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I won't be long winded - Frank Bruni gave this a "Very Good 2 star rating" in the NYT in April 2008. I thought it was worth a try. result is that it wasn't, why? Way overpriced FOR WHAT YOU GET eg: Appetizer "Wood fired pizza $14 what came was NOT pizza it was some thin "pita-ish dough with some pesto and thinly sliced potato approx 8" wide. Not tasty not special and not cheap. My main course was oven fired Orata (a type of Sea Bass) it came with nothing just the small fish no veg nada $23 - But how did it TASTE?? Nothing special just a baked fish. One bottle inexpensive Dolcetta ($38) not very good. Total bill including $20 tip $150. There are SO many better deals in NYC than this, If you know and like good food, don't waste your money. PS: I forgot to mention, I hope you like to shout at each other at dinner. Your friends won't hear a word you are saying if you don't. A sad state of affairs. Bruni must have gone on a VERY good night, I have had SO much better food and service for half that amount.

I agree with the last review - while the food and room are just great - the unpleasant staff makes me not want to return- many other places to go in the area.

Make sure if you dine here that you sit out back under the skylight. Pretty awesome. We didn't have a reservation, but were told, somewhat begrudgingly, that if we can make sure to vacate our table within 1.5 hrs, we could be seated. Pleasant. It seemed like there may have been some unrest at this place, because the service had a negative edge/vibe to it. Little annoying mistakes like late bread and butter, and no plates for it. Etc. The waitress was aloof and uninspired. We each had a salad and I must admit, they were awesome. Really fresh and intelligent ingredient combinations. The entrees were just average. Nothing to write home about. I can't even recall the quality of the dessert, so that says something in and of itself. This place wasn't bad, just not great. And this is the type of place that can and should be special. Maybe it was an off night? Probably won't give it another shot to find out, too many other awesome restaurants in this city... Meh.

Having a foodie brother, I've tried many fabulous restaurants in the city, and few compare to August. It's low-key in atmosphere, but can't be beat in service and food. They always have a few staples that I love, and I come back once every few weeks for their seasonal items. The desserts are fabulous, but their apps and fish are rediculously wonderful! The service is always sweet and willing to talk and make you feel at home, even when they're crowded beyond belief. If you want a relaxed but wonderful dinner, you MUST try August.

The previous reviewer on this page hit it on the button. The lamb is pure fat. You can feel the pure saturated fat rolling across your tongue. Truly awful. Totally reorganize that menu! The little back room with the pitched glass overhead is nice to sit in as the sun's going down--snd then they turn the lights on low, sweet. But what a terrible disappointment! Nice place for a drink perhaps, but go elsewhere for sustenance.

Had heard good things about this restaurant, but was extremely disappointed. After our appetizer we had to wait nearly 40 minutes for our main course. Noone bothered to clear off a piece of tomato left on the table from the appetizer until we were given our dessert menus. The entrees disappointed--the baby back lamb ribs were too fatty and the fish was definitely not worth $21. I hoped the dessert might save the meal, but the coffee was served lukewarm and the peach crostada was tasteless. I won't go back.

Returned for dinner after 2 yrs prior in the Fall. Everything is still as good as it was before. Food was excellent as was the service. Did not have reservations and inquired in person prior to opening at 5:30pm and was informed to return when they opened for service and should be seated with no problems which was exactly what happened. Will return again sooner than 2 yrs!