Barbuto

Dinner w/ girlfriends on Friday night ... excellent service and great atmosphere - even through the rain! Food delicious but small portions - especially main courses which are served without any accompaniments. Bruschetta appetizer is only ONE slice of bread ... most restaurants serve at least three - definately not worth ordering - go with Risi e Bisi and Mussels ... well priced wine list - I would definately go back especially because of the wonderful service!

Our son, who lives and works in the West Village offered diner at Barbutto for my belated birthday present, on our next visit from the UK. We visited Manhattan recently to claim the present. Nothing had altered from our review below, still very skillfully managed engendering a relaxed and atmospheric ambiance. The grub was good, tasty, and imaginatively presented without being over fussy which often detracts from the enjoyment factor, freshness and warmth. I challenge anyone to find a rival to the claim of "The Best Roast Chicken" in NYC or beyond.

For a first night in Manhattan after an arduous transatlantic flight, Barbuto was an excellent choice. It was a balmy evening and we dined half in/half out. We were seated quickly and courtesly and drinks and menu selection were soon dealt with. The food that followed was excellent - sensibly sized portions expertly cooked and very flavoursome. There was a good atmosphere all around us with office groups, sweethearts and families all happy and satisfied. Just what a good restaurant should strive for but, alas, for some strange inexplicable reason many cannot be bothered to try. Barbuto does try and succeeds.

I arranged a group dinner at this place at the suggestion of another utive, and everyone had rave reviews the next day. They easily accomodated all 18 people, all were seated within moments of their arrival, and they didn't have long to wait before food began to arrive at the table. They serve family-style for large groups, and brought out nearly everything on the menu in large platters for everyone to try - salad, appetizers, entrees, desserts... drinks were extra but everyone was happy with the service from the full bar. Many also remarked on the decor, which most felt was quite interesting & unique and made a really great setting for the dinner. Staff on the phone while I was making arrangements were all very helpful and friendly, and the dinner went over so well that others in my office are now looking to have dinners there. Any place that can please 18 people unanimously is pretty good in my book!

Barbuto is still one of the best restaurants in the hood. Beautiful interior - in winter it's cozy with the fire from the open kitchen visible to all, and in summer with the walls opened out to the sidewalk it's as close to outdoor dining in the WV you can get to. The stand outs here are definitely their amazing wine list, their daily market specific apps - usually something revolving around tuscan bean/crostini/fish, and the wood fire slow roasted chicken which they are known for. Brunch is interesting - they sometimes have a flatbread with eggs on it that is incredible. I go mainly for dinner and it's always busy and filled with nice neighborhood people (Bjork is here a lot of the time I go for instance) and so there is a nice chill vibe. If you want a quick in-and-out place for dinner I wouldn't go here, this is much more about the experience and the great Italian food. Love it - and I'm so happy it's still amazing after being open all these years!

I had dinner at this restaurant after reading about the review in the New York Times. That said, I expected the restaurant to be busier than normal with the service to reflect that. However, I was really disappointed in the food. The chicken was not great in fact, it was just north of being undercooked. The beet risotto was interesting (that's the only word I could use to describe that) - perhaps my reaction was due to my lack of fondness for beets, but my dining partner (who is a beet-lover) was equally appalled. I would have sent both back but couldn't find the waitress at all. After she took our order and dropped off our wine (which was her suggestion and was excellent), she disappeared until she magically appeared at the end of the evening with the bill. Considering the low calibre of the meal and the service, it was definitely an overpriced, underwhelming dinner. Barbuto's only saving grace that night was the fact that you get to eat in this amazing, renovated garage. Otherwise, not worth the money or time.

I am so impressed with Barbuto!! The food was so great, and everything tasted so fresh. The nice thing was you could actually taste all the ingredients in the food and the dishes were not overwhelmed with too much going on. The grilled calamari is fantastic, and over all, everything is pretty affordable. We had fantastic service as well. I will definitely return!