Babbo

I did not have a pleasant experience at Babbo. Firstly, our waiter was rude and conceited. The music really did not fit the atmosphere. Although the Rolling Stones are a great band, it seemed odd to listen to them in such an atmosphere. I am a lover of food and my dinner was wonderful. But, I have had better elsewhere. (Arnaud's in New Orleans is a great example of what truly good food and service is all about) In my opinion, Babbo is all hype. However, the food snobs that work and frequent this restaurant are quite amusing. Also, I felt rushed. The upstairs bathroom is extremly small. If you are planning a group meeting or get together at this restaurant, I would advise against it. To truly experiment with food and learn to love it, you should be in an open, fun environment.

This remains one of the great restaurants of NYC but the calibre of the clientele falls daily. The man at the table next to us asked his date if she had ever had an "artichok-ee". When she asked what it was, he said that it was one of those green things on which you sucked the leaves. This mentality of the lower proletariat reigned on all sides. However, what we had to eat was wonderful and we could not have had better service.

We dined at Babbo May 13th, around 9pm. Our waiter was pretentious and snobby. When my husband questioned him about some items on the salad menu, he quipped "Sir, if you're looking for a green salad you won't find it at Babbo". I wish I had reminded him that WE were dining at Babbo, while HE was working at Babbo. The food was excellent, but the service was such a turn off I wouldn't return.

Babbo has good food. Their ravioli, esp the goose liver sauce is to die for. But my overall experience there was not pleasant. The NY Times gives Babbo 3 stars raving about their food and service. But I would have to disagree. Their wait staff is not pleasant nor are their maitre d's. The whole time I felt like we were being rushed. They were not friendly. I personally would not go back because of the service which ruined my appetite. Babbo did not live up to my 3 star expectations.

If you truly are a lover of good food, BABBO is the restaurant for you. Have been there at least 70 times & still get the same pleasant feeling!

We had dinner there (April 27th) at 10:30pm due to the fact it took 2 1/2 hours to get a reservation on the phone. Dine early if you can, I believe service would be better and more on their toes. We tried the pasta tasting menu which was alright but none of the food was hot. Service was nice but lacking. The music played all night was all David Bowie and Led Zeppelin, not exactly relaxing. I wouldn't come here again.

Ordinary food (at best), ordinary service (bordering on smug), and a staid, stuffy crowd. This place may have been great once, but now it feels lazy and complacent. A real disappointment.