starters were superb, I would recommend the tagliattelle and the carpaccio and eggs (steak and eggs on the menu.)

The mains were equally enjoyable, the duck was done just right and the skirt steak was a revelation.

Be prepared for the 20% gratuity added to the bill struck me as being on the steep side. Apart from that enjoy a very good restaurant.

• Pros: Excellent food and service, lovely ambience.
• Cons: Factor in high gratuity

12/20/08

BEST BARTENDER

by drummersince10

Best Bartender:

Corona the bartender always makes us feel so at home. My drink is waiting for me before my coat is off. Her quick wit and tantalizing stories keep us coming back for more. She's a gem and so is the place...Bill, the owner is always available and has great knowledge of what he is trying to sell. He's good at it and the place speaks for itself....very gorgeous decor, top shelf! Diana the Hostess is a very charming young lady as well..

I just look forward to eating some of the delicious looking food that I see coming passed the bar...Will do soon and I will review food...

hands down one of the nicest bars in NYC

• Pros: decor, staff, drinks, food, lighting
• Cons: pricey

12/11/08

Spectacular food, service and atmosphere

by cstringer88

Frequently in NY, you find restaurants that have good food, but a not-so-great ambiance and service. Or, the ambiance and service are great, but the food is horrible. Here, it is a perfect combination of great food, service and environment.

I decided to have a wedding reception here (10 people) and not only the managers/owners were beyond accommodating, the staff took a general interest in ensuring everyone had a wonderful time. They were able to set us apart from the main dining area, which was great for added privacy. The speed at which they served the courses was not rushed, and the wine recommendations were perfect.

Everyone in my party raved about the quality of the food. But, specifically, the chestnut crespelle, tagliatelle and gnocchi were my favorites.

So, if you are planning dinner for two or a group gathering, I would highly recommend Olana.

• Pros: Food, service, ambiance
• Cons: nothing

11/24/08

A FLAWLESS DINING EXPERIENCE

by jimandinla

Adventurous and delicious cuisine offered in an elegant and romantic setting, the service here was first-rate and the spirit generous -- an appetizer, two glasses of wine and desert were all offered on the house over the course of our leisurely meal. Even in the absence of such surprises (we were probably the beneficiaries of a cold and slow Wednesday night) you really can't go wrong with this place -- expect a flawless dining experience!

• Pros: Cuisine, ambiance, service

11/12/08

Classic and wonderful!

by brant39

I've had some absolutely wonderful bites at this classic NY spot. It's great for a business dinner, special occasion, or sitting at the bar for a glass of wine, first course, and dessert. The service is wonderful...nothing like your dish being prepared table-side...and the dessert menu is always impressive! Classic and wonderful!

• Pros: food,ambiance

11/02/08

Romantic Place

by barrr82

I was there to have a drink with a girl I just met so not sure about how their food is like but the atmosphere was not bad at all.

Maybe it was because she was so cute, I had a great time in there so you know what that means. Two thumbs up for this place. Muahahhaha

• Pros: romantic