Benito II (CLOSED)

Very sad news for NY foodies, and especially friends of the stinking rose.

We went there tonight with friends and a giant appetite. We were seduced by an employee at the door, who promised us fresh home-made pasta. He went as far as to say that if we didn't love our meal, we wouldn't have to pay. Upon entering, we sat down in the empty restaurant, already having second thoughts. Despite being one of two parties in the restaurant it took forever to get our order taken. Then five minutes after we ordered, our food was brought out. It had clearly been prepared in advance and had been sitting. We ordered manicotti, spaghetti and meatballs, mussels, stuffed peppers. The food was not fresh, the meatballs were overcooked and old. I couldn't even finish one. In addition, the server was rude and inattentive, undeserving of the 20% tip included in the check. In the heart of Little Italy, you expect and can find much much more. Bad food and rude service.

I go here for great things you can't get other places. The grilled zucchini with fresh garlic, chilled in an olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, for example, I've never seen at another restaurant in the city. (They have a sauteed zucchini, which is also good.) Another example is their Giulo Cesare - a baked pasta with mushrooms, small pieces of ham and a pink sauce beautifully combined. The service is helpful and relaxed, and never, ever tourist-obsequious, a meal enjoyment-killer which is becoming standard in many places in Little Italy. This place reminds me NYC before the big chains took over. What can I say? My Mama loves it (she insists on a Benito II meal whenever she visits), and so do I.

I used to go here a long time ago. I was able to get back a few nights ago, and experienced that rare pleasure -- the great place that's still great, just as you remember it. The stuffed peppers are unique and delicious; the alfredo sauce is rich and cheesy, but not heavy and gloppy; and I have to agree with Garlic Lover -- the garlic bread and garlicky zucchini are my favorites.

Fancier or trendier places come and go in the neighborhood, but my favorite for many years is still Benito II! Good food, good value, nice place.

So, you want to go to little italy?..mostly itsa tourist trap..but try BENITO II.. its a real old fashion gem of a restaurant the pasta being traditional and outstanding, the bruschetta is worth mention as its the best!

Pasta consistency uniformly perfect--(for me, it's al dente)