Alta Voce (CLOSED)

I like all Italian food usually, even if it is not the most authentic tasting meal. This place did mostly everything wrong, though. We were seated downstairs by ourselves, which was actually a lovely little area, but not paid much attention to down there. The waiter seemed disgruntled and slightly rude and kept serving us water with things floating in it that were unidentifiable. We asked for different water and still got floating black bits in it the second time. The food was overpriced for being extremely mediocre and unimaginative. I got linguine con vongole and it was bland and overly oily. I would not recommend this to anyone.

Sadly this is yet another mediocre Italian restaurant in Park Slope. Stick with Al Di La. The four cheese pasta is made with a strong blue cheese. It was so rich eating more than a few bites wasn't possible. The seafood pasta special was very watery. The bolognaise was dry bland. Some of the appetizers were decent. The cheeseboard was nice and the french fries with shallot mayo were delicious. It's not terrible but it's not really good either. I won't go again.

Amid the string of bars and fusion cuisine eateries along Park Slope's 5th Avenue, this Italian restaurant feels refreshingly elegant, romantic, and unpretentious. The excellent food across the board is reasonably priced, and the wait staff is both warm and professional. It's nice to see an owner and staff who care about the details. On Valentine's Day it was crowded, but the staff was still very attentive and I felt we had as good service as on less busy days. All four fish dishes I have tried are excellent - both the grilled salmon and the salmon rolled with crab meat are fantastic, and equally tasty are the trout with vegetables and the tillapia with almonds. All were very fresh, had balanced seasonings, and were nice sized portions. The bocatini pasta dish is excellent - pasta is cooked perfectly, slightly al dente, and the sauce of tomatoes, onion, pancetta and pecorino was nicely balanced, with enough left over to dip the crusty bread into. The duck carpaccio appetiser is rich like roast beef and is complimented nicely by endive and a light lemon aioli. The salad with zucchini and fennel is both hearty and summery, and the parmesan cheese adds some needed zip. For dessert, the apple pie is a little different than what you expect but very good, and is served with a delicious cinnamon gelato. The tiramisu is more chocolate than coffee flavored, with tasty cocoa chips inside. But my favorite dessert is one you'll have to ask for, as it's not on the menu - mascarpone with fresh fruit - DELICIOUS! Based on the the strong menu, excellent service and attention to detail, it was an easy choice for a friend's upcoming bridal shower party. The owner, Mario, is frequently at the restaurant and is easy to work with. Overall, it's a great date place, or to plan small or large parties, or just to unwind at the bar to jazz tunes or live piano.

Alta Voce is soooo good! This place is doing it right. From the prices, portions, flavors and the space, there are few place that are give you so much for so little. I've been there several times and it has been consistently good. The deconstructed tri colored salad was crisp, fresh and dressed for the dance. The Carbonara is perfect. The velvety sauce coupled with crispy panchetta (the real kind not bacon) was the best I've ever had. Al Dente to the last string of pasta. The rabbit stew is fall off the bone tender. The sweet carrots and onions melding with fresh thyme and rosemary make this a feast for the tongue. The grilled trout topped with a tomato relish was a refreshing and light entree. Flaky, fresh and delicious. How could I forget my favorite appetizer - Creamy Goat cheese wrapped in bresaola. A marriage made in heaven, consummated by a drizzle of white truffle oil. Fantastic! The Creme Caramel is only topped by this little Cuban joint my friend takes me to in Miami. Park Slope is a lot closer so if you add the points Alta Voce wins by a TKO. Other dishes I've had or tasted: Orcchette barese - al dente hand made pasta tossed with olive oil, sausage and broccoli rabe a simple and classical dish done well - as good as my grand mother used to make for me after school. Penne Pomodoro - the dish by which all Italian restaurant must be judged. Theirs is a perfect score - tangy fresh tomato sauce with chunks of tomato, fresh basil and just the right touch of garlic. Duck breast - Cooked so that the fat rendered away leaving behind a crisp skin and tender, succulent meat. The sauce pops in your mouth with sweet figs and aromatic anise. Lamb Shank - from what I managed to snatch from my greedy guest, I can say that it was tender and tasty. The soft polenta was a nice change from the firmer grilled types I've had. I sensed a touch of saffron which was nice with the flavorful corn. The baked clams were briny and crisp. I loved the lemony broth they drizzled over it. Old school to the max. Their Signature Pollo Alta Voce was tender and tasty. The cream sauce was with shallots and truffle oil is savory and delicious. The space is a place to never want to leave. The background jazz or the live piano lend an air of sophistication that few places in the area have, and none in NY a this price point. The staff is attentive with out being over bearing and very friendly. On all Points - a Ten!

Great to have resonable prices, but the food has to be ( a) worth eating and (b) more than a morsel.

The pretty interior does little to disguise the mediocre food. The duck was ok but the risotto was unpleasant. Never again.

Food - if i could squeeze any more in, i'd be back there now. Service - they even held the door for us on the way out! Value - $115 for three of us with apps, mains, and dessert! Atmosphere - how about a piano playing in the backgound?!?! Really, this place is a diamond in the rough of the 14 italian restaurants in our neighborhood. Finally, an affordable and amazing place right here on 5th.. . You have to go!