Aliseo Osteria del Borgo (CLOSED)

Here' a place where the food is great but the behavior of the owner is appalling. While we were enjoying an otherwise great meal, a few of the owners friends dropped by. The table we had was about 6 feet from the bar so we were captive to the adventure that ensued. One of the owners friends decided that he needed a massage, so here we are having a meal and there the owner was bent over the bar being pushed and pulled. Come on, you do this at home or at the spa, not in front of dinner guests.

...got the selection of stinky cheeses and been charged 17,50$$ for few microscopic tranparent slices....i think is the classic fake popolar rustic place, you relax and ...they kill you with the bill!

Check the dates from the bad reviews here. Apparently, this place has gone a transformation since 2007, because Chowhound reviews are showing the same pattern--bad then, good now. Our experience last night was wonderful. An excellent glass of wine was selected based on my wife's description of what she wanted, the calamari was prepared perfectly, the braised beef with mantigliati was exquisite, and the short rib with polenta was earthy and delicious. It's a cozy and friendly atmosphere that would serve well for a date, or pleasant dinner with friends.

I went to this restaurant for the first time this past Saturday 1st it is very small. Especially @ the counter on a Sat nite. Every person who passed me, had to brush me. There was just not enough room. Not for people with stict time constraints. Even so it was wonderful. We had their signature salad w/ fresh dill and mint, and the Octopus with w/ fresh herbs and warm red potatoes. (It true the octopus is a little salty especially with the Balsamic reduction but, the potatoes have no salt so the two complement each other well. Maybe my favorite dish with all of its wonderful contradictions: chewy and crispy, savory and sweet,& the mélange of textures! Delicious!) Followed by their Honey and Thyme Pasta, (deceptively light taste on the tongue, hearty feel in the stomach) and the Whole Branzino, with a refreshing cold fennel salad, & marinated roasted lemon. For dessert the Panne Cotta w/ a kind of warm fresh berry compote. Not cheap, for the 2 of us it was around $160 including several glasses of wine. Lacrima Di Morro, fruity clean with a little bite, mmmmm. Should have just got the bottle. This experience was so good I returned Monday nite with another person Again, wonderful!!!! They wholeheartedly agreed with me. Both times the staff was very warm, solicitous, friendly & very busy. Sometimes it was hard to get their attention. But, this is not for the time limited patron. This was a leisurely, soothing, & delicious gastronomic event I do not have the time nor eloquence to write about all of the nuisances that make this such a fine establishment.

I have been twice, both experiences wonderful and different. Menu is small and interesting. Food is fresh and lightly prepared. Wines are well thought and delicious. I highly recommend Aliseo to anyone looking to sink into a softly lit cozy room and enjoy freshly prepared food served by relaxed people who guide you thru the evening's fare.

I've now tried this place several times, and have not been impressed. The first few times, the food was good, but the service shotty. The waitstaff offers you things, seemingly for free, but charges you for them. I banished this place for the past year, but friends said to give it another chance. Everything was way oversalted. Squid seemed like it was cooked in the Dead Sea. The pasta water was way way salty. We didn't even stay for dessert. Maybe the chef/owner should actually try cooking in his kitchen.

I know that many Brooklyn resturants are tiny, but this place is so small! I was literallly sitting on top of the person next to me. The appetizers and salads were good, but the entrees were nothing great. Prices were a bit expensive for not such a great place and for the area.