Babbo

I ate at Babbo's last night for the first time. It was a special occasion and I've always wanted to try it. The food was good, not amazing, and the service was almost comically bad. Our waiter was pompous, rude, slow and inattentive. I almost thought we were being Punkd by Ashton Kutcher. It was insane. I was very surprised since I've eaten at other fine dining establishments where the wait staff was beyond fabulous and Babbo's staff really can't afford to be so snotty and attitude filled. I wouldn't go back.

Went for our anniversary last night - our first time - great experience. Lovely room, service was attentive and expert without being cloying or too formal, food was nearly perfect. I started with the Babbo Salumi plate - lardo, spicy salami, tongue, prosciutto - delicious - especially the lardo, which i have read about but never tried. my wife had a lovely baby arrugula salad. i often judge a restaurant by their salads - particularly the balance between the oil and the acid - hers was perfect. for primi i had the beef cheek ravioli with crushed squab liver and truffles - sensational. my wife had Sweet Potato "Lune" - doubly sensational. for secondi we split the whole branzino - very nice as well. sides were roast fingerling potato's with roasted garlic - they were very nice but not my favorite ution. only disappointment was our other side - peas with pancetta. i like my peas very petite and tender - these were huge and very aldente - and the pancetta was in fairly large chunks - would have liked this dish if it had been more delicate. at the tables around us folks were having the lamb chops and the pork chops, which both looked sensational. the bone-in ribeye for two looked amazing as well. we were too full for dessert but with 2 glasses of wine, bill was $187. for great food in a lovely setting with terrific service, in NEW YORK - i consider that a good value - as far as the overall experience, right up there with Union Square, Craft, Gramercy, and the other casual fine restaurants in the city. overall - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Babbo is worth all the hype and the patience required to get a reservation. The food, service and space are all exceptional. This is a place for real foodies.

Everything about this place is amazing (except trying to get a reservation). The waiter and sommelier (wine guy) both recommended a new Nero D'avola and it turned out to be one of the best wines we've ever had. The appetizers (pumpkin & sage ravioli and fennel salad) were delicious and the Osso Bucco and steak were tender and tasty. One of the best cheesecakes I've ever had as well. The service was attentive and excellent, atmosphere was cozy and polished. I love this place!

Went here last night after a show and had an amazing experience. Although we arrived 30 minutes before our reservation we were quickly seated at probably the best table in the place. My date and I shared the osso buco for two, which was incredibly tender and delicious! On special was a blood orange salad which we were going to split but our waiter steered us in the right direction in telling us to each order one (the portion was tiny but absolutely amazing). Babbo was delightful for all five of the senses, from the beautifully lit dining room to the fabulous food, I left satisfied and feeling good.

O.K., so I've been dying to eat here for a long time. Got tickets to a matinee of Spamalot (added bonus review: hysterical!) so we wanted to have an early dinner. We couldn't get a reservation, but the kind reservationist told me that they keep 6 tables unreserved, and that we should arrive a little early for the opening of the doors at 5. We did just that arriving at about 4:40. There was 12 people in line ahead of us!! We managed to get the last unreserved table. Let me start by staying that everyone in this restaurant from the maitre'd to the coat check lady were as nice as if we were family. My friend and I both had a cocktail at the bar and were seated by 5:25 in the small bar area. I did notice that the couple who were right behind us were able to eat at the bar which seemed fine, although I'm glad we got a table. I had forgotten my glasses and I mentioned it to one of our servers who quickly returned with a pair of readers. Now that's accomodating! Our server took our order and returned with a complimentary amuse bush of chick pea bruschetta. Lovely. We both ordered the Traditional Tasting Menu and the 1/4 litre of Chianti Classico. Every course was outstanding. I think the Duck Tortelli was my favorite, but the Pappardelle with Hedgehogs came in a close second. My friend was not a huge fan of the venison which she explained to our server when he took away her pretty untouched dish. She was offered an antipasto in its place, but declined as we were starting to get full. To make up for it, we received 5 desserts instead 3 and a glass of perseco (we actually took 3 home which was not a problem at all). Cappucino's rounded the meal out. It was a great night and our tab was about $230 before tip. For what we had, I promise you this wasn't out of line. A splurge, yes, but not overpriced. I will think about that meal until I return. I highly recommend Babbo.

Been there many times, still keep up the good work! Never disappoint me once by far. Always recommend Babbo to friends who will be in town and make advance reservation. Warm Lamb's Tongue Vinaigrette and Black Spaghetti with rock shrimp are highly recommended!